The Samsung Galaxy A71 5G and A71 5G UW represent a fascinating split in Samsung’s mid-range 5G strategy. While visually similar, the core difference lies under the hood: the A71 5G utilizes Samsung’s own Exynos 980, while the A71 5G UW is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects these chipset differences and their impact on real-world performance, helping you determine which variant best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 765G’s more efficient 7nm process and optimized CPU architecture deliver noticeably better performance and thermal management, making it ideal for gaming and sustained workloads. Both charge at 25W, but the Snapdragon version offers a smoother experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A716B | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - SM-A716B | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - SM-A716B | 260, 261 SA/NSA/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 2, 5, 41, 66, 71 mmWave/Sub6 - SM-A716U | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 08 | 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, June 15 | Available. Released 2020, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 75.5 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 162.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~88.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED Plus | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 980 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 10, One UI 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube Sliver, Prism Cube Blue | Prism Bricks Black |
| Models | SM-A716F, SM-A716F/DS, SM-A716F/DSN, SM-A7160, SM-A716B/DS, SM-A716U, SM-A716B, SM-A716U1 | SM-A716V |
| Price | About 120 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.69 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.24 W/kg (head) 1.53 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
- Potentially lower price point
- Samsung Exynos chipset (for brand preference)
- Identical display quality to the UW variant
- Less efficient Exynos 980 chipset
- More prone to thermal throttling
- Potentially lower camera performance in low light
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Better thermal management for sustained performance
- Superior image processing capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive
- Qualcomm chipset (for brand preference)
- UW designation primarily benefits Verizon users
Display Comparison
Both devices share a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, but detailed specifications like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are not provided. However, given the A71 series’ positioning, we can expect similar viewing experiences. The absence of high refresh rate technology (like 90Hz or 120Hz) is a common trait in this price bracket, meaning users won’t experience the smoother scrolling found on higher-end devices. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the mid-range form factor.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor specifications, a direct comparison is limited. Both phones likely feature a similar multi-camera setup, but the image signal processor (ISP) within each chipset plays a crucial role. Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ISPs are generally regarded as superior in image processing, particularly in low-light conditions and dynamic range. The A71 5G UW is likely to produce more detailed and vibrant photos, especially in challenging lighting scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The A71 5G’s Exynos 980 (8nm) features an octa-core CPU with 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The A71 5G UW, however, boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The 7nm process node of the Snapdragon is inherently more efficient, leading to lower power consumption and reduced heat generation. The Snapdragon’s CPU configuration – 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver – offers a more balanced approach, with a faster prime core for peak performance. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the UW variant. The Exynos 980, while capable, is more prone to throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both devices support 25W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds (approximately 60-70 minutes for a full charge). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s superior power efficiency in the A71 5G UW will likely result in longer battery life during typical usage. The 7nm process allows the UW model to accomplish the same tasks with less power draw, extending screen-on time and reducing the need for frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G if you prioritize brand loyalty to Samsung’s Exynos processors and find it at a significantly lower price point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW if you value consistent performance, better gaming capabilities, and a more thermally stable experience, especially if you're on Verizon's network where the 'UW' designation is most relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 980 in the A71 5G overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 980 is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 765G, particularly during graphically intensive tasks like gaming. Users may experience noticeable throttling, leading to frame rate drops and reduced performance over longer playtimes. The A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon chipset handles heat more effectively, providing a smoother gaming experience.
❓ Is the 'UW' designation on the A71 5G UW only relevant for Verizon customers?
Yes, the 'UW' (Ultra Wideband) designation specifically indicates compatibility with Verizon’s mmWave 5G network. While the A71 5G UW will function on other 5G networks, you won’t benefit from the faster speeds offered by Verizon’s mmWave infrastructure unless you are a Verizon subscriber and within range of a mmWave tower.
❓ Will I notice a significant difference in app loading times between the two devices?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G’s faster CPU core and optimized architecture will result in noticeably quicker app loading times compared to the Exynos 980. This difference will be most apparent when launching demanding applications or switching between multiple apps simultaneously.
