The Samsung Galaxy M31 and A51 5G UW represent different approaches to the mid-range market. The M31 prioritized a large battery and affordability, while the A51 5G UW aimed to bring 5G connectivity and a more modern chipset to a wider audience. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the superior choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the M31’s Exynos 9611, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and future-proofing. While both share 15W charging, the A51 5G UW’s more efficient processor translates to better overall battery life in real-world usage.
| 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, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, February 25. Released 2020, March 05 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 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) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM (pre-installed) |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB 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 |
| Single | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.0, 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 (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Space Black, Red | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | SM-M315F, SM-M315F/DS, SM-M315F/DSN | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 310 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 6GB RAM | C$ 885.00 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 199.00 | - |
Samsung Galaxy M31
- Potentially lower price point (based on initial C$885)
- Large battery capacity (implied, typical of M-series)
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Less powerful Exynos 9611 chipset
- Less efficient 10nm fabrication process
- Potentially slower app loading and multitasking
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- More efficient 7nm fabrication process
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- Potentially higher price point
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- May not have as large a battery capacity as the M31
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, though specific details like peak brightness and color gamut coverage aren't provided. The focus here isn't display quality, but the underlying processing power needed to drive more demanding display features. The A51 5G UW’s more powerful GPU can handle higher refresh rates (if supported by the panel, which isn't specified) and more complex visual effects with greater ease.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of a 2MP macro lens (which is largely irrelevant), it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A51 5G UW’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 765G will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The Exynos 9611’s ISP is less capable, potentially leading to softer images and more noise. The A51 5G UW’s chipset also supports more advanced camera features like 4K video recording at higher frame rates.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Snapdragon 765G (7nm) in the A51 5G UW is built on a smaller fabrication process than the Exynos 9611 (10nm). This translates to greater transistor density, improved power efficiency, and ultimately, better performance. The Snapdragon 765G’s Kryo CPU architecture – with its Prime, Gold, and Silver cores – is also more sophisticated than the Exynos 9611’s Cortex-A73/A53 configuration, offering better sustained performance under load. The A51 5G UW will exhibit less throttling during extended gaming sessions.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 15W wired charging, meaning charging times will be comparable. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s superior power efficiency means the A51 5G UW will likely achieve similar or better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery (not specified in the data). The 7nm process node contributes significantly to reduced power consumption during everyday tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M31 if your primary concern is maximizing battery life on a tight budget and you primarily engage in basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prioritize smoother performance, 5G connectivity, and a more responsive user experience, even if it means a slightly higher price point. The A51 5G UW is the better option for gamers and power users.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the Galaxy M31 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to throttle under sustained load due to its 10nm process. While it won't necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, you'll likely experience frame rate drops and reduced performance during extended gaming sessions compared to the A51 5G UW.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the A51 5G UW actually useful, and will it impact battery life significantly?
The usefulness of 5G depends on your location and carrier coverage. When 5G is available, you'll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds. However, 5G does consume more power than 4G LTE. The Snapdragon 765G’s efficiency helps mitigate this impact, but you may see a slight reduction in battery life when actively using 5G.
❓ How does the Snapdragon 765G handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with stable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, especially compared to the Exynos 9611 which may require lower settings to maintain playable frame rates.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget and mid-range phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, and the fixed focus distance makes it difficult to capture truly detailed macro shots. You're better off using the main camera and cropping in for close-up shots.
