Used Samsung Galaxy A20 vs. Used Samsung Galaxy A21: Which is the Best Budget Phone for Gaming?
In today’s mobile gaming landscape, having a budget-friendly smartphone that can handle the latest games is essential for many users. The Samsung Galaxy A20 and the Samsung Galaxy A21 are contenders in the budget smartphone market. Both devices offer decent specifications at an affordable price point, making them appealing for gamers on a budget. In this detailed comparison, we will examine various aspects of these smartphones to determine which is better for mobile gaming when purchased in the used market.
Performance
Performance is a critical factor when evaluating a smartphone for gaming. It encompasses the phone’s processing power, graphics capabilities, and responsiveness. Let’s start by looking at the performance specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A20 and A21:
Samsung Galaxy A20:
Processor: Samsung Exynos 7884 (Octa-core, 1.6 GHz)
GPU: Mali-G71 MP2
RAM: 3 GB
Samsung Galaxy A21:
Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 (Octa-core, 2.3 GHz)
GPU: PowerVR GE8320
RAM: 3 GB
At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy A21 appears to have a slight advantage in terms of processing power, thanks to its MediaTek Helio P35 chipset, which has a higher clock speed than the Exynos 7884 in the A20. However, real-world gaming performance depends on various factors, including software optimization and thermal management.
Both phones have 3 GB of RAM, a common configuration in budget devices. While this amount of RAM may limit multitasking capabilities, it should be sufficient for most mobile games.
Regarding gaming performance, it’s essential to consider the GPU as well. The Mali-G71 MP2 in the A20 and the PowerVR GE8320 in the A21 are entry-level GPUs designed for budget smartphones. While they can easily handle casual and less demanding games, they may need help with graphically intensive titles.
In practical terms, both phones should be capable of running popular mobile games such as PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Fortnite at lower graphics settings. However, for a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience, you may need to reduce the graphics settings on these devices, as they may provide a different level of performance than higher-end smartphones.
Display
The display is another crucial aspect to consider when evaluating a smartphone for gaming. A good display can enhance the gaming experience by providing vibrant colors, sharp visuals, and responsive touch input. Here’s how the displays of the Samsung Galaxy A20 and A21 compare:
Samsung Galaxy A20:
Display Size: 6.4 inches
Display Technology: Super AMOLED
Resolution: 720 x 1560 pixels (HD+)
Samsung Galaxy A21:
Display Size: 6.5 inches
Display Technology: PLS TFT LCD
Resolution: 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+)
The Samsung Galaxy A20 features a Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Super AMOLED displays are superior to other display technologies commonly found in budget smartphones. The A20’s display, despite its HD+ resolution, provides a visually pleasing experience with rich colors and good viewing angles.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A21 comes with a PLS TFT LCD. While PLS TFT LCDs can offer decent color reproduction and viewing angles, they typically fall short of Super AMOLED displays in contrast and color vibrancy.
Both displays have a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels (A20) and 720 x 1600 pixels (A21), considered HD+. While this resolution is lower than Full HD, it’s standard for budget smartphones and should provide adequate sharpness for gaming.
In terms of display quality, the Samsung Galaxy A20 has the advantage of its Super AMOLED panel, offering better colors and contrast, making gaming more visually appealing. However, the A21’s slightly larger display size may be preferred by some users for gaming.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for gamers, as extended gaming sessions can quickly drain a smartphone’s battery. The Samsung Galaxy A20 and A21 come equipped with 4,000mAh batteries, which are relatively large for budget devices. However, battery life can vary depending on screen-on time, gaming intensity, and software optimization.
Both phones also support 15W fast charging, allowing for quicker recharging. While neither device supports wireless charging, fast charging can be especially beneficial for gamers who want to minimize downtime between gaming sessions.
Regarding battery life, it’s reasonable to expect that the A20 and A21 will provide similar endurance during gaming sessions. The larger batteries in these devices, combined with the power-efficient processors, should allow for several hours of gaming on a single charge.
Software and Updates
Software optimization and updates are critical for gaming performance and security. The Samsung Galaxy A20 and A21 run on Samsung’s One UI, a customized version of the Android operating system. However, the version of One UI and the frequency of software updates can vary between devices.
As of the time of writing, the Samsung Galaxy A20 typically runs One UI based on Android 9, while the Samsung Galaxy A21 runs a newer version of One UI based on Android 10. Newer software versions often come with optimizations and improvements that can benefit gaming performance and overall system responsiveness.
In addition to performance improvements, software updates bring security patches and bug fixes. Regular updates are essential for maintaining the security and stability of a device.
When considering software, it’s important to note that the Samsung Galaxy A21 may have an advantage due to its newer software version. This can lead to better performance, improved system stability, and a more secure gaming experience.
Price and Value
The price is among the most significant factors when choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A20 and A21 for gaming. Since both devices are budget-friendly, their affordability is a key selling point. Prices for used smartphones can vary widely based on factors such as condition, storage capacity, and region. It’s essential to compare the prices of these two devices in the used market to determine which offers better value.
As of the time of writing, the Samsung Galaxy A20 is generally available at a lower price than the A21 in the used market. This lower price can be a significant factor for budget-conscious gamers looking to maximize value for their money.
While the A21 offers certain advantages, such as a slightly more powerful processor and newer software, the price difference between the two phones may need to be justified for users primarily interested in gaming. The A20, with its Super AMOLED display and lower price, can offer excellent value for gaming enthusiasts on a budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both devices have their strengths and weaknesses when choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A20 and the Samsung Galaxy A21 for gaming in the used market.
The Samsung Galaxy A20, with its Super AMOLED display, offers a visually pleasing gaming experience with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. Its lower price in the used market can make it an attractive choice for budget-conscious gamers. While it may not have the newest software or the most powerful processor, it can handle a variety of mobile games effectively.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy A21 boasts a slightly more powerful processor and newer software. However, these advantages may not significantly impact gaming performance, especially for less demanding mobile games. The A21’s PLS TFT LCD, while adequate, falls short of the A20’s Super AMOLED panel in terms of visual quality.
Ultimately, the decision between the Samsung Galaxy A20 and A21 for gaming should be based on your budget and gaming preferences. If you prioritize a better display and affordability, the A20 is a compelling choice. However, if you value a slightly more powerful processor and newer software, the A21 may be worth considering, especially if the price difference is reasonable. Ultimately, both devices can provide an enjoyable gaming experience for budget-conscious gamers.