Samsung A30 Vs A20 Is The Upgrade Really Worth It Or Are They Basically The Same

When shopping for an affordable Samsung smartphone, the Galaxy A30 and A20 often land on the shortlist. Both launched in 2019 as budget-friendly options with sleek designs and modern features. But beyond surface similarities, how different are they really? For buyers trying to stretch every dollar, the decision between these two models comes down to whether the A30’s higher price delivers meaningful improvements—or if the A20 offers nearly the same experience at a lower cost.

This comparison dives into hardware, software, user experience, and long-term usability to determine if upgrading from the A20 to the A30 is justified—or if you're better off saving your money.

Design and Build: Subtle Differences, Noticeable Impact

At first glance, the Galaxy A30 and A20 look almost identical. Both feature a plastic polycarbonate body, slim bezels, and a front-facing camera centered above the display. However, closer inspection reveals key differences that affect comfort and aesthetics.

The A30 measures 158.4 x 74.7 x 7.7 mm and weighs 165g—slightly larger and lighter than the A20 (155.6 x 74.2 x 7.8 mm, 169g). The A30’s taller 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display gives it a more immersive feel, while the A20 makes do with a 6.4-inch PLS LCD panel. That may sound like a typo—both are 6.4 inches—but the A30’s screen is not only AMOLED (offering deeper blacks and better contrast), it also has a higher resolution (2340x1080 vs 1560x720).

Tip: If screen quality matters for streaming or reading, the A30’s AMOLED display is a significant upgrade over the A20’s HD+ LCD.

The placement of the fingerprint sensor differs too. The A30 includes a rear-mounted fingerprint reader—a rare feature in this price range at the time—while the A20 lacks biometric security entirely, relying solely on PIN, pattern, or facial recognition (which is less secure).

Performance: Chipset, RAM, and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the gap widens. The Galaxy A30 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 7904, an octa-core processor built on a 14nm process, paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The A20 uses the older Exynos 7884, also octa-core but less efficient and slower in multitasking scenarios.

In practical use, the difference is noticeable. Apps launch faster on the A30, background apps stay active longer, and scrolling through social media feels smoother. Users switching from the A20 to the A30 often report fewer stutters and quicker response times—even though both devices run Android 9 (One UI) out of the box.

“Even within the budget segment, chipset choice directly impacts longevity. The Exynos 7904 supports smoother updates and better app compatibility over time.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Both phones offer 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512GB. Neither supports adoptable storage, so apps must remain on internal memory. However, the A30’s superior processor handles storage-heavy tasks—like photo editing or offline video playback—more efficiently.

Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels

On paper, both phones have dual rear cameras. The A30 features a 16MP main sensor and a 5MP ultra-wide lens. The A20 uses a 13MP primary and a 5MP depth sensor. While megapixel counts don’t tell the full story, the A30’s wider aperture (f/1.7 vs f/1.9) and broader field of view make a tangible difference.

In daylight, both capture decent shots, but the A30 produces sharper details, better dynamic range, and more natural color reproduction. Its ultra-wide lens adds versatility for landscapes or group photos—something the A20 can’t match. Low-light performance also favors the A30 thanks to improved image processing and larger pixel size.

For selfies, the A30 packs a 16MP front camera, compared to the A20’s 8MP shooter. This results in crisper facial details, better skin tone accuracy, and cleaner backgrounds in well-lit conditions.

Feature	Samsung A30	Samsung A20
Display	6.4\" Super AMOLED, FHD+	6.4\" PLS LCD, HD+
Processor	Exynos 7904	Exynos 7884
RAM	3GB / 4GB	3GB
Rear Camera	16MP + 5MP (ultra-wide)	13MP + 5MP (depth)
Front Camera	16MP	8MP
Battery	4000 mAh	4000 mAh
Fingerprint Sensor	Yes (rear)	No
Charging	USB-C, 15W fast charging	Micro USB, 10W standard

Battery Life and Charging: Equal Capacity, Unequal Experience

Both phones come with a 4000mAh battery—excellent for the price. In real-world usage, they last a full day with moderate use. However, the A30 tends to outperform slightly due to its more power-efficient AMOLED display, which turns off pixels for black content, reducing energy draw.

More importantly, the A30 supports 15W fast charging via USB-C, while the A20 charges at only 10W over Micro USB. That means the A30 can go from 0 to 50% in about 60 minutes, whereas the A20 takes closer to 90 minutes. Over time, faster charging adds convenience, especially for users who rely on quick top-ups.

Another subtle advantage: USB-C is now the industry standard, offering better durability and reversible plug orientation. Micro USB, used by the A20, is increasingly outdated and harder to find in newer accessories.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria bought a Samsung A20 in early 2019 for her college studies. It handled email, web browsing, and note-taking well initially. But by mid-2020, she noticed slowdowns when using Google Docs with multiple tabs open, and the camera struggled during online class presentations. She considered buying another budget phone but found the A30 on sale for just $30 more.

After switching, she immediately noticed the brighter, clearer screen made reading PDFs easier. The fingerprint sensor sped up unlocking between classes, and the front camera produced sharper images for video calls. Most importantly, apps stayed open longer without reloading. For Maria, the extra cost paid for itself in daily efficiency.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you’re deciding between holding onto your A20 or upgrading to the A30 (or choosing between them secondhand), follow this evaluation:

1. Assess your screen needs: Do you watch videos, read e-books, or browse social media frequently? If yes, the A30’s AMOLED display is a major upgrade.
2. Test responsiveness: Try opening five apps in succession on the A20. Does it reload each time? The A30 handles multitasking better.
3. Check security preferences: Want a fingerprint sensor? Only the A30 has one.
4. Evaluate camera use: Need wide-angle shots or better selfies? The A30 wins clearly.
5. Consider future-proofing: The A30 received Android 10 and One UI 2.0; the A20 had limited updates. Better hardware supports longer software life.

Tip: When buying used, prioritize the A30 even if priced slightly higher—it holds value better and performs more reliably over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A20 and A30 run modern apps smoothly?

The A30 handles most current apps acceptably, though heavy games or video editing tools may lag. The A20 struggles more, especially with newer versions of Facebook, Instagram, or Zoom. Light usage is fine, but performance degrades faster over time.

Do both phones support 4G LTE?

Yes, both support 4G LTE bands common in North America, Europe, and Asia. Neither has VoLTE by default in all regions, but carrier settings can enable it. Network reception is comparable.

Which phone has better long-term value?

The A30 does. Its superior processor, display, and charging interface make it more adaptable to future software demands. Even today, secondhand A30 units command higher resale prices and receive better user reviews.

Final Verdict: Not the Same Phone at All

While the Samsung Galaxy A30 and A20 share DNA—similar size, battery capacity, and entry-level positioning—they are far from identical. The A30 improves meaningfully in areas that affect daily use: screen quality, performance, camera capability, security, and charging speed.

The $30–$50 price difference at launch was justified. Today, on the refurbished or secondhand market, paying a little extra for the A30 remains a smart move. You’re not just getting a newer model—you’re getting a more capable, secure, and enjoyable device.

If you already own an A20 and it meets your basic needs, there’s no urgent reason to upgrade. But if you’re choosing between the two, the A30 is the clear winner. It delivers a noticeably better experience that goes beyond specs on a sheet.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter choice? Whether you're buying new or browsing secondhand listings, use this guide to pick the phone that truly fits your lifestyle—not just your budget.