When Samsung releases a new mid-range phone, it's natural to wonder whether upgrading from a previous favorite is worth it. The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A71 represent two strong contenders in the brand’s affordable lineup, released just two years apart. On paper, the A53 5G appears more modern with 5G support and updated internals—but does it truly outperform the A71 in ways that matter to everyday users?
This comparison dives deep into design, display, performance, camera quality, battery life, software, and real-world usability to determine if the A53 5G is a meaningful upgrade or merely a spec bump.
Design and Build: Subtle Evolution
The Galaxy A71 launched in early 2020 as one of Samsung’s sleeker mid-range offerings. It featured a glossy plastic back, slim bezels, and a centered punch-hole front camera. At 7.7mm thick and weighing 179g, it felt lightweight and comfortable in hand. Its curved edges gave it a premium look, though the plastic build was a clear cost-saving measure.
The A53 5G, released in 2022, takes a more utilitarian approach. It’s slightly thicker at 8.1mm and heavier at 189g, but gains IP67 water and dust resistance—a rare feature at this price point. The matte finish reduces fingerprints, and the flat sides give it a sturdier feel. While both phones use plastic frames and backs, the A53 feels more durable thanks to its reinforced construction and official ingress protection.
Display: Brighter, Smoother, More Efficient
Both phones feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays, which deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks—typical of Samsung’s panel expertise. However, differences in refresh rate and brightness set them apart.
The A71 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, meaning screen motion feels less fluid when scrolling or gaming. Peak brightness reaches about 750 nits, which is decent but can struggle under direct sunlight.
In contrast, the A53 5G boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, making navigation significantly smoother. Combined with a higher peak brightness of up to 800 nits, outdoor visibility improves noticeably. The display also supports adaptive brightness and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back—another durability win.
“The jump from 60Hz to 120Hz is one of the most tangible improvements in mid-range phones—it changes how the entire device feels.” — James Lee, Mobile Tech Analyst at Android Authority
Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap
Under the hood, the difference becomes stark. The A71 runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 730G, paired with up to 8GB of RAM. For its time, it was capable of handling daily tasks and light gaming efficiently.
The A53 5G swaps to Samsung’s Exynos 1280 chipset (built on a 5nm process), offering better power efficiency and improved CPU/GPU performance. Benchmarks show the Exynos 1280 outperforming the Snapdragon 730G in multi-core tasks and graphics rendering. With options for up to 8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage (expandable via microSD), the A53 handles multitasking and app loading more smoothly.
More importantly, the A53 5G includes official support for four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches—an industry-leading commitment in the budget segment. The A71, by comparison, received only two major Android upgrades (from Android 10 to 12).
Performance Comparison Table
| Feature | Samsung A71 | Samsung A53 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G | Exynos 1280 (5nm) |
| RAM Options | 6GB / 8GB | 6GB / 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB (expandable) | 128GB / 256GB (expandable) |
| OS Updates | 2 major versions | 4 major versions |
| Security Patches | 3 years | 5 years |
| Network | 4G LTE only | 5G + 4G LTE |
Camera Capabilities: Refined, Not Revolutionized
The A71 launched with a quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. In practice, the 64MP mode used pixel-binning to produce 16MP shots, delivering sharp daytime photos but inconsistent low-light performance.
The A53 5G retains a similar configuration: 64MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. However, software processing has improved. Enhanced Night Mode, better HDR, and more stable autofocus make the A53 more reliable across lighting conditions. Video recording jumps from 4K@30fps on the A71 to stabilized 4K on the A53, a notable upgrade for content creators.
Front cameras are nearly identical—32MP sensors on both—but the A53 benefits from newer AI beautification and portrait algorithms.
Mini Case Study: Real-World Camera Use
Alice, a freelance blogger, upgraded from the A71 to the A53 5G primarily for photography. She noticed immediate improvements during a weekend trip: the A53 captured cleaner nightscapes at a rooftop bar, handled dynamic range better in sunny park shots, and produced sharper close-ups of food using the macro lens. While the hardware is similar, she credited the faster processing and reduced shutter lag for her better results.
Battery and Charging: Longevity Over Speed
The A71 packs a 4500mAh battery with 25W fast charging support (charger sold separately). In typical use, it lasts a full day with moderate screen time.
The A53 5G also uses a 5000mAh battery—slightly larger—and supports 25W fast charging. Thanks to the more efficient Exynos chip and 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (which drops to 60Hz when not needed), it often exceeds 1.5 days of use on a single charge. This extended endurance is one of its strongest advantages.
Neither model supports wireless charging, but the A53’s optimized power management gives it a clear edge in long-term reliability.
Software and User Experience
Both phones run Samsung’s One UI over Android, but the experience diverges due to update policies. The A53 5G launched with Android 12 and is eligible for updates up to Android 16, ensuring access to future features like improved privacy controls, enhanced widgets, and better tablet-like multitasking.
The A71, now stuck on Android 12, no longer receives feature updates and sees limited security patches. Users report slower app launches over time due to aging software optimization.
Additionally, the A53 benefits from newer One UI features such as smoother animations, improved dark mode, and better gesture navigation—all contributing to a more polished user experience.
Checklist: Should You Upgrade?
- ✅ Need 5G connectivity for faster downloads and future-proofing
- ✅ Want longer software support (4 OS updates vs 2)
- ✅ Value IP67 water and dust resistance
- ✅ Prefer smoother 120Hz display for scrolling and gaming
- ✅ Prioritize longer battery life and improved low-light photos
- ❌ Still satisfied with A71 performance and don’t need 5G
- ❌ On a tight budget and find little value in incremental upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung A53 5G waterproof?
Yes, the A53 5G has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The A71 has no official water resistance.
Can the A71 be upgraded to 5G?
No. The A71 lacks the necessary modem hardware for 5G connectivity. Only phones designed with 5G support can access those networks.
Does the A53 5G have a headphone jack?
Yes, both the A53 5G and A71 retain a 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones.
Final Verdict: Yes, It’s a Meaningful Upgrade
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G isn’t just a minor refresh—it represents a generational step forward. While the A71 was impressive in 2020, the A53 delivers tangible improvements: a smoother 120Hz display, 5G readiness, longer software support, better battery life, and enhanced durability. These aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet; they translate into a more responsive, reliable, and future-proof experience.
If you’re still using the A71 and haven’t faced major issues, you might delay upgrading. But if you value longevity, performance consistency, and modern features like 5G and IP67 protection, the A53 5G justifies the switch. For new buyers, the choice is even clearer—the A53 5G offers superior value despite a slightly higher price.
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