The Realme Q2 and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent distinct approaches to the mid-range 5G market. The Q2, often found at a lower price point, prioritizes raw processing power with its Dimensity 800U. The A51 5G UW, leveraging Samsung’s brand recognition and software experience, opts for the Snapdragon 765G. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Realme Q2 emerges as the winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 800U chipset offers comparable, and in some cases superior, performance to the Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW, coupled with significantly faster 30W charging. However, Samsung’s software and brand loyalty may sway some buyers.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G 2.3 Gbps DL | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, October 13. Released 2020, October 19 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162.2 x 75.1 x 9.1 mm (6.39 x 2.96 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 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 Dimensity 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.3, 119˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.0µm | 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 |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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/ac, dual-band, 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 | 30W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Violet | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | RMX2117 | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 160 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) |
Realme Q2
- Faster 30W charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially higher CPU performance with Dimensity 800U
- Generally more affordable price point
- Realme’s UI may not appeal to all users
- Potentially less refined camera image processing
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- Samsung’s well-regarded software experience
- Strong brand recognition and support
- Potentially wider carrier compatibility
- Slower 15W charging
- Slightly lower CPU performance compared to the Q2
- Typically higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are absent, both utilize 7nm chipsets suggesting a focus on efficiency over pushing display boundaries. The A51 5G UW likely benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy, but the Q2’s display is likely adequate for everyday use. Bezels are expected to be similar, typical of this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is difficult. Both phones likely feature multi-camera setups, but the image processing philosophies will differ. Samsung typically leans towards vibrant, saturated colors, while Realme often aims for a more natural look. The Snapdragon 765G’s ISP is generally well-regarded, but the Dimensity 800U’s ISP is also capable. The absence of information regarding sensor sizes and OIS makes it impossible to definitively declare a winner; however, the A51 5G UW’s brand reputation suggests a potentially more refined camera experience.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme Q2’s Mediatek Dimensity 800U, built on a 7nm process, features an octa-core configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (also 7nm) with its 1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold, and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores. While clock speeds are similar, the Cortex-A76 cores in the Dimensity 800U generally offer a performance edge in CPU-intensive tasks. The Snapdragon 765G’s GPU is generally considered slightly more capable, but the Dimensity 800U’s overall system performance is likely higher. The lack of LPDDR5x specification on either device suggests standard LPDDR4X RAM is used, limiting memory bandwidth.
Battery Life
The Realme Q2’s 30W 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 faster charging of the Q2 mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery. The Snapdragon 765G is known for its relatively efficient power consumption, but the Q2’s faster charging is a more tangible benefit for most users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Q2 if you need a phone that excels in demanding tasks like gaming and benefits from rapid charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who prioritize performance-per-dollar. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prefer a more polished software experience, a well-known brand, and a potentially wider carrier compatibility, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power and charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 765G is generally efficient, but it can experience thermal throttling under sustained load. While not severe, users may notice a slight performance dip after prolonged gaming. The Realme Q2’s Dimensity 800U, while also susceptible to throttling, may manage heat slightly better due to its architecture.
❓ Does the Realme Q2 support VoLTE/VoWiFi on all carriers?
Carrier compatibility can vary significantly. The Realme Q2 may not be officially certified for all carriers, particularly in North America. Users should verify compatibility with their specific carrier before purchasing to ensure full functionality of VoLTE and VoWiFi.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Dimensity 800U and Snapdragon 765G noticeable in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, the difference will be minimal. However, when launching demanding apps, multitasking, or playing graphically intensive games, the Realme Q2’s Dimensity 800U will exhibit a more responsive experience.
