The Lenovo A8 2020 and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent different approaches to the budget 5G smartphone market. The A8 2020 aims for affordability, while the A51 5G UW attempts to balance 5G connectivity with a more capable processor. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Lenovo A8 2020’s Helio P22, making it better suited for demanding tasks and sustained use.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 15. Released 2020, October 15 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 9.3 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 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 (max 2 at a time) | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~259 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 107.9 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | L10041 | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo A8 2020
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor (depending on battery capacity).
- Significantly slower performance.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Outdated chipset technology.
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- Much faster and more responsive performance.
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds.
- More efficient processor for better battery life under load.
- Faster charging speeds.
- Higher price compared to the Lenovo A8 2020.
- May experience more battery drain during intensive use.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the A8 2020, its market positioning suggests a lower-tier LCD panel. The A51 5G UW, similarly, likely features a standard LCD. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; the Snapdragon 765G will enable smoother animations and faster response times, even on a comparable panel. Bezels are likely similar, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications for the Lenovo A8 2020, it’s safe to assume a basic camera setup focused on everyday snapshots. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW likely features a more sophisticated camera system, though details are needed for a full assessment. The Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) will contribute to better image processing, potentially resulting in improved dynamic range and low-light performance. The presence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on the A51 5G UW, if equipped, would further enhance image quality, particularly in video recording.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a vastly superior chipset to the Lenovo A8 2020’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 7nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal performance. The Snapdragon 765G’s octa-core CPU, with its Kryo 475 cores (2.4GHz Prime, 2.2GHz Gold, 1.8GHz Silver), provides a substantial performance advantage over the A8 2020’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. Gamers will find the A51 5G UW far more capable of handling modern titles.
Battery Life
The Lenovo A8 2020’s 10W charging is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the A8 2020, the A51 5G UW’s larger processor and 5G modem will likely consume more power. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s efficiency gains may offset some of this difference. The faster charging on the A51 5G UW will reduce downtime, allowing users to quickly top up their battery when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo A8 2020 if you need a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prioritize smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, a more responsive user experience, and the benefits of 5G connectivity for streaming and downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it's not a flagship gaming chip, it offers a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio P22 in the A8 2020.
❓ How much faster is the 5G on the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW compared to 4G LTE?
The A51 5G UW utilizes UW (Ultra Wideband) 5G, which, when available, offers substantially faster speeds than standard 4G LTE. Expect download speeds several times faster, enabling quicker downloads, smoother streaming, and lower latency. However, UW 5G coverage is limited to specific areas.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Lenovo A8 2020 noticeably slow?
Yes, 10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect it to take several hours to fully charge the device from 0%. This is a significant drawback compared to the A51 5G UW’s 15W charging.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW support carrier aggregation for improved 5G performance?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G supports carrier aggregation, allowing it to combine multiple 5G channels for faster and more reliable speeds. This is a key feature for maximizing 5G performance in areas with good network coverage.
