Samsung Galaxy A71 A715F/DS, 4G LTE, International Version (No US Warranty), 128GB, 6GB, Prism Crush Black - GSM Unlocked - 64GB SD + Case Bundle

I came from an aging S9 to this, and I'm incredibly happy with the switch. I actually did use the Pixel 4a for about a week, but I ended up selling it due to Google widgets working inconsistently, as well as weak audio quality/low volume through headphones (big con for me). I had almost decided to wait for the new S21 or to grab a discounted S20, but then I started to wonder...why? Higher refresh rate, Samsung Pay, wireless charging, cutting-edge cameras, 5G...those things don't matter to me (not yet, at least).I'd much rather have a headphone jack than stereo speakers, if I can't have both, as I almost always listen to music and videos through old-school wired headphones. One feature I really didn't want to give up is Dolby Atmos -- I don't use it for music, but it's become a must-have feature for ASMR videos (yep, I'm one of those weirdos). Thankfully, the A71 also has Atmos. So basically, I'm enjoying the same great audio quality through headphones as I did with the S9, without having to buy a USB-C adaptor for my headphones (as I would have done with a new S-series device), and without having to download and experiment with third-party audio enhancer apps (as I did with the Pixel 4a).I just need my phone to do all the basic phone stuff, run my relatively few apps smoothly, take decent pictures & videos, store tons of content, and let me enjoy music and other audio the way I like. The A71 checks all the required boxes for me and a lot more, for much less money than the current and upcoming S devices. It absolutely feels like an upgrade from my S9. It is a large phone, obviously, but I've found that the larger size is easier to type on and enhances my productivity, overall. The glimmering plastic back looks fantastic, too!As far as the in-screen fingerprint reader goes, it works as well as any other fingerprint reader I've had. It has its hits and misses. With this one, at least I don't have to worry about the paint chipping off the fingerprint sensor (which is what happened with my S9).About this bundle: The phone came with the soft clear case (inside the Samsung packaging) and 64GB SD card as advertised. The case is fine, but the SD card is off-brand and wasn't in a sealed package. Just to be safe, I purchased a name-brand SD card separately. And yes, the phone DID come with a film screen protector already installed right out of the box!Network: I'm on AT&T prepaid and have a consistent 4G LTE connection. No issues.

***UPDATE 11 Months***So, I did eventually replace the screen protector and the fingerprint reader works fine now. I upgraded from 4 to 5 Stars. I still love the phone. I do think the recent updates caused issues with WiFi calling on T-Mobile but it seems to be working now.This phone has been my daily mobile device for two weeks now and I am delighted with my purchase. I am on T-Mobile in the US (South Florida) and it works perfectly. I rated the fingerprint reader low because I have not been able to use it. I have tried several times without success. The device I have came with a screen protector and I believe it is interfering with the setup of the biometrics. I have not wanted to peel it off as it is on so perfectly. Eventually, I will buy a new screen protector (that is rated for use with under glass biometrics) and have another go.Even without the fingerprint reader the phone is a delight. the face unlock is very handy. The device is a good size and has a long battery. I don't think I have been below 50% charge in the two weeks I have been using the device. It is as fast as any phone I have used. I refuse to pay the $1000 price tag on flagship devices. I wasn't sure how I would feel about an A series Galaxy device, but I took the plunge and won't be turning back. There is just no reason to spend more than this for a device. I'm convinced that whatever advantages the flagship devices have over this are novalties that disappear from appreciation once the user settles in.I am a 20+ year IT professional who has been buying flagship devices for decades. My work is administrative now and I cannot justify the cost of a flagship device. My last phone was the essential phone that I loved so much that I hung on to it for nearly 4 years. This is a major upgrade from that device and the timing couldn't be better.I was specifically looking for a device that didn't compromise on performance, screen quality, camera and features. The device also had to have a flat-screen. I will not buy a phone with a curved screen. They are prone to break and are expensive to replace and they are merely a gimmick. There is no added value with the curved screen that I can perceive. The A71 fit the bill perfectly.I will update in a few weeks after I have the fingerprint reader working and give any other pros and cons that I have found with the extended use.

This is a great midrange device for the money. Coming from Galaxy S10+, I switched to cricket and needed something comparable so I chose this.I don't really find myself missing anything from the S10+, save the IPX rating.The screen is beautiful on this thing. Great color, and adjustable. Much better than most devices in this price range.The camera quality isn't gonna match an S20, but honestly it takes some very good photos. I've been pretty impressed, and personally I am a fan of the macro lense.Battery life is pretty solid. I get through a whole day of regular use with 40-60% left. A+ here Samsung.Sound quality is decent. It's a single blaster from the bottom, so lay your expectations there, but THERE'S A HEADPHONE JACK. for some this isn't a big deal, but I like to use headphones and I'm not a fan of trying to deal with wireless buds. I always forget to charge them.In screen fingerprint reader is pretty "meh."I saved multiple copies of the same finger and it greatly improves scan accuracy, but I really wish Samsung would have just went with an old style reader on the back panel. They're much faster and more convenient. Samsung only let's you have three saves for fingerprints with this device, which is also frustrating.Nit picky things include Samsung UI irritations. They press their services hard, which I understand, but id also like the freedom to opt out and stick with my Google services. It's not a huge inconvenience, but it adds an additional step or two when navigating certain tasks.Overall I'd recommend this device to anyone. It's got great specs, and it's a solid product.