Thinking Of Switching To Samsung A7 2018 What Does It Do Better Than The Huawei P20 Lite

If you're considering stepping away from your Huawei P20 Lite and moving to the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018), you’re likely weighing subtle but meaningful differences that impact daily use. While both phones were positioned as mid-range contenders in their time, the A7 2018 offers several tangible upgrades—particularly in longevity, user experience, and ecosystem integration. Understanding where the Samsung device pulls ahead helps clarify whether the switch is worth it for your lifestyle.

Battery Life and Charging Capabilities

The Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) comes with a 3300mAh battery, slightly larger than the Huawei P20 Lite’s 3000mAh unit. While the difference may seem minor on paper, real-world usage reveals a noticeable edge. The A7’s more efficient Exynos 7885 processor and optimized Android experience with Samsung Experience UI contribute to longer screen-on time—especially under mixed usage involving social media, messaging, and light gaming.

More importantly, the A7 supports Adaptive Fast Charging. This means you can recharge up to 50% in about 30 minutes using the included charger. In contrast, the P20 Lite lacks fast charging support entirely, making full top-ups a slower, more inconvenient process during busy days.

Tip: Enable Power Saving Mode on either device when traveling without access to outlets—it can extend usable time by up to two hours.

Software Experience and Long-Term Support

This is where the Samsung A7 (2018) truly distinguishes itself. It launched with Android 8.0 Oreo and received an official update to Android 9.0 Pie with One UI—a major improvement in navigation, readability, and one-handed usability. Huawei, due to geopolitical constraints and its eventual pivot toward HarmonyOS, stopped delivering major OS updates for the P20 Lite after Android 9, with limited security patches post-2020.

Samsung’s commitment to software support—even for mid-tier models at the time—ensured users had access to newer features like improved dark mode, enhanced notifications, and better multitasking tools. Additionally, Samsung’s ecosystem integrations (such as Smart Switch, Find My Mobile, and Knox security) offer peace of mind and seamless transitions if you ever upgrade devices.

“Long-term software support often matters more than raw specs. A phone that stays updated feels faster and more secure over time.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera System: Triple vs. Dual Setup

One of the headline features of the Galaxy A7 (2018) was that it was among the first Samsung phones to feature a triple rear camera setup—a 24MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide lens, and 5MP depth sensor. The Huawei P20 Lite, by comparison, has a standard 16MP primary and 2MP depth sensor, lacking any wide-angle capability.

The inclusion of an ultra-wide lens on the A7 opens creative possibilities. Capturing landscapes, architecture, or group photos becomes significantly easier without needing to step back. You also gain access to Live Focus (bokeh effect) on both front and rear cameras, whereas the P20 Lite only supports it on the rear.

In low-light performance, the A7’s higher-resolution front-facing 24MP camera outshines the P20 Lite’s 16MP selfie shooter, producing sharper selfies even in dim environments. Samsung’s processing favors natural skin tones and balanced exposure, while Huawei tends to oversharpen and over-saturate, which some users find less authentic.

Feature	Samsung A7 (2018)	Huawei P20 Lite
Rear Cameras	24MP + 8MP (ultra-wide) + 5MP (depth)	16MP + 2MP (depth)
Front Camera	24MP	16MP
Ultra-Wide Lens	Yes	No
Live Focus (Front)	Yes	No
LED Flash (Front)	Yes	No

Durability, Design, and Usability

Both phones feature glass fronts and plastic backs, but the A7 adopts a more modern look with a glossy gradient finish and slimmer bezels. Its design language aligns closer to Samsung’s flagship S-series of the era, giving it a premium feel despite the price point.

Another practical advantage: the A7 includes an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance—a rare feature in mid-range phones at the time. The P20 Lite has no official ingress protection, meaning accidental spills or rain exposure pose a real risk.

Ergonomics matter too. The A7 is slightly heavier (168g vs 145g), but the added weight contributes to a sturdier, more balanced grip. Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrates into the power button, allowing for quick, intuitive unlocking. The P20 Lite uses a rear-mounted sensor, which requires repositioning your hand and can be less accurate over time.

Real-World Example: Daily Use After the Switch

Consider Maria, a freelance photographer who used her P20 Lite for client communication, social media posting, and occasional photo scouting. After switching to the A7 (2018), she found immediate value in the ultra-wide lens for capturing interior spaces without needing additional gear. She also appreciated the faster charging—critical during back-to-back shoots—and noted fewer app crashes thanks to smoother memory management and regular software optimizations.

“I didn’t think a mid-range upgrade would make such a difference,” she said. “But being able to shoot wide angles, charge quickly, and not worry about splashes during outdoor sessions changed how I work.”

Actionable Checklist: Is the Switch Right for You?

Before making the move, evaluate your priorities. Here’s a checklist to guide your decision:

• ✅ Do you need faster charging for a busy schedule?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by the lack of wide-angle photography?
• ✅ Do you value longer software updates and security patches?
• ✅ Is water resistance important for your environment or lifestyle?
• ✅ Do you prefer Samsung’s interface and ecosystem tools?
• ✅ Are you ready to leave behind Huawei’s EMUI for One UI?

If four or more apply, the Samsung A7 (2018) likely offers meaningful improvements tailored to real-world needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A7 (2018) still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes. While not designed for heavy gaming today, the A7 handles everyday apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps, and YouTube efficiently. With 4GB RAM and 64GB storage (expandable), it remains functional for core tasks in 2024, especially with lightweight launchers or optimized settings.

Is there a significant difference in display quality?

The A7 features a 6.0-inch Super AMOLED panel with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2220), offering deeper blacks, better contrast, and superior outdoor visibility. The P20 Lite uses a 5.8-inch IPS LCD (1080 x 2280), which is sharp but less vibrant. For media consumption and eye comfort, the A7’s AMOLED screen is clearly superior.

Does the A7 support dual SIM and microSD at the same time?

Yes. Unlike many phones that force a choice between second SIM and expandable storage, the A7 (2018) has a dedicated slot for microSD (up to 512GB) alongside dual Nano-SIM support. This flexibility is ideal for travelers or those managing personal and professional lines.

Final Thoughts: Making the Move with Confidence

Moving from the Huawei P20 Lite to the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018) isn’t just about newer hardware—it’s about upgrading to a more resilient, versatile, and future-ready device. From its robust camera system and faster charging to better software maintenance and environmental protection, the A7 delivers where it counts for everyday users.

Even years after release, the thoughtful design choices and ecosystem advantages give it lasting relevance. If you’ve felt limited by your current phone’s capabilities, particularly in photography, durability, or charging speed, the switch offers measurable benefits without demanding a flagship budget.

💬 Have you made the switch from Huawei to Samsung? Share your experience below—we’d love to hear what changed for you!