Samsung Galaxy A71 vs. S10 Lite: A Detailed Comparison of Samsung's Mid-Range and Flagship Contenders

The Samsung Galaxy A71 and S10 Lite represent interesting points in Samsung’s product strategy. The A71 aimed to deliver a feature-rich experience at a more accessible price point, while the S10 Lite brought flagship-level processing power to a slightly more affordable package. This comparison dissects the key differences between these two devices, helping you determine which one best suits your needs and budget.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing raw performance and a brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the A71’s Snapdragon 730, and the 705 nit display offers superior visibility. However, the A71’s longer endurance rating and potentially lower price make it a compelling option for budget-conscious users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A71 Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 -
Launch
Announced2019, December 12. Released 2020, January 172020, January 03
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, February 03
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3+), aluminum frame, plastic back
Dimensions163.6 x 76 x 7.7 mm (6.44 x 2.99 x 0.30 in)162.5 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm (6.40 x 2.98 x 0.32 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight179 g (6.31 oz)186 g (6.56 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3Corning Gorilla Glass 3+
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~394 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio)6.7 inches, 107.8 cm2 (~87.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED PlusSuper AMOLED Plus, HDR10+
 -Always-on display
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver)Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485)
ChipsetQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730 (8 nm) - GlobalQualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8 nm) - PhilippinesQualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 618Adreno 640
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 512GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Triple-48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, Super Steady OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro)
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesNo
35mm jackYesNo
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (market dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio (market/region dependent)
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 ANT+ANT+
Battery
Charging25W wired45W wired
TypeLi-Ion 4500 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable
Misc
ColorsPrism Crush Black, Prism Crush Silver, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush PinkPrism White, Prism Black, Prism Blue
ModelsSM-A715F, SM-A715F/DS, SM-A715F/DSN, SM-A715F/DSM, SM-A715W, SM-A715XSM-G770F, SM-G770F/DS, SM-G770F/DSM, SM-G770U1
PriceAbout 120 EURAbout 380 EUR
SAR0.98 W/kg (head)     0.90 W/kg (body)0.69 W/kg (head)     0.93 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.51 W/kg (head)     1.56 W/kg (body)0.49 W/kg (head)     1.52 W/kg (body)
Tests
Audio quality Noise -93.5dB / Crosstalk -92.6dB Noise -93.7dB / Crosstalk -94.7dB
Battery lifeEndurance rating 102hEndurance rating 110h
Camera Photo / Video Photo / Video
Display Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker -29.0 LUFS (Average) -27.2 LUFS (Good)
Performance AnTuTu: 192 458(v7), 263396 (v8) GeekBench: 7039 (v4.4), 1733 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) AnTuTu: 370751 (v7), 459497 (v8) GeekBench: 11151 (v4.4), 2732 (v5.1) GFXBench: 56fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A71

  • Longer battery endurance (102h)
  • More affordable price point
  • Acceptable performance for everyday tasks

  • Slower processor (Snapdragon 730)
  • Dimmer display (515 nits)
  • Slower charging (25W)

Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite

  • Flagship-level performance (Snapdragon 855)
  • Brighter display (705 nits)
  • Faster charging (45W)

  • Slightly shorter battery endurance (110h)
  • Higher price tag
  • Potentially more heat under sustained load

Display Comparison

The S10 Lite boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching 705 nits compared to the A71’s 515 nits. This translates to better outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. While both displays share an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (typical for Samsung AMOLED panels), the higher peak brightness of the S10 Lite provides a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience. Both likely utilize similar AMOLED technology, but the S10 Lite’s panel is demonstrably superior in terms of brightness.

Camera Comparison

Both devices feature versatile camera systems capable of capturing both photo and video. However, detailed sensor information is missing. Given the S10 Lite’s positioning closer to the flagship S10 series, it likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially larger sensor sizes, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. The A71, while capable, will likely rely more on software enhancements to compensate for potentially smaller sensors. The absence of specific sensor details makes a definitive comparison challenging, but the S10 Lite’s overall hardware advantage suggests superior image quality.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The S10 Lite’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) is a flagship-tier processor, featuring an octa-core configuration with a prime core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This is a substantial upgrade over the A71’s Snapdragon 730 (8nm). The 855’s Kryo 485 cores offer a noticeable performance advantage in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming. The 7nm process node of the 855 also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While both phones likely feature similar RAM configurations, the 855’s superior GPU will deliver a smoother gaming experience.

Battery Life

Despite the S10 Lite’s faster 45W wired charging, the A71 holds a slight edge in endurance, achieving a rating of 102 hours versus the S10 Lite’s 110 hours. This suggests that the A71’s battery optimization and potentially more efficient chipset contribute to longer runtimes. The 45W charging on the S10 Lite will significantly reduce charging times, going from 0-100% much faster than the A71’s 25W charging, but the A71 offers more time between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 if you prioritize all-day battery life and a lower upfront cost, and don't require the absolute fastest performance for demanding tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite if you value a brighter, more vibrant display, significantly faster processing speeds for gaming and multitasking, and quicker charging times, even if it means slightly less battery endurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 730 in the A71 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?
While the Snapdragon 730 is capable, it will likely require lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience in graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact. The S10 Lite’s Snapdragon 855 offers a significantly more comfortable gaming experience with higher settings and more consistent frame rates.
❓ Is the 45W charging on the S10 Lite a game-changer compared to the A71's 25W charging?
Yes, the 45W charging on the S10 Lite drastically reduces charging times. You can expect a full charge in significantly less time compared to the A71’s 25W charging, making it more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
❓ Given the price difference, is the S10 Lite worth the extra cost for someone who primarily uses their phone for social media and browsing?
For basic usage like social media and browsing, the A71 provides a perfectly adequate experience. The S10 Lite’s extra performance is less noticeable in these scenarios. If your usage is primarily light, the A71 offers better value.
❓ How does the thermal performance differ between the A71 and S10 Lite during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855 in the S10 Lite, while powerful, can generate more heat under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 730 in the A71. This could lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly over extended gaming sessions. The A71’s more efficient chipset is less prone to overheating.