Samsung A71 Vs S10 Plus Is The Older Flagship S10 Still Worth It In 2024

As smartphone technology advances rapidly, the question of whether last-generation flagships still hold value becomes increasingly relevant. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus, released in early 2019, was once at the pinnacle of Android innovation. Fast forward to 2024, and it now competes indirectly with mid-range successors like the Samsung Galaxy A71. While they serve different market segments, many consumers wonder: does the older S10 Plus still offer enough to justify choosing it over the newer A71? The answer depends on what you prioritize—raw performance, long-term software support, or overall value.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical

The S10 Plus was built as a premium device. Its glass-and-metal construction, curved AMOLED display, and IP68 water resistance set a high bar for durability and aesthetics. It feels solid in hand, with subtle heft that conveys quality. In contrast, the A71 opts for a more practical approach—plastic back and frame, which makes it lighter but less luxurious. While the A71’s flat 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display is larger, the S10 Plus’s 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel remains sharp, vibrant, and HDR10+ certified.

One often-overlooked advantage of the S10 Plus is its ultrasonic fingerprint sensor embedded under the display. Though not perfect, it’s generally faster and more reliable than the optical sensor on the A71. Additionally, the S10 Plus retains a headphone jack—a feature absent on the A71—making it appealing for users who still rely on wired audio.

Tip: If you value a compact, premium feel and accessories like headphones, the S10 Plus may still align better with your lifestyle despite its age.

Performance and Software: Flagship Chipset vs Mid-Range Reality

Under the hood, the differences become stark. The S10 Plus launched with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820 in some regions), a true flagship chipset of its time. Even in 2024, this processor handles everyday tasks, multitasking, and most games with surprising fluidity. On the other hand, the A71 runs on the Exynos 9611, a mid-range chip that struggles with heavier apps and sustained gaming loads.

While both devices started with Android 10, their software trajectories differ significantly. The S10 Plus received four major Android OS updates (up to Android 13) and regular security patches until late 2023. The A71, however, only got two OS upgrades (up to Android 12) and limited security support, ending earlier in 2023. This means the S10 Plus likely runs a more up-to-date, secure version of Android than the A71, assuming it hasn’t been abandoned by carriers.

“Even five years later, flagship silicon from 2019 can outperform today’s mid-tier chips in real-world responsiveness.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Depth vs Consistency

On paper, the A71 appears to have the edge with a quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. The S10 Plus features a triple rear system: 12MP main, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultra-wide. But megapixels don’t tell the whole story.

In practice, the S10 Plus delivers more consistent results. Its camera processing benefits from superior hardware calibration and ongoing optimization during its support lifecycle. Low-light performance, dynamic range, and zoom capabilities (thanks to the telephoto lens) are noticeably better. The A71’s 64MP sensor defaults to pixel-binning (outputting 16MP images), and while daylight shots can be detailed, they often lack refinement—over-sharpening, inconsistent white balance, and weaker HDR are common complaints.

The front cameras reflect a similar divide. The S10 Plus has a dual selfie setup (10MP standard + 8MP depth), enabling better portrait mode and wider framing. The A71 uses a single 32MP front shooter, which captures more detail in ideal light but falters in low-light conditions due to smaller individual pixels.

Feature	Samsung S10 Plus	Samsung A71
Processor	Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820	Exynos 9611
RAM Options	8GB / 12GB	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB–1TB (expandable)	128GB (expandable)
Rear Cameras	12MP (main) + 12MP (tele) + 16MP (ultra-wide)	64MP (main) + 12MP (ulw) + 5MP (macro) + 5MP (depth)
Fingerprint Sensor	Ultrasonic (under display)	Optical (under display)
Battery	4,100mAh	4,500mAh
Charging	Fast charging, Wireless, Reverse wireless	Fast charging only
OS Updates	Up to Android 13	Up to Android 12
Headphone Jack	Yes	No

Battery Life and Charging: Capacity vs Efficiency

The A71 wins on raw battery capacity with a 4,500mAh cell compared to the S10 Plus’s 4,100mAh. However, efficiency plays a big role. The Exynos 9611 is less power-efficient than the Snapdragon 855, especially under load. Real-world usage shows mixed results: the A71 lasts slightly longer in passive scenarios (like video playback), but the S10 Plus often matches or exceeds it in mixed use due to better power management and adaptive refresh rate support (though capped at 60Hz).

Where the S10 Plus clearly leads is in charging flexibility. It supports fast charging (15W), wireless charging, and even reverse wireless charging—letting you power up earbuds or another phone. The A71 only supports 25W fast charging via cable and lacks any wireless capability. For users invested in an ecosystem of wireless accessories, this is a meaningful limitation.

Tip: If you travel often or use wireless earbuds, the S10 Plus’s reverse charging can be a game-changer—even in 2024.

Real-World Example: Choosing Between Value and Longevity

Consider Maria, a freelance graphic designer looking for a secondary phone under $200. She found both a used S10 Plus and a refurbished A71 at similar prices. Initially drawn to the A71’s newer model number and larger screen, she opted for the S10 Plus after testing both. “The difference in app loading speed was obvious,” she said. “I use Adobe apps and need smooth multitasking. The S10 Plus just felt snappier. Plus, I could plug in my old headphones during client calls.”

After six months, Maria reports stable performance, no major bugs, and continued satisfaction. Her A71-using colleague, meanwhile, struggled with app crashes and stopped receiving updates months earlier. This case illustrates that newer doesn’t always mean better—especially when longevity and ecosystem matter.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decide Which Phone Is Right for You

1. Assess your performance needs: Do you run heavy apps or play graphics-intensive games? If yes, the S10 Plus’s superior processor gives it an edge.
2. Check update status: Verify if the specific device you’re buying still receives security patches. An outdated OS poses security risks.
3. Test the camera in your typical conditions: Try sample shots in low light and zoom scenarios—the S10 Plus usually performs better here.
4. Evaluate connectivity needs: Need a headphone jack or wireless charging? The S10 Plus supports both; the A71 supports neither.
5. Consider long-term ownership: If you plan to keep the phone for more than a year, software support and build quality outweigh newness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S10 Plus still getting updates in 2024?

No, official major OS updates ended with Android 13, and security patches have largely ceased as of late 2023. However, the final builds are stable and secure for daily use, provided you avoid risky apps and websites.

Can the A71 handle modern apps smoothly?

For basic tasks like messaging, browsing, and social media, yes. But apps like Instagram, TikTok, or photo editors may lag or reload frequently due to the Exynos 9611’s limitations and lower RAM configurations.

Which phone has better resale value?

The S10 Plus generally holds value better due to its flagship status, build quality, and brand perception. Even in 2024, it commands higher prices in the used market compared to the A71.

Final Verdict: Is the S10 Plus Still Worth It?

In 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A71 represents a modern mid-ranger with updated design cues and larger battery—but it doesn’t surpass its older sibling in overall experience. The Galaxy S10 Plus, despite being five years old, offers a more refined package: faster performance, better cameras, premium materials, and greater versatility in charging and connectivity.

For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize reliability, performance, and long-term usability, the S10 Plus remains a compelling choice—especially in the secondhand market where prices have dropped significantly. It’s proof that a well-built flagship from a few years ago can still outclass current mid-tier models in critical areas.

If you’re upgrading from an older device and want a capable, no-compromise experience without paying flagship prices, the S10 Plus deserves serious consideration. Don’t let the release date fool you—some phones age like fine wine.

🚀 Ready to make a smart upgrade? Check trusted refurbished markets for the S10 Plus and compare real-world benchmarks before deciding. Sometimes, the best tech isn’t the newest—it’s the one that still performs.