Samsung A50 vs A51: Which Samsung Phone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new smartphone can be overwhelming, especially with so many great options on the market. If you’re considering a Samsung device, you’ve likely come across the popular Galaxy A series. Two contenders that often top the list are the Samsung A50 and the newer A51, both offering a compelling blend of features and affordability.
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, performance, and overall value of the Samsung A50 and A51. We’ll explore their displays, cameras, processors, and battery life to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, understanding the key differences between these two phones is essential.
Get ready to discover which Samsung phone reigns supreme in this head-to-head battle. We’ll analyze everything from design and usability to the overall user experience. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which device best suits your needs and budget, the Samsung A50 or the A51.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Samsung A50 | A51 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.4 inches | 6.5 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels | 1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 9610 | Exynos 9611 |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB |
| Main Camera | 25MP + 8MP + 5MP | 48MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 25MP | 32MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable | Android 10, upgradable |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Under-display (optical) | Under-display (optical) |
| Weight | 166g | 172g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung A50: Features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, but brightness can be an issue in direct sunlight.
- A51: Also boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Provides slightly improved screen real estate and similar excellent display quality.
- Winner: a51
Processor
- Samsung A50: Powered by an Exynos 9610 processor. Provides decent performance for everyday tasks, but can struggle with demanding games and multitasking.
- A51: Equipped with an Exynos 9611 processor, a slight upgrade. Offers a marginal performance boost compared to the A50, handling games and multitasking a bit better.
- Winner: a51
RAM and Storage
- Samsung A50: Available with 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. Offers sufficient memory for most users, with expandable storage via microSD.
- A51: Comes with the same RAM and storage options, 4GB or 6GB RAM and 64GB or 128GB of internal storage. Similar performance characteristics regarding memory.
- Winner: Tie
Camera (Rear)
- Samsung A50: Features a triple-lens rear camera setup: 25MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 5MP depth sensor. Captures good quality photos in favorable lighting conditions, but low-light performance is average.
- A51: Upgrades to a quad-lens rear camera: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. Offers improved image quality, especially with the higher resolution main sensor and adds a macro lens.
- Winner: a51
Camera (Front)
- Samsung A50: Has a 25MP front-facing camera. Takes good selfies in good light, but struggles in low-light conditions.
- A51: Also features a 32MP front-facing camera. Takes slightly better selfies and offers improved detail.
- Winner: a51
Battery
- Samsung A50: Packs a 4,000mAh battery. Provides all-day battery life for moderate to heavy users.
- A51: Also has a 4,000mAh battery. Offers similar battery life to the A50.
- Winner: Tie
Design
- Samsung A50: Features a plastic back with a glossy finish. It has a modern design, but the plastic back feels less premium compared to glass.
- A51: Also has a plastic back, but offers a more refined design with a more premium feel.
- Winner: a51
Price
- Samsung A50: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- A51: Typically priced slightly higher than the A50, reflecting the upgrades in features and performance.
- Winner: a50
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | A51 |
| Processor | A51 |
| Main Camera | A51 |
| Front Camera | A51 |
| Operating System | A51 |
| Design | A51 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Technology: Both phones utilize Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Battery Capacity: Both devices share the same 4000 mAh battery capacity, providing a full day of usage for most users.
- Under-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Both the A50 and A51 feature an under-display fingerprint sensor for convenient and modern unlocking.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones offer a microSD card slot, allowing users to expand their storage capacity.
- Connectivity: Both phones support Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS for standard connectivity options.
Samsung A50 Vs A51 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy A51 boasts a slightly upgraded processor compared to the A50. The A51 features an Exynos 9611 chipset, while the A50 utilizes the Exynos 9610. This results in marginal improvements in performance, particularly during multitasking and graphically intensive applications. While both phones handle everyday tasks smoothly, the A51 offers a slight edge for gamers and users who frequently run demanding apps. The difference isn’t huge, but it’s noticeable in certain scenarios. Consider your usage patterns when deciding.
Display Quality and Size
Both phones share a similar display technology, using Super AMOLED panels. The A51 has a slightly larger display, measuring 6.5 inches compared to the A50’s 6.4 inches. The resolution remains the same at 1080 x 2340 pixels, which translates to sharp and vibrant visuals. The A51’s display offers a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio due to slimmer bezels. Both displays provide excellent color accuracy and contrast, making them enjoyable for media consumption. Both phones have Gorilla Glass protection.
Camera Capabilities and Features
The A51 significantly improves upon the A50’s camera setup. The A51 features a quad-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. The A50 has a triple-camera system with a 25MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. The A51’s camera offers better low-light performance and improved image quality. The ultrawide lens on both are good, but the A51 macro is better. The A51 is better for photography.
Battery Life and Charging Speed
Both phones have a 4,000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for most users. Charging speeds are similar, supporting 15W fast charging. While the battery capacity is the same, the A51 might see slightly better battery optimization due to its more efficient processor. However, the difference in battery life is negligible in real-world use. Both phones offer good battery performance for their price range, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. The A51 has a slight edge.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature a similar design aesthetic, with a plastic back and a sleek, modern look. The A51 features a more refined design with a more premium feel. The A51 has a more attractive hole-punch front camera, while the A50 has a waterdrop notch. The build quality is generally good for both phones, but the plastic back is prone to scratches. Both phones are comfortable to hold and use. The A51 generally feels a bit more refined.
Price and Value for Money
When considering which phone to buy, price is a major factor. The A51 was initially launched at a higher price point than the A50. However, both phones are now available at competitive prices. The A51, with its improved features, offers better value for money if the price difference is small. The A50 is still a viable option, especially if you can find it at a significantly discounted price. Evaluate current market prices when making your decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung a50 If…
- You prefer a phone that might be available at a slightly lower price.
- You prioritize a simpler camera setup.
- You are looking for a phone with a proven track record.
Buy a51 If…
- You want a phone with a slightly larger display and a more modern design.
- You desire a more versatile camera system with an additional ultrawide lens.
- You want a phone with a newer Android version out of the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Samsung A50 and A51?
The A51 boasts several improvements over the A50, including a more powerful processor, a quad-camera system with enhanced low-light performance, a slightly larger display with a better screen-to-body ratio, and a more refined design. The A51 offers a more premium experience overall.
Which phone has a better camera?
The Samsung Galaxy A51 has a much better camera. The A51 features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. The A50 has a triple-camera setup with a 25MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. The A51 is better.
Does the A51 have a better display than the A50?
The A51 features a slightly larger 6.5-inch display compared to the A50’s 6.4-inch display, with the same resolution. The A51 has a slightly higher screen-to-body ratio due to slimmer bezels. Both displays use Super AMOLED technology for vibrant visuals, making both phones great for media consumption. Both have good displays.
How does the performance compare between the two phones?
The A51’s Exynos 9611 processor provides a slight performance boost over the A50’s Exynos 9610. While both handle everyday tasks, the A51 offers smoother multitasking and slightly better performance in graphically demanding applications. The performance difference is not huge but noticeable.
What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both the A50 and A51 have a 4,000mAh battery, providing similar all-day battery life for typical usage. Charging speeds are also comparable, with both supporting 15W fast charging. The A51 may have slightly better battery optimization, but the difference is minimal in real-world use. Both phones have good battery life.
Is the A51 worth the upgrade from the A50?
The A51 offers significant upgrades, particularly in the camera and processing power. Whether it’s worth the upgrade depends on the price difference. If the price difference is small, the A51 is the better choice. If the A50 is significantly cheaper, it remains a good value for money option.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A51 has a slight edge over the A50 for gaming due to its more powerful processor. While both phones can play most mobile games, the A51 will provide a smoother and more responsive gaming experience, especially with more demanding titles. The A51 is the better option for gaming.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A51 emerges as the better phone overall. Its improved camera system, slightly more powerful processor, and refined design offer a more compelling user experience. While the A50 remains a capable device, the A51’s enhancements justify its slightly higher price. The A51 offers superior value for money, especially if the price difference is not significant. The A51 is the better choice for most users.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A51