Choosing a new Samsung phone can be overwhelming. The Galaxy A12 Nacho and A51 are both popular mid-range options, but they cater to different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A51 generally offers a superior experience with its brighter display, more powerful chipset, and slightly better camera. However, the A12 Nacho is a more budget-friendly option, making it a solid choice for those prioritizing affordability.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A515U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 09 | 2019, December 12. Released 2019, December 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 09 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm (6.24 x 2.90 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G72 MP3 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing
ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Pink |
| Models | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U | SM-A515F, SM-A515F/DSN, SM-A515F/DS, SM-A515F/DST, SM-A515F/DSM, SM-A515F/N, SM-A515U, SM-A515U1, SM-A515W, SM-A515X, SM-S515DL |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.80 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | 0.37 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 299.99 |
| 128GB 6GB RAM | - | $ 674.99 |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | - | $ 211.50 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 179.00 |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.1dB / Crosstalk -87.3dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 86h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-28.6 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 113051 (v7), 175363 (v8)
GeekBench: 5401 (v4.4), 1294 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.6fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- More affordable
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Decent battery life
- Less powerful chipset
- Dimmer display
- Slower charging
- Less impressive camera
Samsung Galaxy A51
- Brighter display
- More powerful chipset
- Better camera
- Smooth performance
- Higher price
- 15W charging (slow)
- Can be expensive depending on configuration
Display Comparison
The A51 boasts a significantly brighter display, measured at 636 nits, offering better visibility outdoors. While the A12 Nacho's display is adequate, it lacks the same level of brightness and vibrancy. The A51's contrast ratio is also reported as 'Infinite' (nominal), suggesting excellent blacks and a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer capable cameras, the A51 generally produces better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The A51's camera system likely includes more advanced features and image processing algorithms. Specific camera specs are missing, but the A51's overall reputation suggests a superior camera experience.
Performance
The A51's Exynos 9611 chipset, built on a 10nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the A12 Nacho's Exynos 850 (8nm). The A51's CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) is also more powerful than the A12 Nacho's (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. Gaming performance will also be better on the A51.
Battery Life
Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the A51 achieving an endurance rating of 86 hours. The A12 Nacho's battery capacity is likely comparable, suggesting similar real-world battery performance. Both phones share the same 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is ideal for budget-conscious users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and social media. The Samsung Galaxy A51 is a better choice for users who want a smoother performance, a better camera, and a brighter, more vibrant display, and are willing to spend a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the A12 Nacho good for gaming?
The A12 Nacho can handle basic games, but demanding titles may experience lag or reduced graphics settings. The A51 is a better choice for more serious mobile gaming.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones receive regular software updates from Samsung, but the A51, being a slightly newer model, may receive updates for a longer period.
