Samsung's Affordable 5G Pioneer Analyzed

The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G brought premium features to the mid-range segment, offering 5G connectivity, a versatile camera system, and Samsung's signature Super AMOLED display at an accessible price point.

Introduction

Launched in April 2020, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G was a strategic move to democratize 5G technology. It served as a bridge between budget devices and flagship models, packing impressive specifications like a quad-camera setup and vibrant display that belied its mid-range positioning. This device demonstrated Samsung's commitment to making advanced technology accessible to a broader audience.

Design & Display

The Galaxy A51 5G features a sleek design with a polished plastic back that mimics glass through its prismatic pattern, available in Black, White, and Pink color options. Weighing 187g with an 8.7mm thickness, it strikes a balance between substantial feel and comfortable handling. The front is dominated by a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED Infinity-O display with Full HD+ resolution (1080x2400 pixels), delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. Protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the screen offers an impressive 87.2% screen-to-body ratio with minimal bezels.

Performance & Hardware

At its heart, the device is powered by Samsung's Exynos 980 chipset built on an 8nm process, featuring an integrated 5G modem. The octa-core configuration includes two Cortex-A77 performance cores clocked at 2.2GHz and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores at 1.8GHz. Paired with either 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The 128GB of UFS 2.1 storage provides fast read/write speeds and is expandable via microSD card.

Camera

The quad-camera array consists of a 48MP primary sensor with f/2.0 aperture, a 12MP ultra-wide lens with 123-degree field of view, a 5MP macro camera for close-up shots, and a 5MP depth sensor for portrait effects. The system supports 4K video recording at 30fps with electronic image stabilization (EIS). On the front, a 32MP selfie camera captures detailed images and also supports 4K video recording, making it competitive even by today's standards for video calls and content creation.

Battery & Charging

The device is equipped with a 4500mAh battery that provides all-day usage for most users. It supports 15W fast charging through its USB Type-C port, allowing for relatively quick top-ups. While not the fastest charging available even at its launch, it remains practical for daily use.

Software & Features

The Galaxy A51 5G launched with Android 10 and Samsung's One UI overlay, which has since been updated to Android 13. One UI provides a clean, user-friendly experience with useful features like Dark Mode, Digital Wellbeing, and Samsung's ecosystem integration. Additional features include an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, NFC for contactless payments, and a rare inclusion in modern smartphones—a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Excellent Super AMOLED display with high screen-to-body ratio
  • Versatile quad-camera system with ultra-wide and macro capabilities
  • 5G connectivity future-proofs the device
  • Headphone jack retention appreciated by many users
  • Expandable storage via microSD card
• Cons:
  • Plastic construction feels less premium than glass alternatives
  • 15W charging is slower than competitors' offerings
  • Performance can struggle with intensive tasks and gaming
  • No wireless charging capability

Tags: Samsung, Galaxy A51 5G, Android smartphone, mid-range phone, 5G phone, camera phone, specs, price

Exploring the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G: a feature-packed mid-ranger with a stunning Super AMOLED display, versatile quad cameras, and future-proof connectivity.