The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G and A71 5G UW represent Samsung’s push into accessible 5G connectivity. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they diverge significantly in their core components, particularly the chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, offers a performance edge, and the 25W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the A51 5G’s 15W charging. While the A51 5G boasts a slightly brighter display, the overall package of the A71 5G UW is more compelling.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - SM-A516B/DS | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - SM-A516B/DS | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 20, 28, 66 |
| 5G bands | 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - SM-A516B/DS | 260, 261 SA/NSA/mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A516U | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, April 08 | 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2020, April 29 | Available. Released 2020, July 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm (6.26 x 2.90 x 0.34 in) | 162.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.41 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED Plus |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 980 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 10, One UI 2.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 1080p@960fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | No |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | ANT+ | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube White, Prism Cube Pink | Prism Bricks Black |
| Models | SM-A516F, SM-A516F/DSN, SM-A516N, SM-A516B/DS, SM-A516B, SM-A516U, SC-54A, SM-A516U1, SCG07, SM-A5160 | SM-A716V |
| Price | About 180 EUR | - |
| SAR | - | 0.50 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.50 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | - |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 90h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-29.5 LUFS (Average)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 316007 (v8)
GeekBench: 1867(v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
- Slightly brighter display for outdoor visibility
- Solid 90-hour battery endurance rating
- Potentially lower price point (depending on retailer)
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient Exynos 980 chipset
- Potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load
Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G chipset
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Superior ISP for potentially better image processing
- Display may not be as bright as the A51 5G
- Potentially higher price point
- No significant camera advantages beyond image processing
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A51 5G features a display capable of reaching 642 nits of peak brightness, providing excellent visibility in outdoor conditions. While the A71 5G UW’s brightness isn’t specified, the A51 5G’s advantage is likely noticeable in direct sunlight. Both displays are advertised with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of Samsung’s AMOLED panels. However, neither device boasts high refresh rates, limiting their appeal to users accustomed to smoother scrolling and animations. The A51 5G’s brightness is the key differentiator here, though the impact is lessened indoors.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both utilize similar primary sensors. The A71 5G UW’s Snapdragon ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally regarded as superior to the Exynos equivalent, potentially leading to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The A51 5G utilizes Samsung’s Exynos 980, fabricated on an 8nm process, while the A71 5G UW employs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, built on a more efficient 7nm node. This process difference translates to better thermal management and power efficiency for the Snapdragon. The Snapdragon 765G’s CPU configuration – a 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime core alongside a 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold core and six 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver cores – offers a slight clock speed advantage over the A51 5G’s 2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 and 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This means the A71 5G UW will likely handle demanding applications and multitasking with greater ease.
Battery Life
The A51 5G boasts an endurance rating of 90 hours, indicating solid battery life. However, the A71 5G UW compensates for any potential capacity difference with its significantly faster 25W wired charging. The A51 5G is limited to 15W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. This difference is crucial for users who prioritize minimizing downtime and quickly topping up their battery throughout the day. While the A51 5G’s 90-hour endurance is respectable, the A71 5G UW’s faster charging provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G if you prioritize a slightly brighter display and are on a very tight budget, accepting a slower charging experience and potentially less consistent performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW if you value faster charging, a more efficient processor for sustained tasks, and a generally smoother user experience, even if it means a slightly less vibrant screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 980 in the A51 5G tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 980, built on an 8nm process, is prone to thermal throttling under sustained load compared to the Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process. While it can handle casual gaming, extended gaming sessions may result in reduced performance as the chip attempts to manage heat.
❓ Is the 25W charging on the A71 5G UW a significant improvement over the A51 5G’s 15W charging?
Yes, the 25W charging on the A71 5G UW is a substantial improvement. It will significantly reduce the time required to fully charge the device, offering a much more convenient experience for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
❓ Will I notice a real-world performance difference between the Snapdragon 765G and Exynos 980 in everyday tasks?
For basic tasks like browsing, social media, and streaming, the difference will be minimal. However, the Snapdragon 765G will exhibit a more noticeable advantage when multitasking, running demanding applications, or playing graphically intensive games.
❓ How does the image processing differ between the two phones, given the lack of detailed camera specs?
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon ISPs are generally known for superior image processing, particularly in low-light conditions and dynamic range. The A71 5G UW is likely to produce slightly more refined images, even with similar camera sensors.
