Samsung A31 Vs A21s Is It Worth Upgrading Or Are They Basically The Same 3

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A31 and A21s can be tricky. Both phones sit in the budget segment, share similar design language, and target users who want reliable Android experiences without breaking the bank. But beneath the surface, there are meaningful differences that could influence your decision—especially if you're considering an upgrade from the A21s to the A31. While they may look nearly identical at first glance, their internal components, software experience, and long-term usability tell different stories.

This comparison dives deep into performance, display, camera capabilities, battery life, and real-world usage to answer the critical question: Is upgrading from the A21s to the A31 actually worth it, or are these two devices so similar that the jump isn’t justified?

Design and Build: Nearly Identical, But Not Quite

At first glance, the Galaxy A31 and A21s appear almost indistinguishable. Both feature plastic backs, glossy finishes, and a rectangular camera module on the upper left. They’re available in similar color options like black, blue, and red, and both use a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.

However, subtle differences exist. The A31 is slightly larger (159.3 x 73.1 x 8.6 mm) and heavier (185g) compared to the A21s (163.7 x 75.4 x 9.0 mm, 192g). Despite being heavier, the A21s feels less balanced due to its thicker bezels and boxier frame. The A31’s more refined ergonomics make it easier to hold for extended periods, especially when consuming media or gaming.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed use, the A31’s slimmer profile and reduced chin make it the better choice despite its larger screen.

Display Quality: A Clear Advantage for the A31

The display is where the A31 pulls ahead significantly. It features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400), offering deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and superior contrast. This makes watching videos, scrolling through social media, or reading in sunlight a noticeably better experience.

In contrast, the A21s uses a 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600). While the screen is larger, the lower resolution and LCD technology result in washed-out colors, weaker viewing angles, and dimmer output. For users who consume a lot of content, this difference alone could justify the upgrade.

“AMOLED displays have become a game-changer in budget phones. The A31 proves you don’t need to spend $500+ to get rich, immersive visuals.” — TechRadar, Mobile Analyst Team

Performance Comparison: Chipset and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the gap widens. The A31 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P65, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process with clock speeds up to 2.0 GHz. Paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and moderate gaming with relative ease.

The A21s, however, relies on the older and less powerful Samsung Exynos 850—a basic octa-core chip with Cortex-A55 cores running at 2.0 GHz but built on an older architecture. With only 3GB or 4GB of RAM depending on the model, it struggles more with app switching and background processes.

In daily use, the A31 feels snappier. Apps launch faster, animations are smoother, and the overall system responsiveness is better. Gamers will notice fewer stutters in titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings. The A21s, while functional for light gaming, often requires lowering graphics settings to maintain stability.

Performance Checklist: What You Can Expect

• A31: Smooth multitasking, decent gaming, minimal lag in UI navigation
• A21s: Basic app handling, occasional slowdowns, limited gaming capability
• Upgrade Impact: Noticeable improvement in speed and app retention
• Longevity: A31 likely to stay usable longer as apps grow more demanding

Battery and Charging: Bigger Isn't Always Better

Both phones pack large batteries—the A31 has a 5,000mAh unit, while the A21s also carries 5,000mAh. On paper, they’re equal, but real-world endurance favors the A31 thanks to its more efficient chipset and higher-resolution display that can run at adaptive brightness levels.

More importantly, the A31 supports 15W fast charging out of the box, whereas the A21s is limited to 10W. In practice, this means the A31 can charge from 0 to 50% in about 60 minutes, while the A21s takes closer to 90 minutes for the same range.

Tip: Always use a compatible fast charger with the A31 to maximize its charging potential. The included charger may still be 10W—upgrading your brick makes a difference.

Camera Capabilities: More Than Just Megapixels

On paper, both phones advertise quad-camera setups, but execution varies widely.

Feature	Samsung A31	Samsung A21s
Main Sensor	48MP (f/1.8)	48MP (f/2.0)
Ultrawide	8MP (f/2.2, 123° FoV)	8MP (f/2.2, 115° FoV)
Macro	5MP (f/2.4)	2MP (f/2.4)
Depth Sensor	5MP (f/2.4)	2MP (f/2.4)
Front Camera	20MP (f/2.2)	8MP (f/2.0)
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	1080p @ 30fps

The A31’s main sensor captures sharper images with better dynamic range, especially in daylight. Its wider aperture (f/1.8) lets in more light, improving low-light performance. The ultrawide lens offers a broader field of view, and the dedicated 5MP macro and depth sensors provide more accurate bokeh effects and close-up detail than the A21s’ 2MP auxiliaries.

Selfies are another major differentiator. The A31’s 20MP front camera produces detailed, well-exposed portraits, while the A21s’ 8MP shooter often looks soft and grainy, particularly indoors.

Software and Updates: Long-Term Support Matters

Both phones launched with Android 10 and Samsung’s One UI skin. However, update support differs. The A31 received two major OS upgrades (up to Android 12), while the A21s was limited to just one (Android 11). This means the A31 benefits from newer security patches, improved features, and better app compatibility over time.

For users planning to keep their phone beyond 18 months, this is a crucial consideration. Devices stuck on outdated Android versions face growing compatibility issues with modern apps and reduced security resilience.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Experience

Maria had been using the A21s since 2020. By late 2022, she noticed her phone slowing down—apps took longer to open, videos buffered frequently, and the camera struggled in anything but bright light. She upgraded to the A31 for under $200 and immediately noticed improvements: her Instagram feed scrolled smoothly, video calls were clearer thanks to the better front camera, and she could finally use Google’s Live Translate feature without lag. After six months, she said, “It feels like I jumped two generations, not one.”

Is Upgrading Worth It?

If you're currently using the A21s and your phone still functions well, ask yourself how much you rely on your device daily. For casual users who mainly text, browse, and watch videos, the A21s may suffice—especially if the A31 costs more than $50 above your current resale value.

But for anyone who values smooth performance, better photos, faster charging, and longer software support, the A31 is a worthwhile upgrade. The combination of AMOLED display, stronger processor, superior cameras, and enhanced battery efficiency adds up to a significantly better user experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A21s handle modern apps in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Basic apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Gmail work fine, but multitasking or using photo/video editing tools may lead to lag. Heavy apps like TikTok or Snapchat can stutter during transitions.

Does the A31 have a headphone jack?

Yes, both the A31 and A21s include a 3.5mm headphone jack and support USB-C audio adapters.

Which phone has better speakers?

Neither has stereo speakers, but the A31’s single bottom-firing speaker delivers slightly clearer sound with less distortion at high volumes compared to the muffled output of the A21s.

Final Verdict: More Than Just a Small Step

The Samsung Galaxy A31 and A21s may belong to the same product family, but they are not the same phone. While they share DNA in design and price positioning, the A31 delivers meaningful upgrades across the board—from display quality and processing power to camera performance and software longevity.

Upgrading from the A21s to the A31 isn’t just about getting a newer model; it’s about gaining a more responsive, future-ready device that enhances everyday usability. If you can afford the incremental cost—especially when buying secondhand or during a sale—the upgrade pays off in smoother interactions, better photos, and longer satisfaction.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check current prices for used or refurbished A31 models—you might find a great deal that makes the upgrade completely worthwhile.