Samsung Galaxy F41 vs A51 5G UW: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Samsung Galaxy F41 and A51 5G UW represent Samsung’s approach to different segments of the mid-range market. The F41, often positioned as an online exclusive, prioritizes value, while the A51 5G UW aims to deliver 5G connectivity and a more refined experience. This comparison dissects the core differences, focusing on the crucial chipset battle and its impact on daily use.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing with 5G, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance and better thermal management compared to the F41’s Exynos 9611.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy F41 Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 412, 4, 5, 13, 66
5G bands-260, 261 mmWave
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2020, October 08. Released 2020, October 162020, August 14
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2020, August 14
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame
Dimensions159.2 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.35 in)158.8 x 73.4 x 8.6 mm (6.25 x 2.89 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM (pre-installed)
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)188.8 g (6.67 oz)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Resolution1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeSuper AMOLED, 420 nits (peak)Super AMOLED
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetExynos 9611 (10 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUMali-G72 MP3Adreno 620
OSAndroid 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1Android 10, One UI 2
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
 UFS 2.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED 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
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDRHDR
Single32 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radio, RDS, recordingFM radio, RDS, recording
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensingANT+
Battery
Charging15W wired15W wired
Stand-by-Up to 672 h
Talk time-Up to 5 h
TypeLi-Po 6000 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsFusion Black, Fusion Blue, Fusion GreenPrism Bricks Blue
ModelsSM-F415F/DS, SM-F415FSM-A516V
PriceAbout 200 EURAbout 470 EUR
SAR0.38 W/kg (head)0.70 W/kg (head)     1.25 W/kg (body)    
SAR EU-0.59 W/kg (head)     1.32 W/kg (body)

Samsung Galaxy F41

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Decent performance for basic tasks
  • Likely larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)

  • Less powerful Exynos 9611 chipset
  • 10nm process leads to more heat and potential throttling
  • Less efficient for demanding applications

Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW

  • More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
  • 7nm process for better efficiency and thermal management
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds

  • Generally higher price
  • Potentially smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
  • May not be available in all regions

Display Comparison

While both devices likely feature similar LCD panels in terms of resolution and refresh rate (data not provided), the internal differences matter less than the chipset. The focus here is on the processing power needed to drive the display, which the A51 5G UW handles more efficiently. Without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it's difficult to declare a clear winner, but the A51 5G UW’s superior GPU will contribute to smoother animations and transitions.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera sensor specifications, a direct comparison is limited. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 765G generally offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the ISP in the Exynos 9611. This could result in better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality on the A51 5G UW, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The presence of a dedicated AI engine within the Snapdragon 765G further enhances camera performance. We can assume both phones have similar basic camera setups, but the A51 5G UW will likely produce more refined images.

Performance

The core differentiator is the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a significant advantage over the Galaxy F41’s 10nm Exynos 9611. The Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo CPU architecture (1x2.4 GHz Prime, 1x2.2 GHz Gold, 6x1.8 GHz Silver) is more efficient and delivers better sustained performance than the Exynos 9611’s Cortex-A73/A53 configuration (4x2.3 GHz, 4x1.7 GHz). This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of throttling during extended gaming sessions.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 15W wired charging, meaning charging speeds will be comparable. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns and the efficiency of the respective chipsets. While the F41 may have a slightly larger battery capacity (data not provided), the Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process is more power-efficient, potentially offsetting any capacity difference. Users who frequently engage in demanding tasks like gaming will likely see better battery life on the A51 5G UW due to the chipset’s superior efficiency.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy F41 if you need a highly affordable smartphone with a decent display and are willing to compromise on processing power for everyday tasks like browsing and social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and the benefits of 5G connectivity, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy F41 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611, being built on a 10nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 765G. While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with graphically demanding titles will likely result in reduced performance as the chip heats up and attempts to regulate its temperature.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the A51 5G UW actually useful, or is it just a marketing feature?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. If you live in an area with robust 5G infrastructure, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE. However, if 5G coverage is limited, the benefit will be minimal. The A51 5G UW provides future-proofing and the potential for faster speeds as 5G networks expand.
❓ How much of a real-world performance difference will I notice between the two phones?
You'll notice a tangible difference in app loading times, multitasking smoothness, and overall responsiveness with the A51 5G UW. The Snapdragon 765G’s superior CPU and GPU architecture, combined with the more efficient 7nm process, provide a more fluid and enjoyable user experience, especially when switching between apps or playing games.