Samsung Galaxy A81 Price in South Africa – A Detailed Guide

The Samsung Galaxy A81 was another rumored device in Samsung’s A-series that never officially launched. While early rumors circulated around the A81 as a successor to the Galaxy A80, Samsung ended up releasing the Galaxy A71 and A51 instead, which were positioned as the core models in their mid-range A-series lineup.

As of 2025, there is no official Samsung release of a model named the Galaxy A81 in South Africa or elsewhere, and the A81 never reached the market. However, if you are referring to the Samsung Galaxy A80, which was launched in 2019 and featured an innovative rotating camera, I can provide information on its price and availability in South Africa.

If you’re asking about a possible future release (or another iteration in the A series like the A82), here’s a detailed breakdown based on the A-series phones and their typical price points in South Africa.

Samsung Galaxy A81 Price in South Africa (2025)

Since the A81 never launched, let’s consider related models that are likely to be in circulation through second-hand or refurbished markets:

Samsung Galaxy A80 Price in South Africa (Used/Refurbished)

The Galaxy A80 was a standout device due to its rotating camera, making it a unique offering in the market. As it was released in 2019, it is now available mostly in the used or refurbished market.

• Used or Refurbished Galaxy A80: Expect to pay between R6,500 and R9,000 depending on the condition of the device, storage capacity, and whether it includes original accessories. Prices will vary based on the marketplace you purchase from.
  Some places to check for second-hand units:
  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Gumtree
  • OLX
  • Takealot (for refurbished devices)

Samsung Galaxy A71 / A72 Prices (Similar Models)

If you’re looking for a more recent mid-range model in the A series, the A71 or A72 would be a great alternative, as these devices offer flagship-like features at a more affordable price.

• Samsung Galaxy A71 (new or refurbished): Prices range from R8,000 to R12,000 for new and R6,500 to R9,500 for second-hand units.
• Samsung Galaxy A72: This model can be found in the range of R10,000 to R12,500 for new devices, with second-hand models priced slightly lower.

Where to Buy Samsung Galaxy A80 (Used) in South Africa

To find a Samsung Galaxy A80 or any similarly priced Samsung A-series devices in South Africa, consider checking the following retailers and platforms:

1. Takealot:
   • Takealot often carries refurbished or second-hand phones. They might have Samsung Galaxy A80 models available, either new or refurbished, at competitive prices.
2. Loot:
   • Loot is another major online retailer in South Africa that may have refurbished or second-hand models available.
3. Second-hand Marketplaces:
   • Check Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, and OLX for used or refurbished devices.
   • Always meet sellers in person or ask for photos of the actual phone to inspect the condition.
4. International Importers:
   • Some international platforms like eBay, AliExpress, and Amazon might list the Galaxy A80 for shipping to South Africa. Be sure to check the seller’s reviews and verify the warranty and return policies.

Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy A80 (2019)

Since the A81 didn’t release, here’s a quick rundown of the features you could have expected from the Galaxy A80, which remains one of the most notable devices in Samsung’s A-series.

1. Rotating Camera System:
   • One of the most unique features of the Galaxy A80 was its rotating camera. The 48MP main camera, 8MP ultra-wide lens, and 3D depth sensor were housed in a motorized mechanism that would rotate to face the front when you wanted to take selfies or make video calls. This innovation was truly one-of-a-kind at the time of its release.
2. Display:
   • 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a Full HD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels).
   • The edge-to-edge display offers an immersive viewing experience, great for multimedia consumption and gaming. With no notch or hole-punch design, it had a clean and premium appearance.
3. Performance:
   • Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G chipset, which was designed with gaming in mind, and paired with 8GB of RAM.
   • This made the A80 a solid performer for its time, capable of handling multitasking, light gaming, and everyday tasks without issue.
4. Storage:
   • The device came with 128GB of internal storage, but there was no microSD card slot for expandable storage, which may have been a downside for those with heavy storage needs.
5. Battery:
   • The A80 featured a 3700mAh battery with 25W Super Fast Charging.
   • Given the large display and the rotating camera mechanism, the battery provided decent endurance for a full day of usage.
6. Design:
   • The A80 had a premium design with a glass back and metal frame. The rotating camera mechanism was unique, and the phone’s overall design felt sleek and modern.
7. Software:
   • The device shipped with One UI 1.5 based on Android 9.0 Pie, but it has received updates to One UI 2 and Android 10.
8. 5G Support:
   • While not a 5G-capable phone, the A80 provided solid performance in terms of 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi speeds.

Alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy A80 in 2025

If you’re looking for an alternative to the Samsung Galaxy A81, which never officially launched, and the A80, here are some other devices in the A-series that are worth considering:

1. Samsung Galaxy A71 / A72:
   • These models offer better overall performance, larger batteries, and improved cameras. The A72 is a great choice if you prefer a phone with IP67 water and dust resistance and a 120Hz display.
2. Samsung Galaxy A52 / A53:
   • The A52 and A53 provide a balance of premium features at a more affordable price, with great displays, strong cameras, and 5G connectivity.
   • The A53 comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and IP67 rating for water resistance, making it a good upgrade for those looking for something more modern.
3. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE:
   • If you are looking for something more flagship-level, the Galaxy S20 FE offers premium performance, a better camera system, and 5G capabilities at a slightly higher price point than the A-series.

Since the Samsung Galaxy A81 was never officially released, it’s impossible to find it new in the South African market. However, the Samsung Galaxy A80, which featured an innovative rotating camera, can be found as a used or refurbished device ranging from R6,500 to R9,000 in the second-hand market.

If you’re seeking a premium mid-range device with a rotating camera or similar features, you might want to consider the A80 or check out more recent A-series phones like the A71, A72, or A52. These devices offer comparable performance, camera quality, and display features at a reasonable price.