Samsung S10 vs A51: Which Samsung Phone Reigns Supreme?
Choosing a new phone can be a tough decision, especially when Samsung offers such a diverse range of devices. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison that’s been on many people’s minds: the Samsung Galaxy S10 versus the Galaxy A51. Both phones have their strengths, and understanding their differences is key to finding the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
The Samsung S10, a flagship from a few years back, still holds its own with its premium features and powerful performance. The A51, on the other hand, represents Samsung’s commitment to delivering great value in the mid-range market. This comparison will help you navigate their specs, features, and overall user experience.
We will examine their displays, cameras, performance, and battery life to give you a comprehensive overview. By the end of this analysis, you’ll have a clear understanding of which phone—the Samsung S10 or the A51—best aligns with your priorities, helping you make an informed decision for your next smartphone purchase.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | S10 | A51 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Display Technology | Dynamic AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1440 x 3040 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | Snapdragon 855 / Exynos 9820 | Exynos 9611 |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6/8 GB |
| Internal Storage | 128/512 GB | 64/128 GB |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP + 12MP + 16MP | Quad 48MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 10MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 3400 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | No |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung S10: Features a vibrant 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a high resolution, offering excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. The curved edges provide an immersive viewing experience, but can be prone to accidental touches.
- A51: Boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, which is slightly larger than the S10. While still vibrant, it may not be as color-accurate as the S10. The flat screen design eliminates accidental touches.
- Winner: S10
Processor
- Samsung S10: Powered by a Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820) processor, providing top-tier performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and multitasking. It offers faster processing speeds compared to the A51.
- A51: Equipped with an Exynos 9611 processor, which is adequate for everyday use but may struggle with graphically intensive games or very demanding applications compared to the S10.
- Winner: S10
Camera
- Samsung S10: Features a versatile triple-lens rear camera system, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom and wide-angle capabilities. Delivers excellent image quality in various lighting conditions.
- A51: Offers a quad-camera setup, including a main lens, ultrawide lens, macro lens, and depth sensor. The image quality is good for its price range, but may not match the S10’s performance in challenging scenarios.
- Winner: S10
Battery Life
- Samsung S10: Has a 3400mAh battery. Battery life is decent, but may require charging before the end of a heavy day of use.
- A51: Includes a larger 4000mAh battery, offering significantly better battery life than the S10, easily lasting a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- Winner: A51
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung S10: Features a premium design with a glass back and aluminum frame, offering a sleek and refined feel. It’s IP68 water and dust resistant.
- A51: Constructed with a plastic back and frame, which feels less premium than the S10. Lacks the same level of water resistance.
- Winner: S10
Software and User Experience
- Samsung S10: Runs on Samsung’s One UI, offering a clean and user-friendly interface. Receives software updates, although may not be the fastest to get the latest Android versions.
- A51: Also runs on One UI, providing a similar user experience. Software updates are released, but the update cycle may be slower than the S10.
- Winner: S10
Price
- Samsung S10: Typically more expensive, as it was a flagship phone. Price varies depending on the condition and if it’s new/used.
- A51: Significantly more affordable, making it a great value for its features.
- Winner: A51
Storage
- Samsung S10: Offers higher base storage options and more RAM, allowing for more apps, games, and files.
- A51: Provides less storage and RAM compared to the S10, which may be limiting for users with large media libraries or who run multiple demanding apps.
- Winner: S10
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Samsung S10 |
| Performance | Samsung S10 |
| Battery Life | A51 |
| Camera Versatility | A51 |
| Design | Samsung S10 |
| Value | A51 |
What They Have in Common:
- Operating System: Both phones initially launched with Android 9.0 (Pie) and are upgradable to later versions, offering a similar software experience.
- Expandable Storage: Both the Galaxy S10 and A51 offer microSD card slots, allowing users to expand their storage capacity.
- Amoled Display: Both phones feature AMOLED displays, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Samsung Brand: Both phones are manufactured by Samsung, ensuring access to Samsung’s ecosystem and support.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Both devices include fingerprint sensors for secure device unlocking.
Samsung S10 Vs A51 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung S10 boasts a more powerful processor, offering superior performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. Its Snapdragon 855 (or Exynos 9820) chipset ensures faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Galaxy A51, powered by the Exynos 9611, is still capable but lags behind in raw processing speed. This difference is noticeable in graphically intensive games and when running multiple applications simultaneously. Consider your usage habits; if you’re a heavy user, the S10 is the clear winner.
Display Quality and Features
Both phones feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, but the S10’s display is slightly superior. It offers higher resolution and better peak brightness. The S10’s screen also supports HDR10+, resulting in more dynamic and vivid content viewing. While the A51’s display is excellent for its price range, the S10 provides a more immersive viewing experience. The S10 also features a curved display, which adds to its premium feel. The A51 has a flat display.
Camera Capabilities
The Samsung S10 has a more versatile camera system with three rear lenses, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. This allows for more creative shooting options. While the A51 also has a quad-camera setup, the S10’s lenses deliver better image quality and more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. The S10 also offers advanced features such as Super Steady video recording. For photography enthusiasts, the S10 is the better choice.
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung S10 features a premium design with a glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a more luxurious feel. It also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A51 has a plastic back, making it less premium but more durable. While the A51’s design is modern, the S10’s design is more refined. The S10 also feels more compact and easier to handle despite having a similar screen size.
Battery Life and Charging
The Samsung A51 has a slightly larger battery capacity than the S10, resulting in better battery life. Users can expect a full day’s use from the A51, while the S10 might require a mid-day charge for heavy users. The S10 does support fast charging and wireless charging, features that the A51 lacks. Consider your battery needs; if extended battery life is crucial, the A51 has the edge.
Price and Value for Money
The Samsung A51 is considerably more affordable than the S10, making it an excellent value for money. While the S10 offers superior features and performance, the A51 provides a compelling package at a lower price point. The S10 is often available at discounted prices, but it still costs more. The A51 represents a better value for those on a budget. Consider current market prices and your budget when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung s10 If…
- You want a more premium design with a glass back and metal frame.
- You prioritize a more powerful processor for demanding tasks and gaming.
- You need IP68 water resistance.
- You want wireless charging capabilities.
Buy a51 If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You want a phone with a longer battery life.
- You are looking for a more affordable option.
- You want a quad-camera setup for versatile photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences between the Samsung S10 and A51?
The Samsung S10 boasts a more powerful processor, a superior display, and a more versatile camera system. It also features a premium design with water resistance. The A51, on the other hand, offers a larger battery, a lower price point, and a more modern design, while still providing good overall performance. The S10 targets power users, while the A51 caters to the budget-conscious consumer.
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung S10 has a superior display. It features a higher resolution, better peak brightness, and support for HDR10+, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. While the A51’s Super AMOLED display is still excellent, the S10’s display provides a slightly sharper and more vibrant image quality. The S10’s curved design also adds to the premium feel.
Is the camera on the S10 significantly better than the A51?
Yes, the S10’s camera system is significantly better. It has a more versatile setup with three rear lenses, including a telephoto lens for optical zoom. The S10 also delivers better image quality and more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. The A51’s camera is good, but the S10 offers a more professional-grade experience.
Which phone has better battery life?
The Samsung A51 generally offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. Users can expect a full day’s use from the A51, while the S10 might require a mid-day charge for heavy users. However, the S10 supports fast charging and wireless charging, which can mitigate the difference in battery life.
Is the S10 worth the extra cost compared to the A51?
It depends on your priorities. The S10 offers superior performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, justifying its higher price for power users and photography enthusiasts. However, the A51 provides excellent value for money, offering a good balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point. Consider your budget and usage needs.
Does the S10 have a headphone jack?
No, the Samsung S10 does not have a headphone jack. Users will need to use wireless headphones or a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter to connect wired headphones. The A51 also does not include a headphone jack.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung S10 is better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. It delivers faster app loading times and smoother gameplay, especially in graphically intensive games. While the A51 can handle gaming, the S10 provides a more seamless and enjoyable gaming experience. This is one of the most significant performance differences between the two.
Final Verdict
The Samsung S10 offers a premium experience with superior performance, a better display, and more versatile camera capabilities. While the A51 presents a strong value proposition with its longer battery life and lower price, the S10 excels in areas that matter most to power users. The S10 is the superior phone overall, but the A51 remains a strong contender for budget-conscious consumers.
Winner: Samsung S10