The Lenovo A7 and Samsung Galaxy A20s represent the lower end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability. However, beneath the similar price points lie significant differences in chipset architecture and performance capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device delivers the best value for everyday tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A20s is the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, built on a 14nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the A7’s octa-core configuration. While both phones are entry-level, the A20s provides a smoother experience for multitasking and app loading.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A207F/DS |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - SM-A207F/DS |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - SM-A207M/DS |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April 13. Released 2019, April 13 | 2019, September 24. Released 2019, October 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155 x 75 x 12 mm (6.10 x 2.95 x 0.47 in) | 163.3 x 77.5 x 8 mm (6.43 x 3.05 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~78.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Red, Green |
| Models | L19111 | SM-A207F, SM-A207M, SM-A2070 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 250 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A7
- Potentially lower price point
- Octa-core processor (though less efficient)
- May offer longer standby time due to potentially larger battery (speculative)
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speeds
- Less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy A20s
- More powerful Snapdragon 450 chipset
- 15W fast charging
- Better optimized software
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Battery life may be comparable to A7 despite faster charging
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The lack of specified display specs (resolution, brightness) suggests both are adequate but not exceptional. The A20s’s larger market presence suggests a potentially more refined display calibration, but without direct measurements, this remains speculative. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, with both devices featuring basic camera setups. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined, potentially leading to slightly better image quality in good lighting conditions. The prevalence of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices suggests these are largely marketing features with limited real-world utility. Focusing on the main sensor performance, the A20s likely has a slight edge due to its more powerful chipset enabling faster image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A20s’s Snapdragon 450, fabricated on a 14nm process, is more efficient and delivers superior performance compared to the Lenovo A7’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 450 utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz, a more mature and capable architecture than the A7’s mix of 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to faster app launch times and smoother multitasking on the A20s. The larger fabrication node of the Unisoc chip means it will likely generate more heat and consume more power for the same level of performance.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for the Lenovo A7, but given its market positioning, it’s likely comparable to the A20s’s. However, the A20s benefits from 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over the A7, which likely supports only standard 5W or 10W charging. This means the A20s can be charged much faster, reducing downtime. While the A7 might offer similar battery life during moderate use, the A20s’s faster charging provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A7 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are primarily focused on extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. The A7’s Unisoc chipset will suffice for these minimal demands. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A20s if you want a more responsive user experience, slightly better performance for social media and casual gaming, and the convenience of 15W fast charging. The A20s is the better all-rounder for most users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Lenovo A7 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the A7 can run these apps, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when multitasking. The Unisoc chipset is designed for basic tasks, and demanding apps will push its limits. The A20s’s Snapdragon 450 will handle these apps much more smoothly.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A20s a significant improvement over standard 5W charging?
Yes, it is. 15W charging can reduce charging time from over 3 hours to around 2 hours for a full charge. This is a substantial convenience factor, especially for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day. The Lenovo A7 likely takes considerably longer to charge.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle these less demanding games, but the Samsung Galaxy A20s will provide a more consistent frame rate and smoother gameplay experience. The Lenovo A7 may experience occasional stuttering or slowdowns, particularly during more visually intensive moments.
