OnePlus Nord 5 vs. Samsung Galaxy A51: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range Power and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the OnePlus Nord 5 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset provides a substantial performance leap over the A51’s Exynos 9611, and the 80W charging is a game-changer. While the A51 remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers, the Nord 5 offers a significantly improved experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A51 | OnePlus Nord 5 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 66 - International |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 75, 77, 78 SA/NSA - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A515U | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 12. Released 2019, December 16 | 2025, July 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2025, July 08 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 7i), glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm (6.24 x 2.90 x 0.31 in) | 163.4 x 77 x 8.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 7i, Mohs level 6 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) | 1272 x 2800 pixels (~450 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.83 inches, 113.3 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Swift AMOLED, 1B colors, 144Hz, 3840Hz PWM, HDR10+, 800 nits (typ), 1400 nits (HBM), 1800 nits (peak) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (1x3.0 GHz Cortex-X4 & 4x2.8 GHz Cortex-A720 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A520) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 735 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, OxygenOS 15 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 256GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 12GB RAM, 512GB 12GB RAM |
| UFS 2.0 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.56", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS 8 MP, f/2.2, 15mm, 116˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, Ultra HDR, panorama |
| 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 | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | Panorama |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 50 MP, f/2.0, 21mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.4, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, LHDC 5 |
| Infrared port | - | Yes |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Virtual proximity sensing ANT+ | - | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 80W wired, 33W PPS, 18W PD, 100% in just 54 min 5W reverse wired Bypass charging |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Market-dependent versions:· 5200 mAh (Europe)· 6800 mAh (Global) |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Blue, Prism Crush Pink | Phantom Grey, Dry Ice, Marble Sands |
| Models | 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 | CPH2709 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 339.00 / € 294.97 / ₹ 31,998 |
| SAR | 0.80 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) | 1.18 W/kg (head) 0.90 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 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) | - |
| EU LABEL | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery | - | 49:12h endurance, 1200 cycles |
| Energy | - | Class B |
| Free fall | - | Class C (90 falls) |
| Repairability | - | Class B |
Samsung Galaxy A51
- Exceptional battery endurance (86h)
- Lower price point (starting at $211.50)
- Widely available
- Outdated Exynos 9611 chipset
- Slow 15W charging
- Dimmer display (636 nits)
OnePlus Nord 5
- Powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset
- Ultra-fast 80W charging (54 min to 100%)
- Bright and vibrant display (1330 nits)
- Reverse wireless charging
- Higher price point
- Battery endurance lower than A51 (49:12h)
Display Comparison
The OnePlus Nord 5 boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 1330 nits compared to the Galaxy A51’s 636 nits. This translates to vastly improved visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the Nord 5’s higher peak brightness and likely more advanced panel technology (though not specified) will deliver a more dynamic and immersive viewing experience. The A51’s display, while adequate, feels dated in comparison.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but details are sparse. Without specific sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the Nord 5’s positioning as a more modern device, it’s reasonable to assume it features a more advanced camera system with larger sensors and improved image processing. The A51’s camera, while decent in good lighting, likely lacks the dynamic range and low-light performance of a newer sensor. The absence of details on OIS for either phone makes it difficult to assess stabilization capabilities.
Performance
The performance gap between these two phones is substantial. The OnePlus Nord 5’s Qualcomm SM8635 Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) is built on a more efficient node than the Galaxy A51’s Exynos 9611 (10nm). The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3’s octa-core configuration, featuring a Cortex-X4 prime core, offers a significant advantage in both single-core and multi-core performance. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nord 5. The Exynos 9611, while capable for its time, will struggle with demanding tasks and is more prone to thermal throttling. The Nord 5’s architecture is designed for sustained performance.
Battery Life
The OnePlus Nord 5’s battery endurance is rated at 49:12h, with an active use score of 13:47h, while the Galaxy A51 achieves 86h. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The Nord 5’s 80W wired charging is a massive advantage, allowing a full charge in just 54 minutes. The A51’s 15W charging is comparatively slow. The Nord 5 also offers 33W PPS, 18W PD, and 5W reverse wired charging, adding to its versatility. While the A51 has a longer theoretical endurance, the Nord 5’s rapid charging mitigates the impact of a potentially smaller battery capacity, making it more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 if you prioritize extreme affordability and long battery endurance (86h) over raw performance, and your usage primarily involves basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media. Buy the OnePlus Nord 5 if you demand a smoother, faster experience for gaming, multitasking, and content creation, and value the convenience of incredibly fast charging and a brighter, more vibrant display.