Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Galaxy A30 has the sharper screen; the Galaxy A30s has the more versatile rear cameras and an in-display fingerprint reader. The A30s is a refresh, not a straightforward upgrade: Samsung lowered its display resolution from Full HD+ to HD+ while adding an ultrawide camera and a higher-resolution main sensor. In 2026, either makes sense only at a low price, in good condition, and with the right expectations about software support.
The biggest difference: screen sharpness
Both phones have a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, but they do not have the same resolution. The Galaxy A30 is 2340 × 1080 (Full HD+); the A30s is 1560 × 720 (HD+). At nearly the same size, the A30 renders text, fine details and high-resolution video more sharply. That difference matters for reading, browsing, maps and subtitles.
The A30s still has AMOLED contrast and deep blacks. Its disadvantage is pixel density, not display technology. If you spend much of your time looking at the screen, the A30 is usually the better pick even though it is the older model. Samsung lists the A30’s specifications and the A30s’ specifications on regional product pages.
Galaxy A30 vs A30s specifications
Specifications can differ by country and exact model code. Treat this as a comparison of representative regional listings, not a guarantee for every handset sold under either name.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
| Feature | Galaxy A30 | Galaxy A30s |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 2340 × 1080 | 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 1560 × 720 |
| Processor platform | Exynos 7904-class octa-core | Exynos 7904-class octa-core |
| Rear cameras | 16MP main + 5MP secondary | 25MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP depth |
| Front camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Battery and charging | 4,000mAh, 15W-class charging | 4,000mAh, 15W-class charging |
| Storage | Commonly 64GB in cited listing | 32GB, 64GB or 128GB, depending on market |
| Fingerprint reader | Conventional sensor | In-display optical sensor |
| Network and ports | 4G LTE, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD | 4G LTE, USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD |
| NFC | Variant-dependent | Variant-dependent |
Cameras: A30s offers more ways to frame a shot
The A30s adds an 8MP ultrawide camera and a 5MP depth camera to its 25MP main camera. The extra field of view is useful for landscapes, architecture and fitting more people into a group photo. The A30 has a simpler 16MP main and 5MP secondary setup. Both are listed with a 16MP, f/2.0 front camera, so the A30s is not an obvious selfie-camera upgrade.
More megapixels do not automatically mean better photos. The official specifications establish camera hardware, not that the A30s wins in every lighting condition. In particular, do not assume its ultrawide camera will match the main camera in detail or low light. The cited listings give video recording up to 1080p at 30fps; neither model should be bought on the assumption of 4K recording. Choose the A30s for camera flexibility, not on the basis of an unverified promise of superior image quality.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Performance, storage and battery
Both phones use the same Exynos 7904-class platform in the cited regional specifications, so the A30s does not bring a meaningful processor-generation jump. Everyday messaging, streaming and light browsing are broadly similar when comparing units with similar memory and condition. RAM varies by market and configuration, and the shared processor does not guarantee identical real-world speed. Neither is a sensible choice for demanding modern games in 2026.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Storage is worth checking carefully: A30s versions may have 32GB, 64GB or 128GB, while the cited A30 listing is 64GB. A 32GB model can feel cramped after system files and app updates. Both support microSD in representative specifications, but a card is mainly useful for media and photos; it does not increase internal storage speed or make apps run faster.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Both were specified with a 4,000mAh non-removable battery and 15W-class charging over USB-C. The original capacity does not tell you how well an ageing used battery performs today. Ask about battery replacement and actual endurance, and inspect the USB-C port. A worn port or third-party replacement battery can complicate a bargain. These are older 15W-class phones, not devices to buy for modern high-wattage charging.
Fingerprint reader, NFC and regional versions
The A30 uses a conventional fingerprint sensor; the A30s moves fingerprint recognition under the display. The A30s’ optical reader may appeal if you prefer that placement, but it should not be assumed to work as quickly or consistently as a modern capacitive reader. A damaged screen protector, wet finger or damaged OLED can make it unreliable. In the cited listings, the A30s is marginally thicker and heavier: 158.5 × 74.7 × 7.8mm and 169g, against 158.5 × 74.7 × 7.7mm and 165g for the A30.
Rank #4
- Condition: Certified Refurbished- May have few minor scuffs or scratches
- Ships in non-retail box with generic charger and USB cable only. No any other accessories included.
- Model: Samsung Galaxy A11 A115U 32GB
- This device is GSM unlocked and will work with T-Mobile, Sprint. Not compatible with Cricket and any other CDMA network. To ensure this phone will work with your carrier please check to make sure the frequencies your carrier uses are supported by this phone.
- No longer compatible with AT&T networks
NFC is not guaranteed by the name. Samsung’s Lebanon A30 listing says NFC is unavailable, while its Spain A30s listing includes NFC. Other regional variants may differ. If contactless payment matters, check the full model code and confirm NFC is present in the phone’s Settings or Quick Settings; do not rely on a marketplace title or assume Samsung Pay will work. Also verify LTE band compatibility and SIM configuration before importing a handset. Both are 4G LTE phones, not 5G models.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Software support in 2026
Samsung’s official update records show Android 11 for representative variants: the SM-A305F Galaxy A30 and the SM-A307GN Galaxy A30s. That does not establish identical firmware or update history for every country, carrier or model suffix. Both are legacy Android 11-era phones, and you should check the exact variant’s current security-update status rather than assume it still receives patches.
Best Value
- 4G LTE Bands: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 (This model does not support 5G)
- Display: PLS LCD | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
- Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | 25W wired
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility. A power adapter is NOT included.
They may remain usable for basic tasks, but app requirements and security exposure change over time. Banking, authentication, streaming and work apps may eventually require newer software. If you depend on current security updates or want a long-term primary phone, choose a newer supported device instead of treating either A30 as a future-proof purchase.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Galaxy A30 if the phones cost about the same and you value sharper text, reading, maps or video. It is the stronger display choice.
- Choose the Galaxy A30s if you will use the ultrawide camera, prefer an in-display fingerprint reader, or have found a meaningfully cheaper or higher-storage variant in good condition. Its camera advantage is versatility, not guaranteed image superiority.
- For value, compare condition and total cost. A clean A30 can be a better buy than a worn A30s. A 128GB A30s may be useful if you need the space, but verify the model and storage before paying more.
- For NFC, buy only a confirmed variant. Check the exact model and test the feature; regional specifications differ.
- For long-term support, 5G or demanding gaming, choose neither. If the price approaches that of a newer supported budget phone, the newer device is usually the safer long-term purchase.
Used-phone checklist
- Confirm identity: Read Settings → About phone and match the full model number to the seller’s description. Names such as “A30s” alone do not establish storage, NFC, SIM setup, bands or firmware.
- Check the screen: Look for OLED burn-in, discoloration, dead areas, cracks and touch problems. On the A30s, test the in-display fingerprint reader with the screen protector fitted as you will use it.
- Test cameras and biometrics: Try each rear camera, including the A30s ultrawide, the front camera and the fingerprint reader. Check focus and whether the camera switches correctly.
- Assess battery and charging: Ask about battery diagnostics and replacements; check for unexpected shutdowns and test the USB-C connection. A displayed capacity or a short shop test cannot guarantee real-world endurance.
- Verify network and ownership: Check carrier lock, IMEI status and the exact model’s LTE bands for your carrier. An unlocked imported phone can still have poor coverage if its bands do not match.
- Confirm the features you need: Check NFC in Settings if contactless payment is essential, and confirm actual storage, SIM configuration and microSD support for that variant.
- Compare the complete deal: Include repair risk, return terms, shipping and any needed accessories. Avoid a phone that needs an expensive screen or battery repair unless the total cost still makes sense.
Be wary of listings claiming 5G, 4K camera recording, 25W charging or universal NFC without evidence for the exact model. A clear model code, working hardware and a return option are more valuable than a polished listing description.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
