The Infinix Zero 8i and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent distinct approaches to the mid-range 5G market. The Zero 8i prioritizes raw processing power with its Helio G90T chipset, while the A51 5G UW focuses on broader 5G compatibility and Samsung’s established ecosystem. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and fast charging, the Infinix Zero 8i is the clear winner. Its Helio G90T delivers superior performance, and the 33W charging is significantly faster than the A51 5G UW’s 15W. However, the Samsung offers wider 5G band support and a more refined software experience for the average user.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | India | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 03. Released 2020, December 09 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 168.7 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.64 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 158.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.89 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 210.5 g (7.44 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~392 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.85 inches, 111.4 cm2 (~86.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785 Helio G90T (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lenses | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
8 MP, f/2.2, 105˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Silver Diamond, Black Diamond | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | X687B | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 170 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.95 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Zero 8i
- Faster 33W charging for quick top-ups
- Potentially higher raw gaming performance with Helio G90T
- Likely more aggressive pricing for budget-conscious buyers
- Helio G90T may throttle under sustained load
- Software experience may be less refined than Samsung’s One UI
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- Wider 5G band support for better network compatibility
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset for better battery life
- Samsung’s One UI offers a polished and feature-rich software experience
- Slower 15W charging
- Potentially lower gaming performance compared to the Zero 8i
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a flagship-level display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are not provided, the focus here is on performance. The display is likely a key area where Samsung’s manufacturing expertise provides a slight edge in color accuracy and viewing angles, but this is speculative. The real differentiator lies elsewhere.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the market positioning suggests the Samsung A51 5G UW will likely offer more consistent image processing and a wider dynamic range, leveraging Samsung’s established camera algorithms. The Infinix Zero 8i may focus on delivering competitive specs at a lower price point, potentially sacrificing some image quality in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic and unlikely to significantly impact overall camera performance.
Performance
The core battleground is the chipset. The Infinix Zero 8i’s MediaTek Helio G90T (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.05 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm). The Snapdragon 765G, built on a smaller 7nm process, offers superior power efficiency and thermal management. While the G90T may exhibit higher peak performance in benchmarks, the 765G’s architecture is more sustainable under sustained loads, crucial for prolonged gaming sessions. The Snapdragon’s Kryo cores, with their Prime, Gold, and Silver tiers, are designed for optimized task allocation, potentially leading to smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
The Infinix Zero 8i’s 33W wired charging is a significant advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s 15W charging. This translates to substantially faster charging times, allowing users to quickly top up their battery. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm efficiency could offset a potentially smaller battery in the Samsung, but the Infinix’s faster charging will likely be more noticeable in daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Zero 8i if you need a phone primarily for gaming, demand rapid charging speeds, and are comfortable with a less polished software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prioritize 5G network compatibility, prefer Samsung’s One UI, and value a more balanced, all-around smartphone experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio G90T in the Infinix Zero 8i overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Helio G90T is known to generate more heat than the Snapdragon 765G. While it offers strong peak performance, prolonged gaming at high settings may lead to thermal throttling, reducing sustained performance. The 7nm process of the Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW offers better thermal efficiency, making it a more consistent performer over longer periods.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW support all 5G bands available in the US?
The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW was specifically designed for use with T-Mobile’s 5G network. It supports the n41, n71, and n25 bands commonly used by T-Mobile. Compatibility with other carriers’ 5G networks may be limited, so it’s crucial to verify band support before purchasing if you’re not a T-Mobile customer.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed between 33W and 15W really noticeable in everyday use?
Absolutely. 33W charging can take a phone from 0% to 50% in around 30 minutes, while 15W charging will take significantly longer – often over an hour. This difference is particularly beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
