Samsung A20 Vs A11 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung releases new budget smartphones in quick succession, it’s natural to wonder whether the latest model truly improves on its predecessor—or if it's just a rebrand with minor tweaks. The Samsung Galaxy A11 and Galaxy A20 sit close together in Samsung’s entry-level lineup, both launched within months of each other in 2020. While they share many similarities, subtle differences in design, performance, and software support can influence long-term satisfaction. For users weighing an upgrade or choosing between used models today, understanding these nuances is critical.

The A11 succeeded the A20 as part of Samsung’s effort to refine its budget offerings. But does “newer” automatically mean “better”? Let’s break down every key aspect—from display and camera to battery life and software—to determine whether the A11 delivers meaningful improvements over the A20.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, both phones look nearly identical. They feature plastic bodies, tall 6.4-inch displays with teardrop notches, and rear-mounted fingerprint sensors. However, closer inspection reveals small but notable differences.

The A11 has slightly more rounded edges and a softer matte finish on the back, which makes it more comfortable to hold. The A20, while functional, feels a bit more utilitarian with its glossy back that attracts fingerprints easily. Both are lightweight—A11 at 167g and A20 at 169g—but the A11 balances better in hand due to improved ergonomics.

Neither phone is water-resistant, nor do they have IP ratings, so exposure to moisture should be avoided. Buttons are similarly placed and tactile, though some users report the A11’s power button requires slightly less pressure.

Tip: Use a protective case even if the phone feels sturdy—plastic builds scratch easily and don’t absorb impact well.

Display and Screen Experience

Both devices sport a 6.4-inch PLS LCD Infinity-V display with HD+ resolution (720 x 1560). On paper, they’re identical, but real-world usage shows slight variations in color accuracy and brightness.

The A11 tends to have a warmer default color profile, which some find easier on the eyes during prolonged reading. The A20, by contrast, leans cooler and may appear slightly more vivid, though this can lead to oversaturation in certain apps.

In direct sunlight, neither screen excels. Peak brightness is limited, making outdoor visibility a challenge without seeking shade. However, both support adaptive brightness, which helps manage eye strain indoors.

Screen Comparison Summary

Feature	Samsung A20	Samsung A11
Size	6.4 inches	6.4 inches
Resolution	HD+ (720x1560)	HD+ (720x1560)
Panel Type	PLS LCD	PLS LCD
Brightness (typical)	400 nits	400 nits
Color Calibration	Cooler tone	Warmer, natural tone

Performance and Everyday Usability

This is where the differences become more tangible. The A20 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, an older octa-core processor built on a 14nm process, paired with 3GB of RAM. The A11 upgrades to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450’s successor: the **Snapdragon 439**, also octa-core but optimized for better power efficiency and slightly improved GPU performance.

While neither chip handles heavy gaming or multitasking smoothly, the A11 manages everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and video streaming with fewer stutters. Apps open about half a second faster on average, and transitions feel marginally smoother thanks to minor optimizations in system animations.

Both phones come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512GB. However, the A11 benefits from being launched with Android 10 out of the box, compared to the A20’s Android 9 Pie. This means longer software support potential and access to newer security patches—at least initially.

“Even small processor improvements in budget phones can extend usability by six to twelve months.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Capabilities: Real-World Photography

On paper, both phones offer triple rear cameras, but only one setup includes an ultra-wide lens. Here’s the breakdown:

• Samsung A20: 8MP main + 5MP depth sensor + 5MP ultra-wide
• Samsung A11: 13MP main + 2MP depth sensor + 2MP macro

The A20 wins in versatility with its true ultra-wide lens, useful for landscapes and group shots. The A11 compensates with a higher-resolution main sensor, producing sharper daylight photos with better detail retention. However, in low light, both struggle with noise and poor dynamic range.

The A11’s macro lens is largely gimmicky—images are soft and lack focus precision. Meanwhile, the A20’s ultra-wide, while lower resolution, captures usable wide-angle shots that many users actually prefer.

Front cameras are comparable: 8MP on both, with basic portrait mode and HDR support. Selfies are adequate under good lighting but grainy when dim.

Which Camera Setup Is Better?

Depends on your priorities. If you value variety and framing options, the A20’s ultra-wide is more practical. If you want clearer standard shots in daylight, the A11’s 13MP sensor pulls ahead.

Tip: Clean your lenses regularly—dust and smudges degrade image quality more than hardware differences on budget phones.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery capacity is identical: **4000mAh** in both models. However, real-world endurance varies due to software and processor efficiency.

The A11 typically lasts about 30–45 minutes longer on a single charge, thanks to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 439 and Android 10’s background app management. With moderate use—social media, calls, music, and some video—you can expect a full day and a half from the A11 versus just over a day from the A20.

Charging speed is unchanged: both support 15W fast charging but ship with only a 10W charger. You’ll need about 2 hours to go from 0% to 100%. Neither supports wireless charging.

Battery Performance Checklist

1. Enable Adaptive Battery to limit background drain
2. Lower screen brightness manually instead of relying on auto-brightness
3. Turn off Bluetooth and GPS when not in use
4. Use Dark Mode in supported apps to reduce LCD power consumption
5. Avoid full discharges; recharge before dropping below 20%

Software Support and Longevity

Here’s where the A11 gains a significant edge. Launched with Android 10, it received two major OS updates (up to Android 12), whereas the A20 started on Android 9 and topped out at Android 11. This means the A11 enjoys longer security patch support and better compatibility with modern apps.

By 2024, both devices are past official update cycles, but the A11 remains slightly more secure and stable due to its later end-of-support timeline. App developers increasingly optimize for Android 11+, so the A11 handles newer versions of WhatsApp, Google Maps, and banking apps more reliably.

If you plan to use the phone beyond two years, the A11 offers a more future-proof experience—even if the hardware difference is minimal.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria bought a Samsung A20 in early 2020 for her mother, who uses it primarily for calls, messages, and watching YouTube. By late 2022, the phone began lagging—apps crashed frequently, and the camera struggled with newer lighting conditions. She considered replacing it with a used A11, priced only $20 more.

After testing both side-by-side, she noticed the A11 booted faster, handled WhatsApp video calls more smoothly, and had noticeably better battery life. Despite similar specs, the real-world improvement justified the small price bump. She made the switch—and her mother reported fewer frustrations with frozen screens and slow responses.

For light users, such marginal gains can significantly enhance daily usability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A11 better than the A20 overall?

Yes, but incrementally. The A11 offers better software support, slightly improved performance, and longer battery life. It lacks the ultra-wide camera of the A20, but gains in system responsiveness make it the better long-term choice.

Can either phone run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, and YouTube work, but expect occasional lag. Heavy apps like TikTok or mobile games (e.g., Genshin Impact) will run poorly or not at all. These are not future-proof devices for demanding users.

Should I upgrade from A20 to A11 today?

If your A20 still works well, upgrading isn’t necessary. The improvements are subtle. However, if you're buying secondhand and the prices are similar, the A11 is the smarter pick due to its extended software lifecycle.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer Model Worth It?

The Samsung A11 isn’t a revolutionary upgrade over the A20—it doesn’t introduce new features or dramatically improve hardware. But it refines what came before with smarter software, better efficiency, and a longer support window. For users prioritizing reliability and longevity over raw specs, the A11 is worth the slight premium.

That said, if you already own an A20 and it meets your needs, there’s no urgent reason to replace it. The real value lies in choosing between them when purchasing used or refurbished units. In that scenario, the A11 represents a more sustainable, slightly more capable option.

Ultimately, “newer” doesn’t always mean “much better,” but in this case, the A11 earns its place as the superior budget device—not through leaps, but through thoughtful iteration.

🚀 Ready to make an informed decision? Compare used prices, check battery health, and prioritize software history when choosing between budget Samsung models. Share your experience in the comments!