Galaxy A71 vs S20: Which Samsung Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new phone can be overwhelming, especially with so many fantastic options on the market. If you’re considering a Samsung device, you’ve likely stumbled upon the Galaxy A71 and the Galaxy S20. Both phones offer impressive features, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
This comparison delves into the key aspects of these two popular Samsung phones, helping you decide which one is the perfect fit for you. We’ll explore their design, performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each device.
Get ready to discover which Samsung phone truly shines! We’ll analyze the Galaxy A71 and the Galaxy S20 side-by-side. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that aids you in making the best purchasing decision based on your individual requirements.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | A71 | S20 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7 inches | 6.2 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED 2X |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1440 x 3200 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 730 | Exynos 990 / Snapdragon 865 |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB |
| Internal Storage | 128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | 64MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP | 12MP + 12MP + 64MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes (some variants) |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable | Android 10, upgradable |
| Water Resistance | No | IP68 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Galaxy A71: Features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and good viewing angles, but lacks the higher refresh rate found in the S20. Pros: Large screen, good color reproduction. Cons: Standard refresh rate.
- S20: Equipped with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate. Provides incredibly smooth scrolling and animations, along with excellent color accuracy. Pros: High refresh rate, vibrant colors, sharp resolution. Cons: Smaller screen compared to A71.
- Winner: S20
Processor
- Galaxy A71: Powered by a Snapdragon 730G or Exynos 980 (depending on the region). Offers decent performance for everyday tasks and some gaming, but may struggle with demanding applications compared to the S20. Pros: Efficient for general use. Cons: Less powerful than the S20.
- S20: Runs on a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 processor, providing top-tier performance for all tasks, including demanding games and multitasking. Offers significantly faster processing speeds. Pros: Superior performance. Cons: Can generate more heat.
- Winner: S20
Camera
- Galaxy A71: Features a quad-camera setup with a 64MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. Captures good quality photos in well-lit conditions. Pros: Versatile camera system. Cons: Low-light performance is not as good as the S20.
- S20: Boasts a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main lens, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 64MP telephoto lens. Delivers excellent image quality with impressive low-light performance and advanced features like 8K video recording. Pros: Exceptional image quality, advanced features. Cons: Fewer lenses than the A71.
- Winner: S20
Battery
- Galaxy A71: Houses a 4,500mAh battery, offering excellent battery life that can easily last a full day of use. Supports 25W fast charging. Pros: Long battery life. Cons: Charging speed is slower.
- S20: Equipped with a 4,000mAh battery. Battery life is decent, but can be shorter depending on usage, especially with the 120Hz refresh rate enabled. Supports 25W fast charging. Pros: Fast charging. Cons: Shorter battery life compared to A71.
- Winner: galaxy a71
Design
- Galaxy A71: Features a plastic back with a prism-like design. Offers a large display with a centered punch-hole camera. Pros: Lightweight, comfortable to hold. Cons: Plastic build feels less premium.
- S20: Features a glass back and an aluminum frame. Offers a more premium design, with a smaller overall footprint. Pros: Premium materials, more compact. Cons: More prone to fingerprints.
- Winner: S20
Software
- Galaxy A71: Runs on One UI 2.5 based on Android 10 (upgradeable). Offers a clean and user-friendly interface with many customization options. Pros: User-friendly interface, regular updates. Cons: May not receive updates as quickly as the S20.
- S20: Runs on One UI 2.5 (upgradeable to newer versions). Offers the same user-friendly experience and receives more frequent software updates. Pros: Fast updates, feature-rich. Cons: None significant.
- Winner: S20
Price
- Galaxy A71: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Pros: Affordable. Cons: Lower specs compared to S20.
- S20: Launched at a higher price, reflecting its premium features and performance. Pros: High-end features. Cons: Expensive.
- Winner: galaxy a71
5G Connectivity
- Galaxy A71: Supports 5G connectivity in some variants. Pros: Future-proof connectivity. Cons: 5G availability varies by region.
- S20: Supports 5G connectivity across all models, providing faster data speeds where available. Pros: Faster data speeds. Cons: 5G availability varies by region.
- Winner: S20
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | S20 |
| Performance | S20 |
| Camera | S20 |
| Battery Life | A71 |
| Value for Money | A71 |
| Design | S20 |
What They Have in Common:
- Operating System: Both phones run on Android, offering a similar user experience with access to the Google Play Store and a wide variety of apps.
- Expandable Storage: Both the Galaxy A71 and S20 support microSD cards, allowing users to expand their storage capacity.
- Super Amoled Display: Both phones feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, providing excellent color reproduction and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Fast Charging: Both devices support fast charging, minimizing downtime and allowing users to quickly replenish their battery.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both phones offer Bluetooth connectivity for connecting to various accessories like headphones, speakers, and other devices.
Galaxy A71 Vs S20 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S20 boasts a significantly more powerful processor than the Galaxy A71. The S20 typically features a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990, depending on the region, whereas the A71 uses a Snapdragon 730. This difference translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior performance in graphically demanding games on the S20. The A71 handles everyday tasks well, but the S20 is designed for a premium, lag-free experience. Consider your usage; if you game or need intense processing, the S20 is the clear choice.
Camera Capabilities
Both phones offer versatile camera systems, but the S20 generally excels in image quality. The S20’s cameras, especially the main sensor, produce sharper images with better dynamic range and low-light performance. It also offers features like 8K video recording and improved zoom capabilities that the A71 lacks. The A71 captures good photos in daylight, but the S20 provides a more professional-grade photographic experience. The S20’s image processing is also superior, producing more vibrant and detailed images.
Display Quality & Experience
The Galaxy S20 features a superior display with a higher refresh rate, typically 120Hz, providing a noticeably smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling and playing games. The A71 has a 60Hz display, which is adequate, but not as fluid. The S20’s display also tends to be brighter and more color-accurate. Both phones use Super AMOLED panels, but the S20’s display offers a more premium feel and better overall viewing experience. This makes the S20 better for media consumption.
Battery Life & Charging
The Galaxy A71 often edges out the S20 in terms of battery life. The A71’s larger battery capacity, coupled with its less power-hungry processor, typically allows it to last longer on a single charge. The S20, due to its more powerful components and higher refresh rate display, consumes more power. However, the S20 often supports faster charging. Consider your daily usage patterns; if you prioritize endurance, the A71 is the better option; if you prefer faster charging, the S20 is competitive.
Design & Build Quality
The S20 generally has a more premium design with a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a more luxurious feel. The A71 often uses a plastic back, which is durable but doesn’t feel as high-end. Both phones have a similar overall size and weight, but the S20 tends to be slightly more compact due to its smaller bezels. The S20’s design is more refined, and the build quality is superior. The A71 is still well-built, but the S20 offers a step up.
Pricing & Value Proposition
The Galaxy A71 is typically more affordable than the S20. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who still want a Samsung phone with good features. The S20, being a flagship device, comes with a higher price tag. Consider your budget and the features you need. If you’re looking for the best value for your money and don’t need the absolute latest technology, the A71 is a good choice. If budget is less of a concern and you want top-tier performance, the S20 is a better option.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy a71 If…
- You prioritize a large display for media consumption and gaming.
- You are looking for a phone with a great camera system without breaking the bank.
- You value a long-lasting battery.
- You want a phone with expandable storage and a headphone jack.
Buy s20 If…
- You want the best possible performance with a top-tier processor.
- You desire a more compact phone with a high-refresh-rate display.
- You prioritize premium features like water resistance and advanced camera capabilities.
- You want the latest Samsung flagship experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference in processing power?
The S20 houses a more powerful processor, either a Snapdragon 865 or Exynos 990 (depending on the region), while the A71 uses a Snapdragon 730. This translates to the S20 being significantly faster for app loading, gaming, and multitasking. The S20 offers a truly premium experience with no lag; the A71 is good for everyday tasks but not as performance-focused.
How do the cameras compare in low light?
The S20 excels in low-light photography. Its advanced sensors and image processing techniques produce brighter, clearer images with better detail and less noise in challenging lighting conditions. The A71’s low-light performance is decent, but the S20 provides significantly better results, especially when using night mode features.
Which phone has a better display?
The S20’s display is superior, featuring a higher refresh rate (120Hz) for smoother visuals, especially during scrolling and gaming. It also tends to be brighter and more color-accurate than the A71. Both use Super AMOLED panels, but the S20 provides a more immersive and premium viewing experience. This is key for media users.
Which phone lasts longer on a single charge?
The A71 typically offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity and less power-hungry processor. The S20, with its more powerful components and higher refresh rate display, consumes more power. The A71 is a great phone if you are looking for long battery life for a full day of use.
What materials are used in the design of each phone?
The S20 often features a more premium design, with a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a luxurious feel. The A71 typically uses a plastic back, which is durable but does not feel as high-end. Both phones have a similar overall size and weight, but the S20 is slightly more compact due to smaller bezels.
Is the S20 worth the extra cost?
That depends on your needs and budget. The S20 offers superior performance, a better display, and more advanced camera features, justifying its higher price for users who prioritize those aspects. The A71 provides excellent value and is a great choice if you’re on a budget and don’t need top-of-the-line specs. Consider features vs price.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S20 is the superior choice for gaming. Its powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and optimized software provide a much smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience. The A71 can handle games, but the S20 offers significantly faster frame rates, more responsive controls, and better graphics performance.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S20 is the superior phone overall, excelling in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. While the Galaxy A71 offers excellent value and longer battery life, the S20’s premium features and top-tier specifications make it the better choice for those who prioritize a flagship experience.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S20