Samsung Galaxy A51 vs S10: Which Samsung Reigns?
Choosing a new smartphone can feel like navigating a minefield of specs and features. The market is saturated with options, each vying for your attention. Today, we’re putting two popular Samsung devices head-to-head to help you make an informed decision: the Samsung Galaxy A51 and the Samsung Galaxy S10.
The Samsung Galaxy S10, a flagship from a few years back, still holds its own with impressive performance and premium features. Meanwhile, the Galaxy A51 offers a compelling mid-range experience, promising a lot of value for its price point. This comparison will delve into the key differences and similarities between these two phones.
We’ll examine their displays, cameras, performance, battery life, and design to determine which phone comes out on top. Whether you’re upgrading or simply exploring your options, this comparison of the samsung galaxy a51 vs s10 will provide valuable insights to guide your purchase.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Galaxy A51 | S10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super AMOLED | Dynamic AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1440 x 3040 pixels |
| Processor | Exynos 9611 | Exynos 9820 / Snapdragon 855 |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/512GB |
| Main Camera | 48MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP | 12MP + 12MP + 16MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 10MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 3400 mAh |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging |
| Water Resistance | No | IP68 |
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable | Android 9, upgradable |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. Offers vibrant colors and good contrast, but the brightness might not be ideal in direct sunlight.
- S10: Boasts a 6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a higher resolution of 1440 x 3040 pixels. Provides exceptional clarity, brightness, and color accuracy.
- Winner: S10
Processor
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Equipped with an Exynos 9611 processor, which handles everyday tasks well but can struggle with demanding games or multitasking.
- S10: Powered by either a Snapdragon 855 (US) or Exynos 9820 (International) processor, delivering significantly faster performance and smoother gaming experiences.
- Winner: S10
Camera
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main lens. Offers decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light compared to the S10.
- S10: Has a triple-camera setup with a 12MP main lens. Produces excellent photos with superior detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
- Winner: S10
Battery
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Comes with a 4000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users.
- S10: Includes a 3400mAh battery, which may require charging before the end of the day depending on usage.
- Winner: A51
Design and Build Quality
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Features a plastic back, offering a more budget-friendly design.
- S10: Boasts a premium glass-sandwich design with an aluminum frame, providing a more refined and durable feel.
- Winner: S10
Water Resistance
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Lacks an official IP rating for water resistance.
- S10: Offers IP68 water and dust resistance, providing protection against spills and submersion.
- Winner: S10
Software and Features
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Runs on Android, offering a user-friendly interface but with less advanced features compared to the S10.
- S10: Runs on Android, with more advanced features, including DeX support and potentially faster software updates.
- Winner: S10
Price
- Samsung Galaxy A51: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option.
- S10: Originally launched at a higher price, reflecting its premium features and specifications.
- Winner: A51
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | S10 |
| Performance | S10 |
| Camera Versatility | Galaxy A51 |
| Battery Life | Galaxy A51 |
| Value for Money | Galaxy A51 |
| Design | S10 |
What They Have in Common:
- Super Amoled Display: Both phones feature vibrant Super AMOLED displays, offering rich colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience.
- Fast Charging: Both the Galaxy A51 and S10 support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery.
- Expandable Storage: Both phones offer microSD card slots, enabling users to expand their storage capacity.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Both devices support Bluetooth 5.0 for improved connectivity and range with compatible devices.
- Samsung Ecosystem: Both phones seamlessly integrate with the Samsung ecosystem, including Samsung Pay, Bixby, and other Samsung services.
Samsung Galaxy A51 Vs S10 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The Samsung Galaxy S10, powered by a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820 processor (depending on the region), significantly outperforms the Galaxy A51, which utilizes an Exynos 9611. This difference is noticeable in everyday tasks, app loading times, and especially in graphically intensive games. The S10’s superior processing power allows for smoother multitasking and a more responsive overall user experience. Consider the S10 if you prioritize performance for gaming, video editing, or running demanding applications.
Camera Capabilities
While both phones offer versatile camera systems, the S10 generally produces superior image quality. The S10’s camera boasts better low-light performance, more accurate color reproduction, and more detailed photos, thanks to its advanced image processing capabilities. The A51, with its quad-camera setup, offers flexibility but often struggles in challenging lighting conditions. If photography is a priority, the S10 provides a more refined and capable camera experience, particularly for professional-looking shots.
Display Quality
Both phones feature vibrant AMOLED displays, but the S10 edges out the A51 in terms of quality. The S10’s screen is brighter, offers a higher resolution, and supports HDR10+ for enhanced dynamic range. This results in a more immersive viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. The A51’s display is still excellent, but the S10’s is noticeably superior for clarity and overall visual fidelity. Consider the S10 if you consume a lot of media on your phone.
Design & Build Quality
The S10 boasts a premium design with a glass back and a metal frame, offering a more luxurious feel compared to the A51’s plastic back. The S10 also features a more refined design with slimmer bezels and a smaller footprint. While the A51 is still attractive, the S10’s build quality feels more durable and premium. The S10’s design is more sleek and modern.
Battery Life & Charging
The A51 generally offers better battery life compared to the S10, thanks to its more power-efficient processor and larger battery capacity. The S10, despite its flagship status, can struggle to last a full day with heavy usage. The A51 can comfortably last a full day. Both phones offer fast charging, but the S10 also supports wireless charging. Consider the A51 if battery life is a top priority.
Price & Value
The Galaxy A51 typically offers a more budget-friendly price point, making it an excellent value for its features. The S10, being a flagship device, comes at a higher cost. When purchasing, consider your budget and the features you need. The S10 offers a better overall experience, but the A51 provides a compelling package for the price. Evaluate your budget carefully before making a final decision.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy A51 If…
- You want a more affordable phone with a large display.
- You prioritize long battery life.
- You need a phone with a versatile quad-camera setup.
- You prefer a newer phone with updated software.
Buy S10 If…
- You want a flagship-level performance and features.
- You prioritize a higher resolution display and better display technology.
- You need a phone with water and dust resistance.
- You want a more compact phone with premium build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key differences in processor performance?
The S10 uses a Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, significantly more powerful than the A51’s Exynos 9611. The S10 handles demanding tasks much faster, offers smoother multitasking, and excels in gaming. The A51 is still capable, but the S10 provides a noticeably quicker and more responsive experience, particularly for resource-intensive applications and games. This difference is immediately noticeable when switching between apps.
Which phone has a better camera system?
The S10’s camera generally excels in all areas, especially in low-light conditions. It captures more detailed photos with more accurate colors and better dynamic range. The A51 has a versatile quad-camera setup, but it doesn’t match the S10’s image quality. The S10’s camera is a clear winner for photography enthusiasts, offering superior performance for both photos and videos.
How does the display quality compare?
The S10’s display is superior, featuring a higher resolution, brighter screen, and HDR10+ support, which results in more vibrant colors and enhanced contrast. Both phones have AMOLED displays, but the S10’s offers a more immersive viewing experience. The S10’s display is more clear, and enjoyable for watching movies and playing games. The A51’s display is still excellent, but the S10 is top-notch.
What are the differences in design and build quality?
The S10 features a premium design with a glass back and metal frame, offering a more luxurious feel compared to the A51’s plastic back. The S10’s design is also more refined with slimmer bezels. The S10 feels more durable and is more comfortable in the hand. The A51’s design is still attractive, but the S10’s build quality is undeniably better.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The A51 generally provides better battery life due to its more power-efficient processor and larger battery capacity. The S10 can struggle to last a full day with heavy usage. The A51 will easily last a full day. Both phones offer fast charging, but the S10 also supports wireless charging. The A51 is better for lasting longer.
Is the S10 worth the extra cost?
The S10 is a flagship device and comes with a higher price tag. Whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. The S10 offers a superior overall experience in performance, camera quality, and display. If these features are important to you, the extra cost may be justified. The A51 is a great value option if those features are less important.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The S10 is significantly better for gaming because of its more powerful processor and its superior graphics capabilities. It offers smoother frame rates and faster loading times. The A51 is capable of playing games, but it struggles with more demanding titles. The S10 provides a much better gaming experience due to the increased power and performance.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S10 emerges as the superior device, excelling in performance, camera capabilities, and display quality. While the Galaxy A51 offers excellent value and a longer battery life, the S10 provides a more premium and refined overall experience. The S10 is a better choice for those prioritizing top-tier performance and features.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10