Samsung appears to be working on a new version of the Galaxy A71 5G for Verizon’s network. The handset recently passed through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi certification processes with the model number SM-A716V. The Bluetooth certification also specifically mentions the device name as “Galaxy-A71-5g US VERIZON.”
Unlike other US mobile carriers, who offer low-band 5G (sub-6 GHz), Verizon’s 5G network is deployed using the mmWave technology (high band).
This means phone makers will have to add mmWave antennas in their 5G devices for Verizon to carry them. And this is precisely what Samsung is doing with the Galaxy A71 5G, similar to how it released a version of Galaxy S20 5G for Verizon’s network earlier this week.
Launched last month, the ‘original’ A71 5G only supports the sub-6 GHz. It will also be available in the US as an unlocked or carrier model on other networks.
Galaxy A71 5G will run on Snapdragon 765 in the US
The Galaxy A71 5G will be reportedly powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765 chipset in the US. Folks over at XDA Developers have discovered a device with the name “samsung_a71xq” in a public database that lists upcoming devices that will support Verizon’s online services.
Here, “a71” is the model number while “x” indicates 5G support. Lastly, the “q” at the end means it’ll have a Qualcomm processor. Since the A71 5G is a mid-range smartphone, it is highly unlikely to pack the Snapdragon 865 SoC, which will significantly add to the device’s cost.
So it could either have a Snapdragon 765 or 765G chipset. Further examining Samsung’s FOTA testbed and some Geekbench listings, XDA confirmed that the US Galaxy A71 5G will have the Snapdragon 765 processor.
It will be one of the first smartphones in the US with that Qualcomm chipset. Other Snapdragon 765-powered devices, the LG Velvet, Nokia 8.3, and the Motorola Edge, are yet to make their debuts.
According to XDA’s report, the Galaxy A71 5G could arrive in the US markets in late June or early July.
In overseas markets, the Galaxy A71 5G uses the Exynos 980 SoC for 5G connectivity. In terms of specifications, it is essentially the same device as its LTE counterpart, except that it packs an upgraded processor and modem to support 5G connectivity.
You get a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED punch-hole display with an in-display fingerprint sensor. There’s a 64-megapixel quad-camera setup on the back and a 32-megapixel selfie camera. The handset comes in 6GB and 8GB RAM variants, with 128GB storage and a microSD card slot.
The Galaxy A71 5G runs Android 10 and packs a 4,500mAh battery with 25W fast charging via USB Type-C. The phone will retail for $600 in the US.