There are four low-end and midrange Samsung Galaxy A-series smartphones to suit the needs of most Canadians. Carriers offer two-year plans on these models that can differ by only $5-$10 per month. So, what’s the difference between them and is it worth the extra money? Our expert analysis breaks down the differences so you can pick the best model for your needs, then find the cheapest plan in Canada.
Samsung Galaxy cell phones are among the best devices on the market. Each year, the flagship Galaxy S-series combines the best hardware with the smartest camera software to produce smartphones that compete directly with premium Apple iPhones. One area that Samsung has historically underperformed is creating good, affordable midrange devices. With new flagship smartphones priced well over $1,000, the market for cheaper alternatives is greater than ever before.
The Galaxy A51 and Galaxy A71 feature a Zen-like balance between performance and price. Some low-end models, like the Galaxy A21 and Galaxy A11, offer up-to-date smartphone technology that costs only a few dollars per week on a two-year cell phone contract. Let’s break down these phones to see which one is best suited for your needs.
Samsung Midrange Phones: Galaxy A71 vs. Galaxy A51
Even though the Samsung Galaxy A71 and Samsung Galaxy A51 are priced as midrange phones, the hardware would be considered cutting edge in the past. Both models feature flagship smartphone features like an in-screen fingerprint sensor, long battery life, and a 32MP selfie camera. There are twice as many cameras on the back of these models as the iPhone 12 because they include a macro camera for extreme closeups and a sensor to read subject distance and create more professional-looking portraits.
Both midrange models can connect to Canada’s 4G LTE networks, 802.11ac Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth 5.0 devices, and NFC wireless communications. You can even plug in your old, trusty analog headphones to either model. These two devices are very similar at first glance, so what makes one better than the other?
Samsung Galaxy A71 vs Galaxy A51: Hardware Specs
| Model | Samsung Galaxy A71 | Samsung Galaxy A51 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Snapdragon 730 | Exynos 9611 |
| RAM | 6GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB (MicroSD expandable) | 64GB (MicroSD expandable) |
| Display | 6.7" FullHD+ Super AMOLED | 6.5" FullHD+ Super AMOLED |
| Rear Cam (Main) | 64 MP | 48 MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Price (as of December 2023) | $349.99 | $249.99 |
Samsung Galaxy A71 vs. Galaxy A51: Performance
The cheaper Samsung Galaxy A51 includes 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, which is satisfactory for most mobile users. The more expensive Galaxy A71 is ideal for avid photographers who want fast photography and in-camera effects delivered by more RAM, twice as much storage space and a larger screen. Although both displays feature full HD resolution and impressive Super AMOLED colour reproduction, the extra size on the Galaxy A71 makes viewing (and showing off) your photos much more enjoyable.
Samsung Galaxy A71 vs. Galaxy A51: Cameras
Speaking of cameras, both the Galaxy A71 and Galaxy A51 use Quad Camera layouts on the rear of the device. The only significant difference between them is the main camera (used for most shots). The Galaxy A51 uses a 48MP primary lens while the Galaxy A71 offers a 64MP premium lens and pulls in more light. That’s valuable if you normally take photos indoors or at night. Both models include a 12MP ultrawide camera, 5MP depth macro lens for extreme closeups and a 5MP depth sensor to improve portrait photography.
Samsung Galaxy A71 vs. Galaxy A51: Battery Life
Either model will give you a full day of power, but there’s 12.5% more juice in the Galaxy A71 battery compared to the Galaxy A51. Additional performance optimizations and processing speed from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 compared to Samsung’s Exynos 9611 gives the Galaxy A71 an even bigger advantage with more battery life. The Galaxy A51 offers 15W fast charging, and the Galaxy A71 offers 25W super-fast charging; neither model offers wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy A71 vs. Galaxy A51: Verdict
The Galaxy A71 generally costs more than the Galaxy A51. If you don’t mind the oversized screen, the extra few bucks for the Samsung Galaxy A71 is worth the money to get more battery life and a better camera experience.
Samsung Galaxy A71
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.7" |
| Available On | 13 Plans from 1 carrier |
| Available From |
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| Priced From | $34 per month + $710 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Android 10.0 device with 6.7" Infinity-O Super AMOLED Plus display, octa-core processor and 64MP quad camera.
Samsung Galaxy A51
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.5" |
| Available On | 13 Plans from 1 carrier |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $34 per month + $560 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Android 10.0 device with 6.5" FHD+ Infinity-O Super AMOLED display, octa-core processor and 48MP quad camera.
Samsung Low-end Phones: Galaxy A21 vs. Galaxy A11
Low-end smartphones are a good option when you haven’t upgraded your device for four or more years. Just a few hundred dollars and you get a new device with a larger screen, modern features, and newer software updates to keep your data secure. Both the Samsung Galaxy A21 and Galaxy A11 offer 32GB of onboard storage, but if your old phone has a microSD expansion card then bring it over. You can even use the Samsung Smart Switch software to transfer your old photos, contacts, and settings. The layout on your new phone will look just like your old phone.
Both the Samsung Galaxy A21 and Galaxy A11 feature a fingerprint sensor on the back, use low-cost LCD screens with HD+ resolution, and can connect to all Canadian mobile 4G LTE networks.
Samsung Galaxy A21 vs Galaxy A11: Hardware Specs
| Model | Samsung Galaxy A21 | Samsung Galaxy A11 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | MediaTek Helio P35 | Snapdragon 450 |
| RAM | 3GB | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB (MicroSD expandable) | 32GB (MicroSD expandable) |
| Display | 6.5" HD+ IPS LCD | 6.4" HD+ PLS LCD |
| Rear Cam (Main) | 16 MP | 13 MP |
| Selfie Cam | 13 MP | 8 MP |
| Price (as of December 2023) | No longer available from carriers | $179.99 |
Samsung Galaxy A21 vs. Galaxy A11: Performance
Although the Snapdragon processor in the cheap Galaxy A11 can match its competition when it comes to 3D gaming, faster overall performance in the Galaxy A21 gives it the edge. The difference in RAM may seem insignificant, but 3GB is the bare minimum you want in a modern smartphone. The Galaxy A11 only includes 2GB of RAM, which will limit multitasking and can result in slow performance when switching between apps on the super-sized screen. The display on the Galaxy A21 is 6.5” compared to the Galaxy A11 which is a bit smaller at 6.4”. Both devices use 720p resolution LCD displays with a good balance between colour reproduction, power efficiency, and price.
Samsung Galaxy A21 vs. Galaxy A11: Cameras
The primary rear and front cameras on the Samsung Galaxy A21 are 16MP and 13MP respectively. The Galaxy A11 features a respectable 13MP main camera and 8MP selfie cam. Both smartphone models include ultra-wide cameras (8MP on the Galaxy A21 and 5MP on the Galaxy A11) and 2MP depth-sensing cameras to help get the perfect shot. Choosing an upgrade to the Galaxy A21 also adds a 2MP macro lens for high detail in closeup shots.
Samsung Galaxy A21 vs. Galaxy A11: Battery Life
No matter which phone you choose, you’ll enjoy all-day use since both phones include large 4000 mAh batteries. If you consider yourself a power user or take lots of photos, we recommend getting the Galaxy A21. The faster processor can keep up while the Galaxy A11 will need to run at full power for longer to accomplish the same amount of work. Any low-power Bluetooth 5.0 accessories will work better with the Galaxy A21 too, as the Galaxy A11 only supports Bluetooth 4.1.
Samsung Galaxy A21 vs. Galaxy A11: Verdict
Both these phones offer premium features like multiple cameras, lots of battery life and large displays for less than a dollar per day on two-year plans. Canadians looking for something that fits easily in their pocket may need to look elsewhere as the oversized 6.4” and 6.5” displays can be uncomfortable to carry around.
While the Samsung Galaxy A21 feels like Samsung’s best attempt to create a low-cost smartphone that still checks the boxes for premium features, the Galaxy A11 appears to be an attempt to create the cheapest phone possible. If your old phone barely holds a charge and you’re not interested in spending $500+ on a new phone, the Galaxy A21 is a great option that gets you up to date. The Galaxy A11 is only a good option if you have no interest in spending more than a couple hundred dollars, but then you have other options too.
Samsung Galaxy A21
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.5" |
| Available On | 0 Plans from 0 carriers |
| Available From |
|
| View Full Details |
Android 10 smartphone with an immersive 6.5 Infinity O-Display and Quad Rear Cameras with Wide, Ultra wide angle + Depth and Macro Lens
Samsung Galaxy A11
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.4" |
| Available On | 3 Plans from 1 carrier |
| Available From |
|
| Priced From | $45 per month + $250 upfront |
| View Full Details |
Android 10 smartphone with an immersive 6.4" Infinity O-Display, 13MP + 5MP + 2MP Triple Rear Camera with 1.8 GHz octa-core CPU and 2GB RAM
Bonus Round: Samsung Galaxy A51 vs. Galaxy A21
Since these two models retail only $110 apart, it’s reasonable to consider the differences between the powerful low-end Galaxy A21 and reasonably priced midrange Galaxy A51.
Side-by-side, the Galaxy A51 performs significantly better than the Galaxy A21 in almost every way. It has a faster CPU with more RAM, twice as much storage, 2x the resolution on a crisp OLED display with inscreen fingerprint sensor, records 4K video on a 48MP camera and selfies look better thanks to the 32MP front shooter.
If your phone is an extension of yourself and you use it a lot throughout the day, the Galaxy A51 is the cheapest Samsung smartphone you should consider. If you just need something to stay connected and take a couple photos from time-to-time, the Galaxy A21 is a good deal and you can finally upgrade that ancient cell phone you bought years ago.
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