Samsung Galaxy A71

The Samsung Galaxy A71 is part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which focuses on offering solid features at a more affordable price point compared to its flagship S-series. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A71:

Overview:

Launched in early 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A71 was a successor to the A70, offering improved specifications and features. Positioned in the upper mid-range segment, the A71 aimed to provide a balanced mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 2.
2. Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) or Snapdragon 730G for select regions.
4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 64 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 32 MP front camera.
6. Battery: 4500 mAh non-removable battery with 25W fast charging.
7. Other Features: In-display fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic back with a “prism” design.

Pros:

1. Display: The Super AMOLED Plus display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
2. Camera Capabilities: The 64 MP primary sensor captured detailed shots, and the versatility of the quad-camera setup allowed for a variety of photography options.
3. Battery Life: The 4500 mAh battery ensured the device lasted through a full day of moderate to heavy use.
4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot was a plus, especially when some competitors were omitting this feature.
5. One UI: Samsung’s software experience was feature-rich, offering a plethora of customization options and features.

Cons:

1. Plastic Build: While the “prism” design on the back was visually appealing, the plastic build felt less premium compared to glass or metal.
2. Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 730/730G was capable for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its price segment.
3. Weight: At around 179g, some users found the device to be a bit on the heavier side.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2020, the Galaxy A71 faced competition from various mid-range devices:

• OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a versatile camera setup.
• Realme X2 Pro: Known for its 90Hz display, Snapdragon 855+ chipset, and fast charging capabilities.
• Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi’s offering with a balanced set of features at a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A71 was announced in December 2019 and released in January 2020.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Fingerprint Scanner: Some users reported that the in-display fingerprint scanner was not always consistent in recognizing fingerprints.
2. Software Bloat: While One UI offered many features, some users felt that the device came with too many pre-installed apps.
3. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was generally good, some users felt that its performance in low-light conditions could be improved.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A71 was a testament to Samsung’s strategy of offering a balanced smartphone experience at a more accessible price point. While it made some compromises, such as the plastic build, it delivered in areas like display quality, camera versatility, and battery life. For users seeking a Samsung experience without the flagship price, the A71 was a compelling option.