The Micromax In Note 1 and Samsung Galaxy M31s represent compelling options in the competitive budget smartphone space. While both aim to deliver a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank, they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dives deep into their core components – the Mediatek Helio G85 and Exynos 9611 chipsets – to determine which device offers superior performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy M31s emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 9611, built on a 10nm process, offers a performance edge over the Micromax In Note 1’s Helio G85, and the 25W charging significantly reduces downtime. However, the In Note 1 remains a viable option for casual users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 | 2020, July 30. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 in) | 159.3 x 74.4 x 9.3 mm (6.27 x 2.93 x 0.37 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 203 g (7.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~86.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 3.15 MP, AF |
| Triple | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.73", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 25W wired
4.5W reverse wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 288 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 7 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White | Mirage Black, Mirage Blue |
| Models | E7746 | SM-M317F, SM-M317F/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | 1.38 W/kg (head) |
Micromax In note 1
- Potentially cleaner software experience (depending on Micromax’s UI)
- Competitive price point
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Less powerful chipset compared to the Exynos 9611
- Slower charging speed (18W)
- Likely to exhibit more throttling under sustained load
Samsung Galaxy M31s
- More powerful Exynos 9611 chipset
- Faster 25W charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
- May be slightly more expensive than the Micromax In Note 1
- Potential for bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) aren't provided, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels common in this price bracket. The key difference lies in processing power impacting UI smoothness. The Exynos 9611’s stronger GPU could translate to slightly better graphics rendering, but this impact will be minimal for everyday use. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of budget devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of a macro lens on both, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Exynos 9611’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the Helio G85’s. This suggests the M31s will likely produce images with better dynamic range and noise reduction, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are likely to offer limited utility, serving more as a marketing feature than a significant photographic tool.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M31s’ Exynos 9611 (10nm) features a more powerful CPU configuration – 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 cores versus the Micromax In Note 1’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. This translates to faster application loading and smoother multitasking. While the In Note 1’s Helio G85 has a higher core count (6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), the A73 cores in the Exynos are architecturally superior. The 10nm fabrication process of the Exynos also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during extended gaming. The M31s is likely to handle graphically intensive games at higher settings with more consistent frame rates.
Battery Life
Both phones offer substantial battery capacity, but the charging speeds differ significantly. The Galaxy M31s’ 25W wired charging is a clear advantage over the In Note 1’s 18W charging. This means the M31s can replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime. While the In Note 1 offers 2.5W reverse wired charging, the M31s’ 4.5W reverse charging is also slightly better, though both are slow for practical use cases beyond emergency top-ups of accessories.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In Note 1 if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use, and value a clean software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31s if you prefer a phone capable of handling more demanding applications, enjoy longer gaming sessions, and appreciate the convenience of faster charging speeds, even if it means a slightly more complex software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Samsung Galaxy M31s tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 9611 isn't a flagship-level chip, its 10nm fabrication process and thermal design generally provide adequate cooling for moderate gaming. However, extended gaming at maximum settings *could* lead to some throttling to prevent overheating. The M31s is still likely to offer a more consistent gaming experience than the In Note 1 due to its more powerful GPU.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for detailed close-up shots?
Realistically, no. 2MP macro cameras typically lack the resolution and optical quality to produce truly detailed close-up images. They are often included as a marketing feature but deliver underwhelming results. You're better off using the main camera and cropping if you need a close-up shot.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy M31s reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Samsung Galaxy M31s *can* run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. You'll likely need to settle for 'Smooth' graphics and a medium frame rate to maintain stable performance. The Helio G85 in the In Note 1 will struggle to maintain even 30fps at similar settings.
