Choosing between two Samsung devices can be a delightful dilemma, especially when they offer distinct features and cater to different needs. Today, we’re pitting the capable Samsung A71 against the premium Samsung S8 Plus in a head-to-head comparison.
The Galaxy A71 brought a fresh mid-range experience with its impressive camera array and large display. Meanwhile, the S8 Plus, a former flagship, still boasts a stunning design and powerful performance that many users cherish. Which of these Samsung titans will emerge victorious for your next smartphone upgrade?
We’ll dive deep into their specifications, performance, cameras, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Get ready to discover which Samsung device truly fits your lifestyle and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | samsung a71 | s8 plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.7″ | 6.2″ |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 2960 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 730/730 (5G) | Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 8895 |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB | 64GB/128GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSD) | Yes (microSD) |
| Rear Camera | 64MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) + 5MP (depth) | 12MP (wide) |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 8MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System (Launch) | Android 10 | Android 7.0 |
| Biometrics | In-display fingerprint, Face unlock | Iris scanner, Fingerprint, Face unlock |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung A71: Features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. This offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, making for an enjoyable viewing experience. The larger screen size is great for media consumption.
- S8 Plus: Boasts a 6.2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. While smaller, its higher resolution and curved “Infinity Display” design provide a more immersive and sharper visual experience. The display is known for its excellent color accuracy and brightness.
- Winner: s8 plus
Processor and Performance
- Samsung A71: Powered by the Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) chipset. This processor offers solid mid-range performance, capable of handling everyday tasks and most games smoothly. It’s efficient but may struggle with very demanding applications compared to flagship chips.
- S8 Plus: Equipped with either the Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 (10 nm) or the Exynos 8895 Octa-core processor. These were flagship chips at their release and still offer excellent performance for their time, handling multitasking and demanding apps with ease.
- Winner: s8 plus
Camera System
- Samsung A71: Features a versatile quad-camera setup: a 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. This offers great flexibility for various shooting scenarios, from detailed close-ups to wide landscapes. Image quality is generally good in well-lit conditions.
- S8 Plus: Comes with a single 12MP rear camera. While it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses, the S8 Plus’s camera was praised for its excellent image quality, including great low-light performance and HDR capabilities for its generation.
- Winner: samsung a71
Battery Life
- Samsung A71: Equipped with a large 4500 mAh battery. This provides excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day for most users and often extending into a second day with moderate usage. It supports 25W fast charging.
- S8 Plus: Has a 3500 mAh battery. While decent for its era, it’s smaller than the A71’s and may struggle to last a full day for heavy users, especially considering its higher-resolution display. It supports 15W fast charging.
- Winner: samsung a71
Design and Build
- Samsung A71: Features a plastic back and frame, with a glass front. It has a modern, flat-edge design with a hole-punch cutout for the selfie camera. It’s lighter and more contemporary in its aesthetic.
- S8 Plus: Utilizes a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, giving it a more premium feel. Its curved “Infinity Display” and slim bezels were revolutionary at the time, offering a sleek and ergonomic design.
- Winner: s8 plus
Software and Updates
- Samsung A71: Launched with Android 10 and One UI 2.0, and has received subsequent updates. Samsung has a good track record for providing software support for its A-series phones.
- S8 Plus: Launched with Android 7.0 (Nougat) and has received several major Android version updates. However, it is likely nearing the end of its official software support lifecycle, meaning fewer future updates.
- Winner: samsung a71
Connectivity and Ports
- Samsung A71: Features 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. It also retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a significant plus for many users.
- S8 Plus: Supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. It also includes the 3.5mm headphone jack. Its connectivity options are robust for its time.
- Winner: Tie
Biometric Security
- Samsung A71: Features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor and face recognition. The under-display sensor is a modern convenience, though its speed can vary.
- S8 Plus: Offers a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and iris scanner, along with face recognition. The rear fingerprint sensor is generally faster and more reliable than early under-display implementations. The iris scanner offers an additional, secure layer of authentication.
- Winner: s8 plus
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality (Resolution) | s8 plus |
| Camera Versatility | samsung a71 |
| Performance (Overall) | samsung a71 |
| Battery Life | samsung a71 |
| Design & Build (Subjective, but S8 Plus often praised for its era) | s8 plus |
| Software & Updates | samsung a71 |
| Value for Money | samsung a71 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both devices utilize Super AMOLED display technology, promising vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Expandable Storage: Both the Samsung A71 and the S8 Plus offer the convenience of expandable storage via a microSD card slot, allowing users to increase their device’s capacity for apps, photos, and videos.
- Premium Build: While materials may differ, both phones are designed with a premium aesthetic and offer a comfortable in-hand feel, reflecting Samsung’s commitment to quality construction.
- Fast Charging: Both smartphones support fast charging capabilities, ensuring that users can quickly top up their battery when on the go, minimizing downtime.
- Water Resistance (s8 Plus Specific, but Often a Shared Expectation): While the A71 does not officially list water resistance, the S8 Plus boasts IP68 water and dust resistance, a feature that many users expect from a premium Samsung device.
- USB Type-C: Both phones feature a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, offering a reversible and more robust connection compared to older micro-USB ports.
Samsung A71 Vs S8 Plus Buying Guide
Performance and Everyday Use
When considering everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, both the Samsung A71 and the S8 Plus offer a competent experience. The A71, with its Snapdragon 730 chipset, provides smooth multitasking and app launching for most users. While the S8 Plus’s Snapdragon 835 is older, it still holds up well for general usage, though it might show its age in more demanding applications compared to newer processors. For most routine activities, the difference might not be stark, but the A71 generally offers a slightly more modern and efficient performance. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Camera Capabilities
Photography enthusiasts will find distinct differences. The Samsung A71 boasts a versatile quad-camera system, featuring a 64MP main sensor that captures detailed and vibrant shots in good lighting. Its ultrawide and macro lenses offer creative flexibility. The S8 Plus, while having a capable 12MP rear camera, relies more on software processing. It excels in good lighting but lacks the modern versatility and resolution of the A71. For those prioritizing a wider range of shooting options and higher detail, the A71 is the clear frontrunner.
Display and Design
Both phones offer impressive displays for their time. The Samsung A71 features a vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display with a punch-hole cutout for a clean aesthetic and a 60Hz refresh rate. The S8 Plus, on the other hand, sports a stunning Infinity Display with curved edges and a higher resolution, renowned for its immersive viewing experience and vibrant colors, albeit with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In terms of design, the A71 is more contemporary with its flat screen and hole-punch camera, while the S8 Plus offers a more classic, bezel-heavy yet visually striking curved screen.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery performance is a significant consideration. The Samsung A71 comes equipped with a larger 4500mAh battery, which generally provides excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day or more for moderate users. It also supports 25W fast charging, allowing for quicker top-ups. The S8 Plus, with its 3500mAh battery, might struggle to last a full day under heavy use, especially considering its age and potential battery degradation. While it supports fast charging, the A71’s combination of a larger battery and faster charging technology gives it a distinct advantage in this area. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung a71 If…
- You prioritize a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You need a more versatile camera system with dedicated macro and ultrawide lenses.
- You want a newer phone with a more recent Android version out of the box and longer software update potential.
- You are looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers a solid smartphone experience.
Buy s8 plus If…
- You desire a higher resolution display for sharper visuals.
- You value the premium build quality and the distinctive Infinity Display design of older flagships.
- You are seeking advanced biometric security features like an iris scanner.
- You can find it at a significantly reduced price and are comfortable with an older operating system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display for media consumption?
The Samsung S8 Plus generally offers a more immersive media consumption experience due to its higher resolution Infinity Display with curved edges, which minimizes bezels and enhances the viewing area. Its AMOLED technology also delivers excellent contrast and vibrant colors. While the A71’s Super AMOLED Plus display is also very good and bright, the S8 Plus’s screen is considered a flagship-level panel that excels in delivering a premium visual experience for videos and games.
Is the A71’s camera significantly better than the S8 Plus’s?
Yes, the Samsung A71’s camera system is significantly more versatile and offers higher resolution. Its 64MP main sensor captures more detail, and the inclusion of ultrawide and macro lenses provides greater creative flexibility that the S8 Plus’s single rear lens cannot match. While the S8 Plus’s camera was good for its time, the A71’s hardware and newer processing capabilities result in superior image quality and more shooting options.
Which phone offers better gaming performance?
For modern, graphically intensive games, the Samsung A71, with its more recent Snapdragon 730 processor, will generally offer a smoother and more consistent gaming experience. While the S8 Plus’s Snapdragon 835 was a top-tier chip at launch, it’s now several generations old and may struggle with newer titles or experience more frame drops. The A71 provides a more optimized and capable platform for contemporary mobile gaming. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
How does the battery life compare between the two?
The Samsung A71 has a clear advantage in battery life. It features a much larger 4500mAh battery compared to the S8 Plus’s 3500mAh capacity. This difference, combined with the A71’s more power-efficient processor, means it can comfortably last a full day or more for most users. The S8 Plus, especially after years of use, may struggle to make it through a single day without a recharge under moderate to heavy usage.
Is the A71 worth upgrading to if I have an S8 Plus?
If you are looking for significant improvements in camera versatility, battery life, and overall performance for modern applications and gaming, then the Samsung A71 would be a worthwhile upgrade from the S8 Plus. You’ll benefit from a more contemporary design, a larger battery, and a more capable camera system. However, if your primary focus is on screen quality and you are content with the S8 Plus’s performance for basic tasks, the upgrade might be less impactful.
Final Verdict
The Samsung A71 emerges as the more practical and future-proof choice for most users. Its superior battery life, more versatile camera system, and more recent processor offer a better overall experience for modern smartphone needs. While the S8 Plus still boasts a beautiful display, its age shows in performance and battery longevity.
Winner: Samsung A71