Oneplus 8 Vs Samsung A71 Is The Extra Cost Really Worth It

Choosing between the OnePlus 8 and the Samsung Galaxy A71 can feel like balancing desire against practicality. One is a flagship-grade device from a brand known for speed and minimal bloatware; the other is a mid-range contender with solid specs and a much lower price tag. The OnePlus 8 typically costs around $500–$600 used or refurbished, while the A71 often retails under $350. That’s a significant gap. But does what you gain justify what you spend?

This isn’t just about raw numbers. It’s about how those numbers translate into daily use—how smoothly your phone runs, how long the battery lasts, how good your photos look, and whether the build quality holds up over time. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to determine if the OnePlus 8’s premium is truly justified.

Performance: Flagship Power vs Mid-Range Efficiency

The most immediate difference lies in processing power. The OnePlus 8 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, a true flagship chipset that was top-tier when both phones launched. Paired with up to 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, it delivers snappy multitasking, seamless app launches, and excellent gaming performance even with high-end titles at max settings.

In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A71 uses the Exynos 9611—a capable but far more modest processor built on a 10nm process. While it handles everyday tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media without issue, it stumbles under sustained loads. Apps reload more frequently, games require lowered graphics settings, and multitasking feels less fluid.

Tip: If you regularly play mobile games, edit photos, or keep dozens of apps open, the Snapdragon 865 in the OnePlus 8 will deliver a noticeably smoother experience.

Real-world impact? On the A71, switching between Instagram, Chrome, and Spotify might trigger reloading screens after a few minutes. On the OnePlus 8, those same apps stay active in memory, ready instantly. Over months of use, this consistency adds up to a more satisfying user experience.

Display Quality and Design

Both phones feature large, vibrant AMOLED displays—a rarity in the mid-range segment, which makes the A71 stand out. The A71 has a 6.7-inch FHD+ (1080x2400) Super AMOLED display with a punch-hole front camera. Colors are rich, blacks are deep, and viewing angles are strong. However, the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, meaning animations aren’t as smooth during scrolling or gaming.

The OnePlus 8 counters with a slightly smaller 6.55-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED display—but it runs at 90Hz. This higher refresh rate makes every interaction feel more responsive and fluid. Scrolling through feeds, swiping through menus, or playing fast-paced games benefits from the buttery-smooth motion. OnePlus also used Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back, giving it better durability than the A71’s plastic-backed design.

“Higher refresh rates change how you perceive responsiveness. Once you go 90Hz, going back to 60Hz feels sluggish.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Designer

Design-wise, the OnePlus 8 feels more premium. Its glass back and aluminum frame offer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The A71, while attractive, uses plastic throughout, making it lighter but less durable and more prone to scratches.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Photography

On paper, the A71 appears competitive: a 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. In practice, however, image processing lags behind. Photos in daylight are sharp but often oversharpened, with exaggerated contrast. Low-light performance is inconsistent—images get noisy quickly, and night mode takes several seconds to process.

The OnePlus 8 uses a 48MP main sensor (Sony IMX586), a 16MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP monochrome sensor. While the megapixel count is lower, the software tuning and larger pixel size result in more natural color reproduction and better dynamic range. Its Nightscape mode produces cleaner, more balanced low-light shots with less grain.

Feature	OnePlus 8	Samsung A71
Main Sensor	48MP (Sony IMX586)	64MP
Ultra-Wide	16MP	12MP
Night Mode Quality	Excellent detail, low noise	Moderate noise, slower processing
Video Recording	4K@30/60fps, OIS + EIS	4K@30fps, digital stabilization only
Front Camera	16MP	32MP

The front camera favors selfies with heavy skin smoothing by default, though this can be adjusted. The OnePlus 8 offers more natural-looking portraits with better edge detection and background blur.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography Test

Alex, a travel blogger, tested both phones on a weekend trip through mountainous terrain. During golden hour, the OnePlus 8 captured more balanced exposures with richer sky detail. In dimly lit restaurants, its Nightscape mode produced usable images without excessive blur. The A71 struggled with blown-out highlights and required multiple attempts to get a stable shot in low light. For content creators, the difference in reliability matters.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The Samsung A71 packs a 4,500mAh battery—larger than the OnePlus 8’s 4,300mAh unit. In theory, that should mean longer endurance. In practice, the A71’s 60Hz screen and less efficient Exynos chip don’t fully capitalize on the capacity advantage.

With moderate use (messaging, music, 1–2 hours of video), the A71 lasts about 1.5 days. The OnePlus 8 manages a full day with some reserve, depending on usage intensity. Where the OnePlus shines is charging: Warp Charge 30T delivers a full charge in under an hour. The A71 supports only 25W fast charging officially (though many use third-party chargers), and lacks reverse charging or advanced power management features.

Tip: If you hate waiting for your phone to charge, the OnePlus 8’s 30-minute charge-to-full capability is a game-changer.

Software, Updates, and Longevity

OnePlus ships OxygenOS (now merged into ColorOS but still clean), known for its near-stock Android experience, minimal pre-installed apps, and fast update rollouts. The OnePlus 8 received three major Android upgrades (Android 10 to Android 13) and four years of security patches—excellent for a 2020 device.

Samsung promises four years of OS updates for select devices, but the A71—despite being popular—is only guaranteed two major OS upgrades (from Android 10 to Android 12). Security updates are monthly for a period, then taper off. By 2024, the A71 no longer receives regular patches, limiting its lifespan and security.

This affects long-term usability. A phone running outdated software becomes vulnerable to exploits and may stop supporting newer versions of banking, messaging, or productivity apps. The OnePlus 8, even today, remains compatible with most modern services thanks to its updated OS base.

Checklist: Which Phone Is Right for You?

• Choose the OnePlus 8 if:
  • You want flagship-level performance for gaming or multitasking
  • Smooth scrolling and 90Hz matter to you
  • You plan to keep your phone for 3+ years
  • You value faster charging and better software support
• Choose the Samsung A71 if:
  • You’re on a tight budget (under $300)
  • You mostly use basic apps and social media
  • You prefer a larger screen and longer theoretical battery life
  • You don’t mind trading longevity for upfront savings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the OnePlus 8 still worth buying in 2024?

Yes, especially if purchased secondhand under $300. Its Snapdragon 865, 90Hz display, and clean software make it surprisingly capable even now. With Android 13 and continued security support until late 2024, it remains functional for most users.

Does the Samsung A71 support 5G?

No, neither the standard A71 nor its variants include 5G connectivity. If future-proofing for network speeds is important, the OnePlus 8 supports 5G on certain carrier models, giving it an edge.

Which phone has better speakers?

The OnePlus 8 has stereo speakers tuned by Dirac HD, delivering louder, clearer audio with noticeable bass separation. The A71 relies on a single bottom-firing speaker, resulting in flatter sound and easier muffling when held horizontally.

Conclusion: Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

The OnePlus 8 costs more—often 40–60% above the A71—but it delivers where it counts: performance, display smoothness, software longevity, and charging speed. For users who rely on their phone as a primary tool for work, creativity, or entertainment, the investment pays off in daily usability and long-term reliability.

The Samsung A71 is a commendable mid-ranger with a great screen and decent camera for casual use. But its limitations in processing power, software updates, and overall refinement become apparent over time. If you upgrade every 18–24 months, the A71 may suffice. But if you want a device that lasts three years or more without slowing down, the OnePlus 8 is the smarter buy—even at a higher initial cost.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Consider the total cost of ownership: a slightly pricier phone that lasts longer often saves money—and frustration—in the long run. Share your thoughts below: have you made this choice before?