The Samsung Galaxy F06 5G has made waves in the Indian smartphone market as the company’s first 5G phone priced under Rs 10,000. Launched on February 12, 2025, it succeeds the 4G-only Galaxy F05 and promises to deliver a complete 5G experience at an affordable price. With a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, a 6.7-inch HD+ display, and a 5000mAh battery, it aims to cater to budget-conscious buyers looking for reliable performance and next-gen connectivity. But does it live up to the hype? Is it worth your money? In this detailed review, we’ll dive into its design, performance, software, camera, battery life, and more to help you decide if the Galaxy F06 5G is the right choice for you.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy F06 5G introduces a fresh design for the budget segment with its “Ripple Glow” finish. Available in two vibrant colors—Bahama Blue and Lit Violet—the phone has a glossy back panel that shimmers with movement, giving it a premium look uncommon in this price range. The violet variant, in particular, stands out with its flashy appeal, though it’s prone to fingerprints, so a case is recommended.
Weighing approximately 189.3 grams and measuring 8mm in thickness, the phone feels lightweight and ergonomic. The flat sides enhance grip, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. The build quality is solid for a budget device, featuring a polycarbonate body that feels durable. In a drop test , the phone survived minor falls without damage, indicating decent resilience, though it lacks official ingress protection (IP rating) or Gorilla Glass.
The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in 2025—along with a USB Type-C port, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and a hybrid SIM tray (supporting two SIMs or one SIM and a microSD card). The presence of a dedicated audio jack and expandable storage up to 1.5TB via microSD makes it practical for users who value multimedia and storage flexibility.
However, the design isn’t flawless. The waterdrop U-notch on the front looks dated compared to modern punch-hole displays, and the bezels, especially the chin, are noticeable. While these are acceptable compromises in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment, a punch-hole display would have elevated its appeal.
Display and Multimedia
The Galaxy F06 5G sports a 6.7-inch HD+ LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. The larger screen size is ideal for consuming content like videos, social media, and gaming. With a peak brightness of 800 nits in High Brightness Mode (HBM), the display performs well outdoors, offering decent visibility under direct sunlight.
The 90Hz refresh rate ensures smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays, which is a significant advantage in this price range. However, the HD+ resolution results in slightly less sharp visuals compared to Full HD+ displays found in some competitors. For casual users watching YouTube or browsing, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but those who prioritize crisp visuals might notice the difference.
Multimedia performance is enhanced by Widevine L1 certification, allowing Full HD streaming on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. The mono speaker delivers loud and clear audio, sufficient for casual use in noisy environments. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack and FM radio support adds value for users who prefer wired earphones or listen to radio on the go. Overall, the display and multimedia experience are well-suited for budget users, though the lack of an AMOLED panel and stereo speakers is expected at this price.
Performance and Gaming
Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, the Galaxy F06 5G offers reliable performance for its segment. The 6nm chipset, paired with up to 6GB of LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 2.2 storage, delivers smooth multitasking and app loading. The phone is available in two variants: 4GB RAM + 128GB storage (Rs 9,499 with a Rs 500 bank cashback) and 6GB RAM + 128GB storage (Rs 10,999). The 6GB variant is recommended for better multitasking and future-proofing.
With an AnTuTu benchmark score of around 4.10-4.15 lakhs, the phone outperforms many competitors in the sub-Rs 10,000 range. Daily tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming are handled effortlessly. The phone supports casual gaming well, running titles like BGMI and Free Fire at 30FPS with low to medium settings. While it can handle slightly heavier games at reduced settings, don’t expect flagship-level gaming performance.
A standout feature is the full-fledged One UI 7 based on Android 15, a rarity in budget phones that often ship with stripped-down versions like One UI Core. The software is fluid, with no noticeable lag or jitter during navigation. Samsung’s commitment to four years of OS upgrades and security updates is exceptional, ensuring the phone remains relevant until 2029. Features like Knox Vault for hardware-based security, auto-blocker for data protection during charging, and pre-installed apps (which can be uninstalled) enhance the user experience.
Camera Performance
The Galaxy F06 5G features a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8) and a 2MP depth sensor. The front camera is an 8MP unit housed in the waterdrop notch. In well-lit conditions, the 50MP main camera captures decent photos with accurate colors and acceptable detail. However, images can appear slightly soft, which is typical for budget phones. The 2MP depth sensor aids in portrait shots, producing natural background blur, though edge detection could be better.
Low-light photography is average, with Night Mode helping to brighten images but introducing noise. The 8MP selfie camera performs adequately for casual selfies and video calls but struggles in dim lighting. Video recording is limited to 1080p at 30FPS, which is standard for this segment.
The camera app is intuitive, borrowing elements from Samsung’s flagship S-series, making it easy to use with one hand. Features like Portrait Mode, Pro Mode, Night Mode, Food Mode, Panorama, Slow Motion, and Hyperlapse add versatility, though most users will stick to basic photo and video modes. For a budget phone, the camera setup is functional but not exceptional, meeting the needs of casual photographers.
Samsung Galaxy F06 5G Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch HD+ LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels, 90Hz refresh rate, 800 nits peak brightness |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm), Octa-core (2x Cortex-A76 @ 2.4GHz, 6x Cortex-A55 @ 2GHz) |
| RAM | 4GB / 6GB (LPDDR4X) |
| Storage | 128GB (UFS 2.2), expandable up to 1.5TB via microSD |
| Rear Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) + 2MP depth sensor |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5000mAh, 25W fast charging (charger not included) |
| Operating System | Android 15 with One UI 7 |
| Software Updates | 4 years of OS upgrades, 4 years of security updates |
| Connectivity | 12 5G bands, 4G LTE, dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, VoNR, 4×4 MIMO, USB Type-C |
| Additional Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm jack, FM radio, Voice Focus, Knox Vault |
| Weight | 189.3 grams |
| Thickness | 8mm |
| Colors | Bahama Blue, Lit Violet |
| Price | Rs 9,499 (4GB + 128GB), Rs 10,999 (6GB + 128GB) with Rs 500 bank cashback |
Battery Life and Charging
The Galaxy F06 5G is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, a standard capacity in this segment, ensuring long-lasting performance. With moderate usage—browsing, social media, and light gaming—the phone can easily last a full day, with some power left over. Heavy users, including those streaming or gaming extensively, should still get close to a day’s usage.
The phone supports 25W fast charging, which is impressive for a sub-Rs 10,000 device. However, the charger is not included in the box, requiring users to purchase a compatible adapter separately. With a 25W charger, the phone can charge from 0 to 50% in about 30-40 minutes, with a full charge taking around 90 minutes. While not the fastest in its class, it’s a step above the 15W charging offered by some competitors.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Connectivity is a highlight of the Galaxy F06 5G, with support for 12 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with all major Indian telecom operators like Jio and Airtel. Features like Carrier Aggregation and 4×4 MIMO enhance network stability and download speeds, making it ideal for lag-free video calls, streaming, and gaming. The phone also supports dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.3, and VoNR (Voice over New Radio) for improved call quality.
The Voice Focus feature, enabled by dual microphones, reduces ambient noise during calls, ensuring clear communication—a crucial aspect for users upgrading from feature phones or using the device as a secondary phone. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and face unlock, both of which are fast and reliable. The presence of a hardware gyroscope (not software-based) is a bonus for gaming and navigation apps.
Should You Buy the Samsung Galaxy F06 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy F06 5G is a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a 5G phone under Rs 10,000. Its strengths include a modern design with a Ripple Glow finish, reliable performance with the Dimensity 6300, a smooth One UI 7 experience, and exceptional software support with four years of updates. The 5000mAh battery, 25W fast charging, and robust connectivity options further enhance its value. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack, FM radio, and expandable storage caters to practical needs, making it a well-rounded package.
However, there are some drawbacks. The HD+ display and waterdrop notch feel dated, and the camera performance is average, particularly in low light. The absence of a charger in the box and the lack of an AMOLED panel or stereo speakers are notable omissions, though these are common compromises in this segment.
Pros
- Affordable 5G connectivity with 12 bands
- Smooth One UI 7 based on Android 15
- Four years of OS and security updates
- Large 6.7-inch 90Hz display
- Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with 25W charging
- 3.5mm jack and expandable storage
Cons
- HD+ resolution and waterdrop notch
- Average camera performance in low light
- No charger included
- Mono speaker
Is It Worth It?
If you’re a budget buyer looking for a reliable 5G phone with strong software support, decent performance, and practical features, the Galaxy F06 5G is worth considering. It’s particularly appealing for students, first-time smartphone users, or those upgrading from feature phones, thanks to its clear call quality, long battery life, and Samsung’s trusted brand name. The 6GB RAM variant is recommended for better multitasking and longevity.
However, if you prioritize a sharper display, better cameras, or faster charging, competitors like the Vivo Y28e 5G or Redmi 14C 5G might be worth exploring, though they may lack Samsung’s software polish and update commitment. At an effective price of Rs 9,499 (4GB) or Rs 10,499 (6GB), the Galaxy F06 5G offers excellent value, making it one of the best budget 5G phones in India in 2025.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy F06 5G is a game-changer in the sub-Rs 10,000 segment, bringing 5G connectivity, robust software support, and a feature-rich experience to budget buyers. While it has minor shortcomings like the HD+ display and average cameras, its strengths—long battery life, smooth performance, and Samsung’s brand reliability—make it a strong contender. If you’re looking for an affordable 5G phone that doesn’t compromise on essentials, the Galaxy F06 5G is a solid choice.
