The Samsung Galaxy A91 and A71 5G UW represent interesting points in Samsung’s mid-range strategy. The A91, equipped with the older but powerful Snapdragon 855, aimed for near-flagship performance. The A71 5G UW, leveraging the Snapdragon 765G, prioritized 5G connectivity and efficiency. This comparison dissects the core differences to determine which device delivers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing raw processing power and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A91 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 855 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G. However, the A71 5G UW provides a more balanced package with 5G connectivity and respectable efficiency.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 260, 261 SA/NSA/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2020, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | 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 | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED Plus |
| | Always-on display | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Kryo 485 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 485 & 4x1.78 GHz Kryo 485) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8150 Snapdragon 855 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 640 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI | Android 10, One UI 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | 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 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (ultrawide), 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (gyro-EIS), 720p@960fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 25mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | - | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 |
| | Samsung DeX (desktop experience support)
ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 45W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Prism Bricks Black |
| Models | SM-A915F | SM-A716V |
| SAR | - | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A91
- Significantly more powerful Snapdragon 855 processor
- Faster 45W wired charging
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Potential for thermal throttling under heavy load
- May have lower battery efficiency compared to the 765G
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW
- Integrated 5G connectivity
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Potentially lower price point
- Noticeably slower processor compared to the Snapdragon 855
- Slower 25W wired charging
Display Comparison
While specific display details (resolution, panel type) are missing, the core difference lies in the processing power driving the visuals. Both likely utilize AMOLED panels, typical for Samsung’s A-series. However, the Snapdragon 855 in the A91 has a more powerful GPU, enabling smoother frame rates in graphically intensive applications. The A71 5G UW’s Adreno 620 GPU, while capable, is a step down, potentially resulting in lower sustained frame rates in demanding games.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the processing capabilities of the Snapdragon 855 in the A91 likely provide an edge in image processing, particularly in low-light scenarios. The 855’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is more advanced, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. The A71 5G UW’s 765G ISP is still capable, but will likely lag behind in complex image processing tasks. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the main sensor, if present on both, would be a key factor, but is unknown.
Performance
The heart of the difference is the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A91’s Snapdragon 855 (7nm) boasts an octa-core configuration with a prime Kryo 485 core clocked at 2.84 GHz. This is a significant step up from the A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) which features a Kryo 475 Prime core at 2.4 GHz. The 855’s superior clock speeds and core architecture translate to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and higher scores in benchmark tests. While the 765G includes an integrated 5G modem, the 855’s raw CPU and GPU power are demonstrably higher. Thermal management will be crucial for the A91; the 855 is known to generate more heat under sustained load, potentially leading to throttling.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but the charging speeds are a clear differentiator. The A91’s 45W wired charging is significantly faster than the A71 5G UW’s 25W charging. This means the A91 can replenish its battery much more quickly, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the A71 5G UW could offset this, the Snapdragon 765G’s greater efficiency might mean similar real-world battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity. The faster charging of the A91 is a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A91 if you need uncompromising performance for demanding tasks like gaming or video editing, and value the faster 45W charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW if you prioritize 5G connectivity, a more efficient chipset for all-day use, and are willing to trade some processing power for a potentially lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 855 in the A91 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 855 is known to generate heat under sustained load. While Samsung likely implemented thermal management solutions, users may experience some throttling during prolonged gaming, potentially leading to reduced frame rates. The A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G will run cooler, but at the cost of overall performance.
❓ Does the 5G connectivity on the A71 5G UW actually make a noticeable difference in everyday use?
The benefit of 5G depends heavily on network availability and your data usage. If you live in an area with robust 5G coverage and frequently stream high-resolution video or download large files, you’ll experience significantly faster speeds. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the difference will be minimal.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 765G capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at medium or high graphics settings rather than the maximum. Expect slightly lower and less stable frame rates compared to the A91’s Snapdragon 855.