Nokia 7 1 Vs Samsung A8 Was Upgrading Really Worth It

When you're holding onto a phone like the Nokia 7.1—known for its clean Android experience and solid build—the decision to upgrade isn't taken lightly. The Samsung Galaxy A8, released around the same era, promised more modern features, a sleek design, and better multimedia capabilities. But does the reality match the promise? For users considering or reflecting on this specific upgrade path, the answer isn’t always straightforward. This in-depth analysis compares both devices across key categories: hardware, software, camera performance, battery life, and overall user experience—to determine whether switching from the Nokia 7.1 to the Samsung A8 was truly worth it.

Design and Build Quality: Substance vs. Style

The Nokia 7.1, launched in late 2018, featured a minimalist aluminum unibody with a near-stock Android interface under the Android One program. Its design prioritized durability and simplicity. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2018) leaned into aesthetics with a glass front and back, a slimmer profile, and an infinity display that gave it a more premium look at first glance.

However, style came at a cost. The A8’s glass body made it more prone to cracks and required a case for everyday protection. The Nokia 7.1, while less flashy, felt sturdier in hand and resisted minor drops better. Both phones had similar dimensions, but the A8’s curved edges and thinner frame made it slightly more comfortable for prolonged use.

Tip: If you prioritize longevity over aesthetics, a metal-bodied phone like the Nokia 7.1 may serve you better in the long run.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the Nokia 7.1 was powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636—a reliable mid-range chipset at the time—paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. It ran Android 8.1 out of the box, later upgraded to Android 10 with monthly security patches thanks to its Android One status.

The Samsung Galaxy A8 used the Exynos 7885, which offered comparable CPU performance but lagged slightly in GPU efficiency. While both devices handled daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media well, the A8 struggled more with multitasking and heavier apps over time. Samsung’s heavier skin (TouchWiz/Experience) also contributed to slower app launches and occasional UI hiccups.

Software updates were where the Nokia pulled significantly ahead. Android One meant faster OS upgrades and longer support. The Galaxy A8 received only two major Android updates (from 7 to 9), while the Nokia 7.1 reached Android 10—offering improved privacy controls, dark mode, and better background management.

“Timely software updates are as important as raw performance. A phone that stays current is inherently more valuable.” — Linus Lee, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

On paper, the Samsung Galaxy A8 seemed superior with its 16MP front-facing “selfie” camera and dual rear setup (16MP + 5MP depth sensor). The Nokia 7.1, meanwhile, had a single 12MP rear sensor and an 8MP front camera. But megapixels don’t tell the whole story.

In daylight, both phones produced acceptable photos, though the Nokia’s images were more natural with accurate color reproduction thanks to Zeiss-tuned optics. The A8 tended to oversharpen and over-saturate, especially in portrait mode, where edge detection often failed on hair or glasses.

Night photography revealed a bigger gap. The Nokia 7.1 lacked Night Mode initially (added later via update), but its larger pixel size captured more light. The A8’s night shots were noisier and suffered from inconsistent HDR blending. Front camera performance favored the A8 in well-lit conditions due to its higher resolution, but in low light, both struggled.

Feature	Nokia 7.1	Samsung A8
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8, Zeiss optics	16MP + 5MP depth
Front Camera	8MP f/2.0	16MP f/1.9
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps
Night Mode	Late firmware addition	No official mode
Low-Light Performance	Better dynamic range	Overexposed highlights

Battery Life and Charging

The Nokia 7.1 packed a 3060mAh battery, while the A8 had a slightly larger 3000mAh unit. Despite the smaller capacity, the Nokia consistently delivered longer screen-on time—often lasting a full day with moderate use. This was due to efficient power management, lighter software, and adaptive brightness.

The A8, with its brighter AMOLED display and background-heavy Samsung services, drained faster. Heavy users reported needing a top-up by late afternoon. Neither device supported fast charging out of the box, relying on standard 5V/2A adapters. However, the Nokia’s inclusion of USB-C (vs. micro-USB on some A8 variants) gave it a slight edge in future-proofing.

Tip: Enable battery saver early in the day to extend usability—especially on older mid-range devices like these.

Mini Case Study: One User’s Upgrade Journey

Mark, a freelance photographer based in Manchester, used his Nokia 7.1 for nearly two years before upgrading to the Samsung A8. His goal was better selfie quality for client previews and social media content. Initially impressed by the A8’s screen and front camera resolution, he quickly noticed issues.

“I loved how my face looked in good lighting,” Mark said. “But indoors, the camera blew out my background, and the phone got warm during shoots. After three months, I found myself missing the stability of my Nokia. Apps didn’t crash as often, and the battery lasted longer when I was on location.”

He eventually returned the A8 and switched to a newer model with better optimization. His takeaway? “Specs matter, but consistency matters more. Just because a phone has a higher MP count doesn’t mean it performs better in real life.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before making a switch between phones of this generation, consider the following checklist to assess whether the upgrade adds real value:

• ✅ Do you need a better front camera for video calls or vlogging?
• ✅ Is a slimmer, more modern design important for your daily carry?
• ✅ Are you willing to sacrifice software longevity for short-term visual appeal?
• ✅ Does your current phone struggle with app performance or lack essential features?
• ✅ Can you accept shorter battery life in exchange for an AMOLED display?
• ✅ Will the new device receive timely updates and security patches?

If most of your answers are “no,” then upgrading from the Nokia 7.1 to the A8 may not be justified. The differences are largely cosmetic, and in several areas—including long-term software support and battery efficiency—the Nokia holds up better even years later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A8 still run modern apps smoothly?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Chrome work, but newer versions of Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook may lag or crash frequently. Multitasking is limited due to aging RAM management and processor constraints.

Which phone has better long-term value?

The Nokia 7.1 offers better long-term value due to extended Android updates, cleaner software, and more durable construction. Even today, refurbished units maintain reliability for light users.

Was the Samsung A8 overpriced for its specs?

At launch, yes. Priced competitively with higher-end models, the A8 delivered mid-tier performance with premium branding. Many reviewers noted it was a “style-first” device lacking substance compared to rivals like the Nokia 7.1 or Pixel 3a.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For users seeking a modest improvement in display quality and selfie performance, the jump to the Samsung Galaxy A8 might have felt satisfying—at first. But once the novelty wore off, the shortcomings became apparent: shorter software support, inconsistent camera processing, and weaker battery endurance.

The Nokia 7.1, though less glamorous, provided a more balanced, sustainable experience. Its adherence to stock Android, regular updates, and thoughtful hardware choices made it a smarter long-term investment. Upgrading to the A8 wasn’t a downgrade, but it wasn’t a meaningful step forward either.

If you’re evaluating a similar decision today—whether between older mid-range phones or newer budget models—ask yourself: are you upgrading for real improvements, or just for the feeling of something new? Often, the most practical choice isn’t the flashiest one.

🚀 Still using a trusted older phone? Share your experience below—was your last upgrade truly worth it, or did simplicity win in the end?