Choosing between two Samsung smartphones can be a delightful dilemma, especially when comparing a newer mid-ranger with advanced connectivity to a past flagship. The Samsung A71 5G brings the future of mobile internet to the table, while the Galaxy S8 remains a testament to Samsung’s premium design and innovative spirit from its era.
Are you wondering if the A71 5G’s modern features and 5G capabilities outweigh the S8’s established performance and iconic display? This comparison dives deep into what sets these two devices apart, helping you decide which Samsung experience best fits your needs and budget.
We’ll explore key differences in performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall user experience to provide a clear picture of where each phone stands today. Get ready to discover which Samsung device truly offers the better value proposition for your next upgrade.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung A71 5G | S8 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7″ Super AMOLED Plus | 5.8″ Super AMOLED |
| Display Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1440 x 2960 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 980 | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable) | 64GB / 128GB (expandable) |
| Rear Camera | 64MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) + 5MP (depth) | 12MP (wide) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 8MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 10 | Android 7.0 |
| Water Resistance | No | IP68 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Biometrics | In-display fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor, Iris scanner |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung A71 5g: Features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution. This larger display offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking, with vibrant colors and deep blacks characteristic of Samsung’s AMOLED technology.
- S8: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super AMOLED display with a 1440 x 2960 resolution (Quad HD+). While smaller, its higher pixel density provides exceptional sharpness and detail. The curved “Infinity Display” design offers an immersive viewing experience.
- Winner: s8
Processor & Performance
- Samsung A71 5g: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset. This mid-range processor offers good performance for everyday tasks and gaming, and importantly, supports 5G connectivity. It’s a capable chip for its class.
- S8: Equipped with either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 or Samsung’s own Exynos 8895 chipset. These were flagship processors in their time, offering excellent speed and responsiveness for demanding applications and multitasking.
- Winner: s8
RAM & Storage
- Samsung A71 5g: Typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This offers ample memory for smooth multitasking and plenty of space for apps and media.
- S8: Comes with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, also expandable via microSD. While 4GB of RAM was standard for flagships then, it’s less than the A71 5G, and 64GB might feel limiting for some users today.
- Winner: samsung a71 5g
Camera System
- Samsung A71 5g: Features a versatile quad-camera setup: a 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. This array allows for a wide range of shooting scenarios, from detailed close-ups to expansive landscapes.
- S8: Has a single 12MP rear camera with a f/1.7 aperture. While only one lens, it was renowned for its excellent low-light performance and image quality at the time of its release, producing sharp and vibrant photos.
- Winner: samsung a71 5g
Battery Life
- Samsung A71 5g: Equipped with a large 4500 mAh battery. This, combined with its more power-efficient processor, generally provides excellent all-day battery life, even with moderate to heavy use.
- S8: Features a 3000 mAh battery. While adequate for its time, it’s significantly smaller than the A71 5G’s and may struggle to last a full day for power users, especially considering its higher-resolution display and older processor.
- Winner: samsung a71 5g
5G Connectivity
- Samsung A71 5g: As the name suggests, this phone supports 5G networks. This future-proofs the device for faster download and upload speeds where 5G is available.
- S8: Does not support 5G connectivity. It is limited to 4G LTE networks, which is still widely functional but lacks the next-generation speeds.
- Winner: samsung a71 5g
Build Quality & Design
- Samsung A71 5g: Features a plastic frame and back with a glossy finish. While it feels solid, it lacks the premium feel of glass and metal. The design is modern with a punch-hole cutout.
- S8: Utilizes a premium build with a glass front and back (Gorilla Glass 5) and an aluminum frame. The curved Infinity Display and minimal bezels give it a sleek, high-end aesthetic that still holds up well.
- Winner: s8
Software & Updates
- Samsung A71 5g: Launched with Android 10 and One UI 2, and has received subsequent updates. Samsung offers a decent update policy for its A-series phones, ensuring it remains relatively current.
- S8: Launched with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and has received major updates up to Android 9 (Pie). However, it is no longer receiving major OS updates, meaning it’s on an older software version with potential security vulnerabilities.
- Winner: samsung a71 5g
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size & Quality | Samsung A71 5G (Larger, newer panel technology) |
| Performance | Samsung A71 5G (Newer processor, more RAM options) |
| Camera Versatility | Samsung A71 5G (More lenses, wider range of shooting options) |
| Battery Life | Samsung A71 5G (Significantly larger battery) |
| Connectivity | Samsung A71 5G (5G support) |
| Build & Durability | S8 (Premium materials, IP68 water resistance) |
| Biometrics | S8 (More advanced options) |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize vibrant Super AMOLED display technology, promising excellent contrast ratios and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Expandable Storage: Users of both the Samsung A71 5G and the S8 can expand their device’s storage capacity via a microSD card slot, offering flexibility for media and app storage.
- Headphone Jack: A welcome feature for many, both devices retain the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for wired audio connections without the need for adapters.
- USB-C Port: Both smartphones feature a modern USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, offering reversible plug orientation for convenience.
- Samsung Brand: As Samsung devices, both phones benefit from Samsung’s extensive software ecosystem, including access to the Galaxy Store and Samsung’s One UI interface (though the A71 5G will have a more recent version).
Samsung A71 5G Vs S8 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
When considering everyday use, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G generally offers a smoother and more responsive experience. Its newer processor and more RAM contribute to better multitasking capabilities and faster app loading times. While the S8 was a flagship in its time, its older chipset may show its age with more demanding applications or intensive gaming sessions. For general browsing, social media, and light productivity, both can suffice, but the A71 5G provides a more future-proofed performance. (See Also: Clarity Skin Care Vs Dermalogica )
Camera Capabilities
The camera system is a significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G boasts a more versatile quad-camera setup, including a higher megapixel main sensor, an ultrawide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor. This allows for a wider range of photographic possibilities, from expansive landscapes to detailed close-ups. The S8, while having a capable single rear camera for its era, lacks the flexibility and advanced features found on the A71 5G, especially in terms of ultrawide and macro photography.
Display and Design
Both devices feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but there are differences. The A71 5G sports a larger, modern edge-to-edge display with a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The S8, while having a beautiful Infinity Display with curved edges, has a smaller screen size and a slightly older design aesthetic with bezels. The A71 5G’s design is more contemporary, and its larger screen is better suited for media consumption.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery life is a crucial factor for most users, and the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G has a clear advantage. It comes with a significantly larger battery capacity, which translates to longer usage times between charges, especially with its more efficient processor. Furthermore, the A71 5G supports 5G connectivity, offering faster download and upload speeds and lower latency, a feature entirely absent from the S8. The S8’s battery life is adequate for moderate use but may struggle to last a full day for heavy users. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Nintendo Lite )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung A71 5G If…
- You prioritize 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds.
- You need a larger display for media consumption and productivity.
- You desire a more versatile camera system with ultrawide and macro capabilities.
- You are looking for a device with a significantly larger battery capacity for longer usage.
Buy S8 If…
- You value premium build quality and water resistance.
- You prefer a more compact device that is easier to handle with one hand.
- You need advanced biometric security features like an iris scanner.
- You are looking for a device with a higher pixel density display for sharper visuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G significantly outperforms the S8 in battery life due to its much larger battery capacity. Users can expect considerably longer usage times on a single charge with the A71 5G, making it a more reliable choice for all-day use without needing frequent top-ups. The S8’s battery, while decent for its time, will likely require more frequent charging, especially for heavier users.
Is the A71 5G camera better than the S8’s?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G’s camera system is considerably more versatile and advanced than the S8’s. The A71 5G features a quad-camera setup with a higher resolution main sensor, an ultrawide lens for expansive shots, and dedicated macro and depth sensors for detailed close-ups and portrait effects. The S8 has a single, capable rear camera but lacks the flexibility and modern features of the A71 5G.
Does the S8 support 5G?
No, the Samsung Galaxy S8 does not support 5G connectivity. It is a 4G LTE device. The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G, as its name suggests, is equipped with 5G capabilities, allowing for significantly faster mobile data speeds, lower latency, and a more future-proofed connection for the evolving network landscape. This is a key advantage for the A71 5G. (See Also: Wingstop Tenders Vs Boneless Wings )
Which phone has a more modern design and display?
The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G boasts a more modern design with its larger, edge-to-edge display featuring a subtle punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. This offers a more immersive viewing experience compared to the S8’s Infinity Display, which, while still impressive, has a slightly older design with more pronounced bezels and a notch for the front-facing camera and sensors. The A71 5G also generally feels more contemporary in hand.
Which phone is better for gaming and demanding apps?
For gaming and running demanding applications, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G is the better choice. Its newer, more powerful processor and increased RAM provide a smoother, more responsive experience with faster load times and better frame rates. While the S8 was a flagship in its day, its older chipset may struggle with the performance demands of modern, graphically intensive games and multitasking, leading to occasional stutters or slower operation.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. It offers a more modern design, a superior and more versatile camera system, significantly better battery life, and crucially, future-proof 5G connectivity. While the S8 was a great phone in its time, its aging hardware and lack of 5G make it less competitive against the A71 5G’s contemporary features and performance. For anyone seeking a well-rounded, up-to-date smartphone experience, the A71 5G is the superior option.
Winner: Samsung A71 5G