Choosing between two impressive Samsung Galaxy A-series phones can be a delightful dilemma. Both the Samsung A71 and the A21 offer compelling features for their price points, but which one truly stands out? If you’re weighing your options and want to know where your money is best spent, you’ve come to the right place.
The Galaxy A71 often positions itself as the more premium option, boasting superior specs and a more refined experience. On the other hand, the Galaxy A21 aims to deliver excellent value, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. We’ll dive deep into their specifications, performance, and unique selling points.
By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key differences that set the Samsung A71 and the A21 apart. Get ready to make an informed decision and find the perfect Samsung smartphone for your needs.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Samsung A71 | A21 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7-inch | 6.5-inch |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED Plus | PLS TFT |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 720 x 1600 pixels |
| Processor | Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 | MediaTek Helio P35 |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSDXC) | Yes (microSDXC) |
| Rear Camera (Main) | 64MP wide | 16MP wide |
| Rear Camera (Ultrawide) | 12MP ultrawide | 8MP ultrawide |
| Rear Camera (Macro) | 5MP macro | 2MP macro |
| Rear Camera (Depth) | 5MP depth | 2MP depth |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 8MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Charging Speed | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable | Android 10, upgradable |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under display, optical | Rear-mounted |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung A71: Features a larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This results in vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent sharpness, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The higher resolution offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- A21: Comes with a 6.5-inch PLS TFT display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it offers decent visuals for everyday use, it lacks the vibrancy and sharpness of the A71’s AMOLED panel. The lower resolution is noticeable in detailed content.
- Winner: samsung a71
Processor and Performance
- Samsung A71: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) chipset, paired with up to 8GB of RAM. This combination delivers smooth performance for multitasking, demanding apps, and most mobile games. It offers a noticeable advantage in speed and responsiveness.
- A21: Equipped with the MediaTek Helio P35 (12 nm) chipset and typically 3GB or 4GB of RAM. While sufficient for basic tasks like browsing and social media, it can struggle with more intensive applications and gaming, leading to occasional lag.
- Winner: samsung a71
Camera System
- Samsung A71: Boasts a versatile quad-camera setup: a 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. This allows for a wide range of photographic possibilities, capturing detailed shots, expansive landscapes, and close-up macro images with good quality.
- A21: Features a quad-camera system as well, but with a 48MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. While it offers flexibility, the image quality, especially in low light and with the secondary lenses, is generally less impressive than the A71’s.
- Winner: samsung a71
Battery Life
- Samsung A71: Equipped with a 4500 mAh battery that supports 25W fast charging. This provides excellent all-day battery life for most users, and the faster charging ensures quick top-ups when needed, minimizing downtime.
- A21: Comes with a larger 4000 mAh battery but supports only 15W fast charging. While the battery capacity is respectable, the charging speed is considerably slower, meaning it takes longer to reach a full charge.
- Winner: samsung a71
Storage Options
- Samsung A71: Offers higher internal storage options, typically starting at 128GB, with support for microSD cards up to 1TB. This provides ample space for apps, photos, videos, and other files, reducing the need for frequent offloading.
- A21: Usually comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, also expandable via microSD. While expandable, the base storage is significantly less, which might be a limitation for users who store a lot of media or download many large apps.
- Winner: samsung a71
Build Quality and Design
- Samsung A71: Features a more premium design with a “prism crush” effect on its plastic back and a glass front. It feels more substantial and refined in hand, with a slimmer profile and a more modern aesthetic.
- A21: Has a simpler plastic build with a matte finish. While durable, it doesn’t exude the same level of premium feel as the A71. The design is functional but less eye-catching.
- Winner: samsung a71
Connectivity and Extras
- Samsung A71: Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It also includes an in-display fingerprint sensor for convenient unlocking.
- A21: Supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC. It features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is still functional but less integrated than the A71’s.
- Winner: samsung a71
Price Point
- Samsung A71: Positioned at a higher price point, reflecting its superior specifications and features. It offers better value for users who prioritize performance and a premium experience.
- A21: Is a budget-friendly option, making it accessible to a wider audience. It compromises on some high-end features to achieve its lower cost.
- Winner: a21
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Samsung A71 |
| Performance | Samsung A71 |
| Camera System | Samsung A71 |
| Value for Money | A21 |
| Battery Life | Samsung A71 |
| Build & Design | Samsung A71 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones offer large displays that are great for media consumption and general use, with the A71 being slightly larger.
- Expandable Storage: You can expand the storage on both devices using a microSD card, offering flexibility for those who need more space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Operating System: Both the Samsung A71 and the A21 launched with Android 10 and are upgradable, providing a similar software experience out of the box and the potential for future updates.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Both devices feature a dedicated macro lens, allowing users to capture close-up shots of small subjects with detail.
- USB Type-C Port: Both phones utilize the modern USB Type-C standard for charging and data transfer, offering convenience and compatibility with a wide range of accessories.
- Headphone Jack: A welcome feature for many, both the A71 and the A21 retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing for the use of wired headphones without needing an adapter.
Samsung A71 Vs A21 Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
For those who prioritize smooth multitasking and demanding applications, the Samsung A71 stands out. Its superior chipset handles gaming, intensive app usage, and rapid switching between tasks with ease. If your daily routine involves a lot of browsing, social media, and casual gaming, the A71 offers a noticeably snappier experience. The A21, while capable for basic tasks, might show some lag or slower load times when pushed to its limits, making the A71 the clear choice for power users. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Camera Capabilities and Photography
Photography enthusiasts will find the Samsung A71 to be the more compelling option. It boasts a more versatile camera system with a higher megapixel main sensor and additional lenses like an ultrawide and macro lens, allowing for more creative shots. The A21’s camera is decent for everyday snaps but lacks the detail and flexibility of the A71. For social media sharing or capturing important moments with better clarity and options, the A71 is the superior device.
Display Quality and Media Consumption
When it comes to enjoying videos, movies, and games, the Samsung A71 offers a significantly better visual experience. Its larger and higher-resolution Super AMOLED display provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast, making media consumption truly immersive. The A21’s display is functional but uses a less advanced panel, resulting in less punchy visuals and lower detail. For anyone who spends a lot of time watching content on their phone, the A71’s display is a major advantage.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Both the Samsung A71 and A21 offer respectable battery life, capable of lasting a full day for most users. However, the A71 often edges out the A21 in endurance due to optimizations and potentially more efficient power management. Furthermore, the A71 supports faster charging technology, meaning you can get back to a significant charge level in less time. If quick top-ups and consistent, long-lasting power are crucial, the A71 provides a slightly better overall package. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Samsung A71 If…
- You prioritize a superior display experience with vibrant colors and sharp details for media.
- You need more processing power and RAM for smoother multitasking and more demanding applications.
- You desire a more versatile and higher-resolution camera system for photography.
- You prefer a more premium build and an under-display fingerprint sensor.
Buy A21 If…
- You are on a tighter budget and need a capable smartphone for everyday tasks.
- You are less concerned about top-tier specifications and prioritize core functionality.
- You are comfortable with a slightly less advanced display and processor.
- You prefer a physical, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung A71 features a superior Super AMOLED display with a higher resolution and better color reproduction. This results in more vibrant visuals, deeper blacks, and a more immersive experience for watching videos, playing games, and browsing content compared to the A21’s standard LCD panel.
Is the A71 significantly faster than the A21?
Yes, the Samsung A71 is notably faster and more powerful. It is equipped with a more capable processor and more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and better performance in demanding games and applications. The A21 is suitable for basic tasks but can struggle with more intensive usage.
Which phone is better for photography?
The Samsung A71 is the clear winner for photography. It boasts a more versatile camera setup, including higher megapixel sensors and additional lenses like ultrawide and macro, offering greater flexibility and better image quality. The A21’s camera is adequate for casual shots but lacks the detail and features of the A71. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Does the A71 have faster charging than the A21?
Yes, the Samsung A71 supports faster charging speeds than the A21. This means you can recharge the A71’s battery more quickly, getting you back to using your phone with less downtime. Both phones offer good battery life, but the A71 provides a more convenient charging experience.
Which phone offers better value for money?
The A21 generally offers better value for money if your budget is tight and your needs are basic. It provides a solid smartphone experience for everyday tasks at a more affordable price point. However, if you can stretch your budget, the A71 offers significantly better performance, display, and camera features, justifying its higher cost for many users.
Final Verdict
The Samsung A71 clearly outperforms the A21 across most key areas, including display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. While the A21 offers a budget-friendly option for basic use, the A71 provides a more premium and feature-rich experience that is worth the extra investment for those seeking better performance and media consumption. The A71’s advanced display and more powerful internals make it the superior choice for a wider range of users.
Winner: Samsung A71