Samsung A23 Vs A71 Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The A71 Still Good In Current Year

Choosing between upgrading to a newer Samsung model or sticking with a reliable older one can be tough—especially when budget and long-term usability are key factors. The Samsung Galaxy A23 and A71 represent two very different generations of mid-range smartphones, released years apart yet still found in active use today. With software updates, app demands, and hardware expectations evolving rapidly, it's fair to ask: is moving from the A71 to the A23 actually beneficial? Or does the A71 still hold up in 2024?

This breakdown compares both phones across critical categories—performance, camera quality, battery life, software support, and real-world usability—to give you a clear picture of whether an upgrade makes sense for your needs.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Shift

The Galaxy A71 launched in early 2020 with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G processor, 6GB of RAM, and options for 128GB storage. At the time, it was positioned as a premium mid-ranger with smooth multitasking and solid gaming performance. Fast forward to 2023, and the Galaxy A23 arrived with the MediaTek Helio G99, 4GB to 6GB RAM, and similar storage configurations. On paper, these specs look comparable, but real-world usage tells a different story.

The Snapdragon 730G remains more efficient than the Helio G99 in sustained workloads, particularly with thermal management. However, the A23 benefits from being built on a newer platform with optimized firmware, better memory management, and improved app launch speeds due to updated Android versions out of the box.

Tip: If you frequently use social media, streaming apps, or light gaming, the A23’s fresher software and faster app response times may feel smoother despite slightly weaker raw CPU power.

Benchmark Comparison (Average Scores)

Device	Processor	Antutu Score	Geekbench 5 (Single/Multi)
Samsung Galaxy A71	Snapdragon 730G	~280,000	580 / 1,750
Samsung Galaxy A23	Helio G99	~310,000	620 / 2,000

While the A23 shows higher benchmark numbers, real-life performance depends heavily on software optimization. Users report that the A23 handles background tasks more efficiently thanks to One UI 5+ and Android 13, whereas the A71, stuck on Android 12 with no further major updates, struggles with app bloat and slower wake-up responses over time.

Camera Quality: Evolution vs Experience

The A71 was praised at launch for its quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. Its main shooter delivered vibrant colors and decent low-light performance. The A23, meanwhile, features a 50MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. On spec sheets, this seems like a downgrade—but practical results tell another tale.

The A23 uses pixel-binning technology (combining four pixels into one) to produce cleaner 12.5MP images with better dynamic range. In daylight, photos are sharper and more balanced. Low-light performance has also improved due to enhanced HDR processing and night mode algorithms. While the A71’s ultra-wide lens offers a wider field of view, the A23’s is more consistent in edge clarity and color matching.

“Even if the megapixel count drops, modern image signal processors and AI tuning often deliver better real-world photo quality.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Asia

• A71 Strengths: Larger ultra-wide sensor, natural skin tones, strong detail in good lighting.
• A23 Advantages: Better noise reduction, faster focusing, improved video stabilization (up to 1080p@30fps).

For casual photographers who post to Instagram or WhatsApp, the A23 provides more consistent results without manual tweaking.

Battery Life and Charging: Where the A23 Pulls Ahead

Both devices pack large batteries—the A71 with 4,500mAh and the A23 with 5,000mAh—but the latter lasts significantly longer. Real-world testing shows the A23 achieving up to 1.5 days of moderate use, while the A71 now averages just under a full day, especially as battery health degrades after years of charging cycles.

Charging speed is another major differentiator. The A71 supports only 25W fast charging, but many units shipped with a 15W charger in-box. The A23 comes with 25W charging support and ships with a compatible adapter—allowing a 0–50% charge in about 30 minutes.

Tip: If you're using your A71 daily and notice rapid battery drain, consider that aging lithium-ion cells lose capacity over time. Replacing the battery might extend its life, but availability of service parts is decreasing.

Expected Daily Usage (Screen-On Time)

• Samsung A71 (2020): ~6–7 hours (fresh), now typically 4–5 hours
• Samsung A23 (2023): ~7–8 hours consistently

Software Support and Security: A Critical Factor

This is where the gap becomes most apparent. The A71 received three years of security updates and two OS upgrades (from Android 10 to Android 12). As of 2024, it no longer receives official patches, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats and incompatible with future app requirements.

In contrast, the A23 launched with Android 12 but is eligible for updates up to Android 14 and will receive security patches through 2025. This means continued access to new features, banking app compatibility, and safer browsing.

App developers are increasingly requiring newer Android versions. For example, Google plans to mandate Android 10+ for Play Store access by 2025. Devices like the A71 may soon face restrictions on downloading or updating essential apps.

Software Lifespan Summary

Feature	A71	A23
Latest OS Version	Android 12	Android 13 (upgradeable to 14)
Security Updates Until	2023 (ended)	Mid-2025
Future App Compatibility	Likely limited by 2025	Good until at least 2026

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy A71 since 2020. It served her well for calls, messaging, and occasional YouTube viewing. But in late 2023, she noticed apps like WhatsApp and Gmail started crashing, and her phone took over 10 seconds to unlock. After replacing the battery, the lag persisted. She considered buying a refurbished iPhone SE but opted for the A23 instead.

Her experience changed dramatically: apps open instantly, videos load faster, and she can now join Zoom meetings without overheating issues. Most importantly, her banking app works reliably again—a feature that stopped functioning properly on her outdated A71 system.

Maria’s case reflects a growing trend: even if hardware seems functional, software obsolescence quietly erodes usability.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from A71 to A23?

Use this checklist to evaluate your situation:

1. ✅ Does your A71 struggle with app crashes or slow response times?
2. ✅ Have you stopped receiving security updates?
3. ✅ Is your battery life below one full day?
4. ✅ Do you want better camera consistency, especially at night?
5. ✅ Are you planning to keep your phone for another 18+ months?

If you answered yes to three or more, upgrading to the A23 is a practical choice. If your A71 still performs well and you only use basic functions, extending its life with careful maintenance remains viable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A71 still run modern apps in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Lightweight apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and browsers work, but newer versions of TikTok, Instagram, and productivity tools may lag or fail to install. Banking and government apps increasingly require updated OS versions for security compliance.

Is the A23 waterproof?

No model of the A23 has an official IP rating for water resistance. The A71 also lacks full waterproofing, though both offer minor splash protection. Avoid exposing either device to moisture.

Will Samsung release a successor to the A23 soon?

The Galaxy A24 was released shortly after the A23 with minor improvements (better display, Exynos 1280 chip). If you’re considering future-proofing, the A24 or A34 may offer better value depending on your budget.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Galaxy A71 was an excellent phone in its time, and some users continue to rely on it successfully. However, by 2024 standards, it faces significant drawbacks in software support, battery longevity, and app compatibility. The Galaxy A23 isn’t a flagship killer, but it delivers noticeably better day-to-day reliability, longer update support, and improved efficiency.

Upgrading is worth it—not because the A23 is vastly superior in every way, but because it meets modern baseline expectations for performance, security, and usability. For under $200, the A23 offers peace of mind that your phone won’t become obsolete within a year.

💬 Have you upgraded from an A71 recently? Share your experience below—your insights could help others make the right decision!