Oneplus 6 Vs Samsung A50 Three Years Later Is The A50 Still Worth It

It’s been over three years since the OnePlus 6 and Samsung Galaxy A50 hit the market. At launch, they represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design: the OnePlus 6 focused on flagship-level speed and minimalism, while the A50 leaned into mid-range value with modern features like an AMOLED display and triple cameras. Now, in 2024, neither device receives official updates, and their hardware has aged. But for users holding onto older devices or considering a second-hand purchase, the question remains — is the Samsung A50 still worth it today when compared to a once-flagship like the OnePlus 6?

The answer isn’t just about specs. It’s about daily usability, app compatibility, battery longevity, and how well each phone handles modern software demands.

Performance and Hardware: Then vs. Now

The OnePlus 6 launched in 2018 powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, one of the most capable chips of its generation. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM and UFS 2.1 storage, it delivered smooth multitasking and excellent gaming performance. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A50 arrived in 2019 with the Exynos 9610 — a solid mid-range processor but no match for the 845 in raw power.

Fast forward to 2024, and both processors are outdated by current standards. However, the Snapdragon 845 still holds up better under load. Users report that the OnePlus 6 can still run Instagram, WhatsApp, Chrome, and even light games like Subway Surfers without major hiccups. The Exynos 9610, while functional for basic tasks, struggles more with background app switching and newer versions of Android-heavy apps.

Tip: If you're using either phone today, disable animations in Developer Options to improve perceived responsiveness.

Benchmark Comparison (Approximate Averages)

Device	Processor	RAM	Antutu (v8)	Real-World UX (2024)
OnePlus 6	Snapdragon 845	6/8GB	~270,000	Good for basics, slow in multitasking
Samsung A50	Exynos 9610	4/6GB	~160,000	Lags with multiple apps, occasional stutters

While benchmarks tell part of the story, real-world usage reveals deeper insights. The OnePlus 6 benefits from cleaner OxygenOS software, which was lightweight and fast. The A50 runs Samsung’s One UI, which has grown increasingly resource-heavy over time, making it harder for the Exynos chip to keep up.

Software and Security: The Update Gap

Software support is where the gap widens significantly. The OnePlus 6 received three major Android updates (up to Android 11) and security patches until early 2021. The Samsung A50 also got three OS upgrades (up to Android 12) and regular security updates until late 2022 — slightly longer than the OnePlus 6.

However, neither phone currently receives any official security patches. This poses a risk, especially if used for banking, shopping, or storing sensitive data. Without timely updates, vulnerabilities remain unpatched, increasing exposure to malware and phishing attacks.

“Phones without ongoing security updates should never be used as primary devices for financial transactions.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

That said, some third-party custom ROMs like LineageOS still support both devices. The OnePlus 6 has broader community backing, with stable builds of Android 13 available. The A50 has limited but functional options, though installation is more complex due to Samsung’s locked bootloader and Knox security.

Battery Life and Charging After Years of Use

Both phones came with 3,700mAh batteries, but their aging profiles differ. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, typically losing 20–30% capacity after three years of regular charging.

OnePlus 6 owners often report needing midday charges even with light use, especially if the battery hasn’t been cycled properly. The A50, while starting with similar capacity, benefits from slightly better power management in One UI and adaptive brightness. Still, long-term A50 users note swelling batteries and reduced hold times.

Tip: Avoid charging to 100% every night. Keeping battery between 20% and 80% slows degradation.

Charging Technology

• OnePlus 6: Supports Dash Charge (5V/4A), ~60% in 30 minutes
• Samsung A50: Supports Fast Charging (15W), ~50% in 30 minutes

Dash Charge remains faster and cooler than Samsung’s solution, giving the OnePlus 6 an edge in daily convenience — assuming the battery health is still decent.

Camera Performance in 2024

The camera race has evolved dramatically since 2018–2019, but let’s assess these phones realistically today.

The OnePlus 6 featured a dual rear setup: 16MP main + 20MP telephoto. Its photos were sharp in daylight with natural color tuning. Low-light performance was average, with noise and loss of detail. Video maxed out at 4K@30fps.

The A50 introduced a triple camera: 25MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, and 5MP depth. While megapixels were higher, sensor quality and processing were weaker. Photos often appear oversharpened and washed out, especially indoors. The ultra-wide lens adds versatility but lacks clarity at edges.

In 2024, neither camera matches entry-level modern smartphones like the Pixel 7a or even budget Redmi models. However, for casual snapshots and social media uploads, both are usable — provided lighting is good.

“I still use my old OnePlus 6 for quick notes and QR codes. The camera works fine for barcodes and whiteboards, but I wouldn’t trust it for portraits anymore.” — Rajiv Mehta, tech educator and minimalist gadget user

Is the Samsung A50 Still Worth It Today?

For most users, the answer is nuanced. The A50 made waves in 2019 with its sleek glass design, in-display fingerprint sensor, and AMOLED screen — all rare in its price range. Three years later, those features feel dated, but the display remains a highlight. Its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, outclassing many current LCD-based budget phones.

However, the Exynos 9610 bottleneck becomes apparent when opening large files, loading maps, or using navigation apps. Multitasking is sluggish, and app reloads are frequent. Coupled with the lack of updates, the A50 feels increasingly fragile in a modern digital ecosystem.

Compared to the OnePlus 6, the A50 loses in performance, update longevity, and software efficiency. Yet, it wins in display size, speaker loudness, and microSD expandability (up to 512GB). If you need a secondary device for music, videos, or as a kid’s phone, the A50 could still serve — but only if priced under $60 used and paired with careful usage habits.

Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Usable in 2024?

1. Can it boot up reliably within 30 seconds?
2. Does it run WhatsApp, Gmail, and your bank app without crashing?
3. Is the battery holding at least 70% of its original capacity?
4. Have you installed apps only from trusted sources (Google Play, APKMirror)?
5. Are you avoiding sensitive logins or storing passwords locally?

FAQ

Can the Samsung A50 run TikTok and Instagram Reels smoothly?

Basic scrolling works, but video loading and transitions may stutter. Stories and DMs function, but prolonged use leads to overheating and slowdowns. Not ideal for heavy social media use.

Should I buy a used A50 or OnePlus 6 in 2024?

Only if free or very cheap (under $50) and for non-critical tasks. Consider refurbished newer models like the Pixel 6a or Samsung A14 instead — they offer better security, battery life, and performance at similar prices.

Can I upgrade the OS on either phone unofficially?

Yes. The OnePlus 6 supports custom ROMs like LineageOS 20 (Android 13). The A50 has limited builds (e.g., crDroid), but flashing requires unlocking the bootloader, which voids Knox and disables secure services like Samsung Pay.

Final Verdict and Recommendation

The Samsung Galaxy A50 was a strong mid-ranger in 2019, but three years later, it no longer offers meaningful value over newer budget alternatives. While its AMOLED screen and design were ahead of their time, the Exynos 9610 and bloated One UI make it a frustrating daily driver in 2024.

The OnePlus 6, despite being a year older, performs better due to superior hardware and lighter software. It remains more responsive, charges faster, and enjoys stronger community development support.

If you’re clinging to either device, ask yourself: what role does it play? For emergency calls, offline music, or as a dedicated e-reader, both can survive. But for anything involving apps, security, or connectivity, upgrading is not just advisable — it’s necessary.

🚀 Ready to move on? Even modest upgrades like the iPhone SE (2022) or Pixel 7a deliver vastly better performance, security, and peace of mind. Don’t let nostalgia compromise your digital safety — explore affordable modern alternatives today.