Samsung S24 Fe Vs A71 Is The Newer Model Worth The Upgrade Or Is The A71 Still A Good Deal 3

When Samsung releases a new fan edition (FE) device, it's always tempting—especially if you're still holding onto an older workhorse like the Galaxy A71. The Galaxy S24 FE brings flagship-inspired features to a mid-tier price, while the A71, once a standout in its class, now shows its age. But is the upgrade truly justified? For users weighing cost against capability, this isn't just about specs—it's about real-world value.

The answer depends on your usage, budget, and expectations. While the S24 FE offers modern performance and long-term software support, the A71 may still suffice for basic tasks at a fraction of the cost. Let’s break down every aspect that matters: design, display, performance, camera, battery life, and future-proofing.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S24 FE adopts a more premium aesthetic with an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back. It feels solid in hand, resistant to minor drops, and has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—a rare feature in this segment. In contrast, the A71 uses plastic for both frame and back panel, making it lighter but less durable. It lacks any official water resistance, which can be a concern for daily use near liquids or in rainy climates.

While both phones have a similar footprint, the S24 FE feels more refined. Its flat edges echo the S-series design language, offering better grip and a modern look. The A71, released in early 2020, reflects an older era of curved backs and glossy finishes that attract fingerprints and wear over time.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in unpredictable environments, prioritize devices with IP68 ratings—they’re worth the extra investment.

Display: Brightness, Clarity, and Longevity

The S24 FE features a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This means smoother scrolling, faster touch response, and better clarity during motion-heavy content like gaming or video. More importantly, peak brightness reaches up to 1750 nits, making outdoor visibility excellent even under direct sunlight.

The A71 also has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED screen, slightly larger but limited to 60Hz. Scrolling feels noticeably slower, and animations appear less fluid. Peak brightness caps around 700–800 nits, so reading messages or browsing outside becomes challenging without seeking shade.

Over time, OLED panels degrade. Since many A71 units are now four years old, screen burn-in or color shift may already be present in used models. The S24 FE, being new, comes with fresh panel technology and longer expected lifespan.

Performance and Software Experience

This is where the gap widens significantly. The S24 FE runs on the Exynos 2400e (or Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 in some regions), paired with 8GB RAM and Android 14 with One UI 6.1 out of the box. It handles multitasking, high-end games, and photo editing apps effortlessly. Apps launch quickly, and background processes remain stable.

The A71, powered by the older Exynos 9611 with 6GB or 8GB RAM options, struggles with heavier applications today. Even simple tasks like switching between social media apps can trigger lag. It launched with Android 10 and is capped at Android 12—no further OS updates. Security patches ended in 2022, leaving it vulnerable to emerging threats.

“Software support is as important as hardware when judging long-term value. A phone without updates becomes a liability.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Security Analyst

The S24 FE promises four major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches, meaning it will receive updates until at least 2028. That kind of longevity makes it a smarter buy for anyone planning to keep their device for three years or more.

Camera Comparison: From Daylight to Low Light

Cameras matter most for casual photographers and social media users. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Samsung S24 FE	Samsung A71
Rear Main Sensor	50MP, OIS	64MP, no OIS
Ultrawide	12MP	12MP
Telephoto	10MP, 3x optical zoom	None
Front Camera	10MP	32MP
Night Mode	Advanced AI processing	Limited improvement
Video Recording	4K@30fps, steady stabilization	4K@30fps, moderate shake

The S24 FE wins decisively. Despite the lower megapixel count on the main sensor, optical image stabilization (OIS) ensures sharper photos in motion or low light. The dedicated telephoto lens allows true optical zoom, something the A71 lacks entirely—digital zoom on the A71 results in heavily pixelated images.

The A71’s 32MP front camera once led its class, but the S24 FE compensates with better skin tone rendering, dynamic range, and portrait lighting effects via AI. Video calls and vlogs benefit from improved autofocus and background noise reduction.

Battery Life and Charging Speed

The A71 packs a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging. Under moderate use, it lasts a full day. However, after years of charge cycles, most existing units show reduced capacity—often below 80%, leading to frequent recharging.

The S24 FE includes a larger 4,700mAh battery and supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately). More crucially, optimized power management from the newer chipset extends screen-on time. Users report up to 1.5 days of light use on a single charge. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging are added conveniences absent on the A71.

Tip: Always check battery health before buying a used phone. Anything below 85% indicates noticeable degradation.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a freelance photographer and part-time content creator, relied on her A71 for two years. By 2023, she noticed delays in opening Lightroom, blurry night shots, and overheating during edits. She considered buying a refurbished flagship but opted for the S24 FE instead.

Within a week, her workflow transformed. She could shoot in RAW, edit seamlessly, and upload directly to Instagram without lag. The 3x telephoto lens allowed tighter framing at events without cropping. Most importantly, she regained confidence in reliability—something her aging A71 had eroded.

For her, the $599 price tag was justified by productivity gains and professional image quality. As she puts it: “It wasn’t just a phone upgrade—it was a tool upgrade.”

Is the A71 Still Worth Buying?

In 2024, the A71 should only be considered if found at **under $150** and strictly for basic needs: calls, messaging, web browsing, and occasional photos. Even then, buyers must inspect battery health and ensure the device hasn’t suffered physical damage.

On secondary markets, many A71 units are sold without warranties, original chargers, or with cracked screens. Refurbished versions may perform adequately short-term but lack future software support and repair availability.

If your budget is tight but you need more longevity, consider waiting for sales on previous-generation FE models like the S21 FE or S22 FE, which often drop below $300 with comparable performance to the S24 FE in everyday tasks.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you experiencing app crashes or slow performance?
• ✅ Do you want reliable security updates through 2028?
• ✅ Do you take photos in low light or need optical zoom?
• ✅ Do you value smooth scrolling and responsive touch?
• ✅ Can you afford $500–$600 for a phone you’ll keep 3+ years?

If you answered yes to three or more, the S24 FE is a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A71 run modern apps smoothly?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Gmail work, but newer versions of TikTok, Instagram, and editing tools often stutter or crash due to memory limitations and outdated processors.

Does the S24 FE support expandable storage?

No. Unlike the A71, which has a microSD slot, the S24 FE removed expandable storage. You must choose between 128GB or 256GB internal options.

Is the S24 FE too heavy or bulky?

At 196g, it’s slightly heavier than the A71 (179g), but the weight distribution feels balanced. Most users adapt within a day and appreciate the sturdier build.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Galaxy S24 FE isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a generational leap over the A71 in nearly every category. From performance and security to camera versatility and display quality, it delivers a modern smartphone experience that the A71 simply cannot match, even when new.

However, “worth it” depends on context. For students, seniors, or secondary-device users, the A71 remains functional at rock-bottom prices. But for active users who rely on their phone for work, creativity, or connectivity, the S24 FE pays for itself in efficiency, durability, and peace of mind.

💬 Have you made the switch from A71 to S24 FE? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments—your insight could help others decide!