The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G: Is This 2020 Mid-Ranger Still Worth Your Hard-Earned Cash in Late 2025?

Last updated on November 29, 2025

You’re staring at your phone. It’s slow. It’s glitchy. Maybe it just doesn’t connect to the latest networks. You’ve heard about 5G, and you want in. But who wants to drop a grand, or more, on a flagship that’ll be obsolete in two years anyway? That’s where phones like the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G enter the picture. Back in 2020, this was Samsung’s answer for folks who loved the A71’s winning formula but absolutely, positively needed that shiny new 5G badge. It promised a premium mid-range experience with future-proof connectivity. But five years later, in late 2025, does it still hold up? Or is it just another relic gathering dust in the Android graveyard? Let’s break it down.

Design and Display: A Familiar Face with a Twist

Okay, so let’s talk about the look and feel. If you’ve ever held the standard Galaxy A71, you know exactly what you’re getting here. Samsung didn’t reinvent the wheel for the 5G variant. It’s the same chassis, the same overall design language. And honestly? That’s not a bad thing. The A71, even without 5G, was a well-regarded phone. It had a certain understated elegance. But let’s be real, this is a *plastic* build. Samsung calls it “Glasstic,” which is a fancy way of saying plastic that tries to look like glass. It’s not the most premium feel in your hand, especially when you compare it to some of the glass-sandwich designs of even mid-range phones today. You’ll feel that difference. It’s lighter, sure, but it also feels a bit less substantial.

Now, keeping the two variants separate? Not too tough, surprisingly. Samsung threw in a subtle, but effective, two-tone color pattern on the back of the 5G model. Plus, the color options themselves were slightly different. We’re talking Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube Silver, and Prism Cube Blue. Each of these colors had a cool gradient effect, where you’d see a darker shade flow into a lighter one depending on how the light hit it. It was a nice touch, a little flair that made it stand out from its non-5G sibling. Does it make the phone feel more “premium”? Marginally. It’s a visual trick, nothing more.

Around the back, you’ll spot the now-iconic square camera module. This was the design trend Samsung was pushing across its A-series back then, much like what we saw on the Galaxy A51. Inside that square, you’ve got your quad-camera system. It’s a prominent bump, no denying it. For some, it’s a dust magnet. For others, it’s just part of the modern phone aesthetic. Below that, the subtle Samsung branding. No surprises there. It’s a Samsung phone, through and through.

The Screen: AMOLED Plus Goodness

Now, this is where the A71 5G really shines, even today: the display. You’re looking at a massive 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen. And let me tell you, Samsung knows how to make a display. Even in 2025, this screen holds its own. Super AMOLED Plus means you get incredible contrast, truly inky blacks, and colors that pop. Seriously, for media consumption, browsing, or just looking at photos, this screen is fantastic. The vibrant colors are a joy to behold. You’ll notice the difference if you’re coming from an LCD panel. Plus, AMOLED panels are generally more power-efficient, especially when displaying darker content.

The resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels. That’s a full HD+ resolution. Combined with the 6.7-inch size, it gives you a pixel density of 393 PPI (pixels per inch). Is that razor-sharp? Not quite QHD+, but for the vast majority of users, it’s perfectly crisp. You won’t be seeing individual pixels unless you’re really looking for them. Text is clear, images are detailed. Plus, the screen features a punch-hole camera right in the center at the top. This design choice was all about maximizing screen real estate, pushing those bezels to the absolute minimum. It’s less intrusive than a notch, in my opinion, offering a more immersive viewing experience.

Outdoor visibility? Pretty good for its time. Samsung’s AMOLED panels tend to get bright enough to handle direct sunlight, though you might still struggle a bit on the brightest days. The “Plus” in Super AMOLED Plus often refers to a thinner display panel construction, which can contribute to a lighter phone and potentially better battery life due to less power consumption. All in all, the display is a major win for the A71 5G. It was great then, and it’s still very good now.

The Galaxy A71 Cameras: A Quad-Camera Setup That Gets the Job Done

Let’s be honest, for many, the camera is a make-or-break feature on a smartphone. The Galaxy A71 5G comes with the exact same camera setup as its non-5G counterpart. No upgrades, no downgrades. You get a versatile quad-camera system on the back and a capable selfie shooter up front.

Rear Cameras: More Lenses, More Options

The main event on the back is a 48 MP primary camera. Now, don’t get hung up on the megapixel count. More megapixels don’t always mean better photos. This 48 MP sensor typically uses pixel-binning technology, combining four pixels into one larger “super pixel” to produce a 12 MP image with better light gathering and dynamic range. In good lighting, this camera can produce some really nice shots. Colors are generally vibrant, though sometimes a touch oversaturated – a classic Samsung trait. Details are decent, and it’s perfectly fine for sharing on social media or casual printing.

Where it starts to struggle, predictably, is in low-light conditions. Without a super-large sensor or advanced computational photography algorithms that flagships boast, images can get noisy and lose detail quickly. There’s usually a “Night Mode,” but don’t expect miracles. It helps, but it won’t turn night into day like some of the more advanced phones out there.

Next up, we have a 12 MP ultra-wide camera. This is a fun lens to have. It lets you capture much more of the scene, whether it’s a sprawling landscape, a group photo, or an architectural shot. The wider field of view often introduces some barrel distortion at the edges, making straight lines appear curved, but it’s generally well-corrected in software. The image quality on the ultra-wide is a step down from the main sensor, especially in terms of detail and low-light performance. But for those times you need to fit everything in, it’s a valuable tool.

Then there’s the 5 MP macro camera. Ah, the macro lens. This is a bit of a mixed bag on many mid-range phones, and the A71 5G is no exception. It allows you to get *really* close to subjects, like flowers or tiny objects, to capture intricate details. When you get the lighting and focus just right, you can capture some surprisingly cool shots. But it’s often tricky to use. You need steady hands, good light, and a fair bit of patience. Plus, 5 MP isn’t a huge resolution, so the resulting images aren’t always super crisp. It’s more of a niche feature, a fun addition for those who enjoy experimenting, rather than a must-have for everyday photography.

Finally, a 5 MP depth camera. This lens doesn’t take photos on its own. Instead, it works in tandem with the main camera to gather depth information. This data is crucial for creating those pleasing background blur effects, often called “bokeh,” in portrait mode shots. When it works well, it helps separate your subject from the background, making them pop. The A71 5G does a decent job with edge detection for the most part, though you might occasionally see some fuzzy edges around complex subjects like hair. For a mid-range phone from 2020, its portrait mode was quite respectable.

Video Capabilities

On the video front, the rear camera system can record 4K videos at 30 frames per second (fps). That’s solid. 4K footage looks sharp and detailed, and 30fps is perfectly smooth for most casual recording. You also get 1080p videos at up to 960fps for super slow-motion. That’s a fun feature for capturing quick action and playing it back dramatically. Standard 1080p recording is also available at 30fps, and sometimes 60fps depending on the mode. Electronic image stabilization (EIS) is present, which helps smooth out handheld footage, but it’s not optical image stabilization (OIS), so don’t expect gimbal-like stability. Still, for everyday videos, it holds up pretty well.

Front Camera: Your Selfie Game

For selfies and video calls, you’ve got a single 32 MP camera nestled in that punch-hole. Like the main rear camera, this often uses pixel-binning to produce a lower-resolution, but higher-quality, image. In good light, it takes sharp, detailed selfies with accurate colors. Samsung’s selfie processing tends to smooth out skin tones a bit, which some love and others aren’t so keen on. It’s a matter of preference. This front camera is also capable of recording 1080p videos at 30 fps, which is perfectly adequate for video calls or casual vlogging.

Overall, the A71 5G’s cameras are good, not great. They were competitive for a mid-range phone in 2020. In 2025? They’ll still get the job done for social media and casual snaps, but they definitely won’t be competing with current flagships or even newer mid-range phones that have advanced significantly in computational photography. Don’t expect mind-blowing night shots or incredible zoom capabilities. But for everyday point-and-shoot, it’s reliable.

Hardware and Software: The Engine Under the Hood

This is where things get interesting, especially when we talk about the “5G” part of the equation. Samsung made a specific choice here. For the regular A71, many regions got a Snapdragon 730 processor. For the A71 5G, Samsung swapped that out for its own Exynos 980 processor. Now, this was, and still is, a point of contention for many tech enthusiasts.

The Processor: Exynos vs. Snapdragon Debate

The Exynos 980 is an octa-core chip built on an 8nm process. It was designed to be a mid-range processor with integrated 5G capabilities. On paper, it was competitive with the Snapdragon 730 or even the 765G. In real-world use, however, Samsung’s Exynos chips have often been perceived as lagging behind their Snapdragon counterparts in terms of raw performance, graphical prowess, and often, battery efficiency.

What does this mean for you? Well, for everyday tasks – browsing, social media, messaging, streaming video – the Exynos 980 is perfectly capable. Apps open quickly enough, and multitasking is generally smooth. But push it with graphically intensive games or very demanding applications, and you might notice some stuttering or frame drops that wouldn’t be present on a phone with a more powerful chip. Plus, in 2025, a mid-range chip from 2020 is definitely showing its age. It won’t feel as snappy as a brand-new mid-ranger, let alone a flagship. Performance degradation over time is a real thing, and older chips just can’t keep up with newer, heavier apps.

The graphics processing unit (GPU) here is a Mali-G76 MP5. Again, for 2020, this was decent. It could handle most popular mobile games at medium settings without too much trouble. But in 2025, with games becoming more graphically demanding, you’ll definitely be cranking settings down to low for a playable experience on many titles. Don’t buy this phone expecting to run Genshin Impact at max settings, okay?

RAM and Storage: Enough for Most

The A71 5G came in configurations of 6 GB or 8 GB of RAM. For a mid-range phone, even today, 6 GB of RAM is still pretty respectable for multitasking. 8 GB is even better, giving you more headroom to keep multiple apps open in the background without them reloading. So, in terms of RAM, the A71 5G holds up fairly well for most users. You won’t feel too constrained unless you’re a super-heavy power user with dozens of apps open simultaneously.

Internal storage is set at 128 GB. This was a good standard amount back in 2020, and for many, it still is. It’s enough space for a decent library of apps, photos, and some videos. Plus, and this is a big “plus” for many, the storage is expandable via an SD card slot. That means you can easily add hundreds of gigabytes of extra storage for all your media, without breaking the bank. This feature is becoming rarer on newer phones, so it’s a definite advantage for the A71 5G.

Battery Life and Charging: A Solid Performer

Powering all of this is a substantial 4500 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery. This was a generous battery size for its time, and it still is. Combined with the efficient AMOLED screen and the mid-range processor, you could reliably get a full day of moderate to heavy use out of this phone. Even in 2025, with an aging battery, you should still be able to get through a good chunk of the day, though mileage will vary based on your usage habits and the battery’s health.

When it comes to charging, the A71 5G supports 25W fast charging. This was pretty good for 2020. It’s not the ludicrous 100W+ charging speeds we see on some phones today, but it’s fast enough to top up a significant amount of battery in a short period. You’re looking at going from empty to around 50% in about 30 minutes, and a full charge in just over an hour. That’s perfectly acceptable for most people.

Software: One UI and Android Updates

Out of the box, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G ran One UI 2 on top of Android 10. One UI is Samsung’s custom Android skin, and it’s generally well-regarded for its clean interface, useful features, and good customization options. One UI 2, specifically, was a refined version that focused on ease of use, especially for one-handed operation on large screens.

However, here’s the kicker: it’s late 2025. Android 10 is ancient history. The A71 5G likely received a couple of major Android updates, probably up to Android 12 or 13, and maybe a few years of security patches. But it has almost certainly stopped receiving official software support by now. This means two things:
1. Security: You’re missing out on the latest security patches, which leaves your phone potentially vulnerable to new threats. This is a significant concern for sensitive data.
2. Features: You won’t get the latest Android features or One UI iterations. You’ll be stuck with an older version of the software, which might lack some of the quality-of-life improvements and new functionalities that newer Android versions bring.

This lack of ongoing software support is a major downside for any phone from 2020 being considered in 2025. It’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, especially if you’re just looking for a basic phone, but it’s something to be acutely aware of.

Connectivity: The 5G Promise and More

This is the whole point of the phone, right? The “5G” in its name. But beyond that, the A71 5G packed a pretty comprehensive suite of connectivity options that were standard for a good mid-ranger.

The Headline Feature: 5G!

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G supports 5G networks. Back in 2020, this was a big deal. 5G promised blazing-fast download and upload speeds, lower latency, and a more responsive mobile experience. The idea was to future-proof your purchase. And for the most part, it delivered on that promise, *where 5G was available*.

In 2025, 5G coverage is much more widespread than it was in 2020. So, if you’re in an area with good 5G reception, you *will* experience those faster speeds. Streaming high-quality video, downloading large files, and online gaming can all benefit from 5G’s capabilities. However, it’s worth noting that the A71 5G likely supports sub-6GHz 5G, which is the more common type, but probably not mmWave 5G, which offers even faster speeds but has a much shorter range and is less common. For most users, sub-6GHz 5G is more than enough. The main takeaway here is that the 5G capability still works and is relevant today.

Other Essential Connections

Beyond 5G, the A71 5G has a few other connectivity gems:

• 3.5 mm Headphone Jack: Yes! A proper, old-school headphone jack. This is becoming an endangered species on smartphones, even in the mid-range. For audiophiles or anyone who prefers wired headphones, this is a huge win. No dongles needed, no worrying about charging your wireless buds. Just plug in and listen.
• USB Type-C Port: The modern standard for charging and data transfer. It’s reversible, so no more fumbling to plug in your cable. It supports fast charging and offers decent data transfer speeds.
• Bluetooth 5.0: This version of Bluetooth offers improved range, speed, and power efficiency compared to older versions. It’s perfectly capable for connecting wireless headphones, smartwatches, and other accessories.
• Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. This means more stable and faster Wi-Fi connections, especially on the less congested 5 GHz band.
• NFC: Near Field Communication allows for convenient features like contactless payments (Google Pay, Samsung Pay) and quick pairing with other NFC-enabled devices. It’s an essential feature for modern smartphone use.

So, in terms of connectivity, the A71 5G was well-equipped then, and most of its features remain highly relevant and useful today. The 5G support is the cherry on top, ensuring you can tap into modern network speeds.

Price and Availability: The Value Proposition in 2025

When the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G was first announced on April 8, 2020, and went on sale that same month, its price started around $600. That translated to roughly 220,200 Naira in Nigeria, 63,540 Kenyan shillings, and 3,505 Ghana Cedis. For a mid-range phone at the time, that was a pretty significant investment, especially for a device that wasn’t a flagship. It was positioned as a premium mid-ranger, offering a taste of the high-end experience without the exorbitant price tag.

What About Today?

Now, in late November 2025, the landscape is entirely different. You won’t be buying a brand-new A71 5G from official retailers anymore. This phone is five and a half years old. Its value has depreciated significantly, which means if you’re looking at one now, you’re almost certainly considering a used or refurbished unit.

This is where the value proposition gets interesting. If you can find a used A71 5G in good condition for a significantly reduced price – say, under $200 or its equivalent in local currency – it *could* still be a decent buy for a very specific type of user.

Who is it for in 2025?

• Budget-conscious users: If you absolutely need 5G and a decent screen but your budget is extremely tight, a used A71 5G could be an option.
• Secondary phone users: Maybe you need a backup phone, or a device for specific tasks where a primary flagship is overkill.
• Basic users: For calls, texts, social media, and light browsing, the phone still functions.
• Those who prioritize the headphone jack: Seriously, this is a big deal for some people.

Who is it NOT for in 2025?

• Anyone who cares about software updates: As discussed, this phone is past its update lifecycle.
• Gamers or heavy multitaskers: The Exynos 980 will struggle with demanding apps and games by now.
• Photography enthusiasts: While the cameras are okay, they won’t compete with newer phones.
• Users who expect long-term support: This phone is at the end of its life cycle.

The Jumia anniversary deal mentioned in the original text, where it was available for 169,500 Naira, is obviously long gone. When buying a used phone, always factor in the potential for degraded battery health, screen burn-in (a possibility with AMOLED after prolonged use), and general wear and tear. A fresh battery replacement might be necessary, adding to the overall cost.

Specifications: A Quick Rundown

For those who love to see the specs laid out cleanly, here’s a summary of the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G’s key features and specifications:

Feature	Specification
Display	6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus, 1080 x 2400 pixels (393 PPI)
Operating System	Android 10 (Upgradable to Android 12/13, but no longer receiving updates)
Processor	Exynos 980 Octa-core (8 nm)
GPU	Mali-G76 MP5
RAM	6 GB / 8 GB
Internal Storage	128 GB (expandable via microSD card)
Rear Camera	Quad: 48 MP (main) + 12 MP (ultrawide) + 5 MP (macro) + 5 MP (depth)
Front Camera	32 MP
Video Recording	4K@30fps (rear), 1080p@30fps (front), 1080p@960fps (slow-motion)
Biometrics	Fingerprint sensor (in-display)
Battery	4500 mAh non-removable Li-Po
Charging	25W fast charging
Connectivity	5G, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, USB Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
Dimensions	162.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm
Weight	185 g
Colors	Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube Silver, Prism Cube Blue

The Final Word: A Relic or a Hidden Gem?

So, is the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G still a good phone in late 2025? My opinion as an expert is nuanced. It’s not a “hidden gem” in the way some vintage tech can be. It’s a phone from 2020, and technology moves fast. Very fast.

Its undeniable strengths:

• The Display: That 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus screen is still a joy to look at.
• The Headphone Jack: A rare and valued feature for many.
• Expandable Storage: Another feature disappearing from newer phones.
• 5G Connectivity: It delivers on its core promise of modern network access.
• Solid Battery Life: 4500 mAh and 25W charging are still decent.

Its significant weaknesses in 2025:

• Aging Processor: The Exynos 980 will feel slow for anything beyond basic tasks.
• No Software Updates: This is a major security and feature concern.
• Plastic Build: While durable, it lacks a premium feel.
• Camera Performance: Good for 2020, but easily outclassed by newer mid-rangers.

Ultimately, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G is a phone that served its purpose well in its prime. It brought 5G to the mid-range with a strong display and decent overall package. In 2025, it’s a phone for the extremely budget-conscious user who needs 5G and values specific legacy features like the headphone jack and expandable storage, and who is willing to accept the compromises that come with an older, unsupported device.

If you can snag one for a ridiculously low price, and you understand its limitations, particularly around software support and raw performance, then maybe. Just maybe. But for most people looking for a reliable daily driver that will last them another two to three years, I’d strongly recommend looking at newer mid-range options that offer ongoing software support, more powerful processors, and improved camera systems. The A71 5G was a good phone. Its time, however, has largely passed.

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