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Customer Review
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2020
Had I only known 2 weeks ago when I bought my A71 5G, I would have waited and pre-ordered the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. Though you get a 6.5" on the S20 FE screen vs 6.7" on the A71, the S20 FE gives you so much more for just $100 difference in price. Both are 5G enabled, have a screen resolution of 2400 x 1080 and Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection, but only the Galaxy S20 FE supports a 120Hz refresh rate vs. the A71's 60Hz refresh rate. Similarly, each phone is powered by a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging capabilities but only the Galaxy S20 FE supports wireless charging and wireless PowerShare. S20 FE has stereo speakers vs. A71's single-firing speaker. Both phones have an aluminum frame and a plastic back panel but the Galaxy S20 FE has more colorful choices and has a matte finish which shows less fingerprints. In addition, the Galaxy A71 has UFS 2.1 storage while the Galaxy S20 FE takes advantage of the much faster UFS 3.0 standard. The Galaxy S20 FE features the newer Snapdragon 865 chipset in the US as opposed to the Exynos 980 solution in the A71. It also ships with the latest version of One UI (2.5) instead of One UI 2.1. In fact, the Galaxy S20 FE delivers a complete One UI flagship-grade experience with features like Samsung DeX / wireless DeX. Last but not least, the new budget flagship is IP68-certified whereas the Galaxy A71 5G lacks dust and water protection. The front-facing lens on the S20 FE is only 3.34mm in diameter (the smallest in any Samsung device), giving you more "entirely flat" screen, less lens notch. Camera setup is also slightly different, but that's a matter of taste.
Buyer's remorse in light of the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S20 FE? Yes. However, my experience with the A71 has been fine overall. I wanted a larger screen than my Pixel 2's 5.7" screen and this one delivers. It's bright, colorful. The phone also has a lot of bells & whistles thanks to Samsung's UI (I strongly suggest watching Tips & Tricks videos on YouTube to take full advantage of what a Samsung phone offers). However, some of those bells and whistles do not work such as Dolby Atmos sound (it makes no difference if it's on or off), the Display Edge Lighting (which only works for me when the phone is locked and the screen is black. It doesn't work with any other apps like it should). The camera is great and shows you how to get the best shot (and it works). I don't listen to music without earbud, so I can't comment on listening to music on the one speaker. But the speaker is fine for videos with dialogue. The on-screen thumbprint unlock is a nightmare (something you have to have to deal with it on all new Samsung phones). Rarely does it unlock the first time and because of the size of the phone I have to use one hand to keep the phone steady while the other hand's fingerprint is used to unlock the phone. Battery life is nothing short of amazing. I've gone two days with 30% battery left (no heavy video usage, but heavy on apps, email and texts). And if you haven't experienced 5G--Wow! I can get reception in places like elevators and my doctor's office that I couldn't before. I don't play games, so I can't comment on its processor. Satisfied overall with the Galaxy A71 5G? Yes. Disappointed I didn't know to hold out for the Galaxy S20 FE which only costs $100 more? DEFINITELY.
Buyer's remorse in light of the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S20 FE? Yes. However, my experience with the A71 has been fine overall. I wanted a larger screen than my Pixel 2's 5.7" screen and this one delivers. It's bright, colorful. The phone also has a lot of bells & whistles thanks to Samsung's UI (I strongly suggest watching Tips & Tricks videos on YouTube to take full advantage of what a Samsung phone offers). However, some of those bells and whistles do not work such as Dolby Atmos sound (it makes no difference if it's on or off), the Display Edge Lighting (which only works for me when the phone is locked and the screen is black. It doesn't work with any other apps like it should). The camera is great and shows you how to get the best shot (and it works). I don't listen to music without earbud, so I can't comment on listening to music on the one speaker. But the speaker is fine for videos with dialogue. The on-screen thumbprint unlock is a nightmare (something you have to have to deal with it on all new Samsung phones). Rarely does it unlock the first time and because of the size of the phone I have to use one hand to keep the phone steady while the other hand's fingerprint is used to unlock the phone. Battery life is nothing short of amazing. I've gone two days with 30% battery left (no heavy video usage, but heavy on apps, email and texts). And if you haven't experienced 5G--Wow! I can get reception in places like elevators and my doctor's office that I couldn't before. I don't play games, so I can't comment on its processor. Satisfied overall with the Galaxy A71 5G? Yes. Disappointed I didn't know to hold out for the Galaxy S20 FE which only costs $100 more? DEFINITELY.
