Both the vivo Y50 (2020) and the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent attempts to bring affordable smartphone technology to a wider audience. However, they approach this goal with different chipsets and feature sets. The Y50 prioritizes a lower entry price, while the A51 5G UW adds 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor, creating a clear divergence in target users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and smoother performance, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765G offers a significant performance uplift over the Y50’s Snapdragon 665, and the inclusion of 5G support adds long-term value, despite both phones sharing the same 15W charging.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 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, April 06. Released 2020, April 12 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162 x 76.5 x 9.1 mm (6.38 x 3.01 x 0.36 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 | 197 g (6.95 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~87.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.0 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
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 | - | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, 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, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Iris Blue, Iris Blue, Pearl White | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | 1935, V1965A | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.70 W/kg (head) 1.25 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.32 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y50 (2020)
- Lower price point makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks.
- Snapdragon 665 is a proven, reliable chipset for everyday use.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the A51 5G UW.
- Lacks 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing.
- 15W charging is slow compared to modern standards.
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- Faster Snapdragon 765G processor delivers a smoother user experience.
- 5G connectivity provides faster data speeds and future-proofing.
- More advanced ISP for improved camera performance.
- Higher price point than the vivo Y50.
- 15W charging is still relatively slow.
- 5G connectivity can drain battery faster.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. While specific panel details (like peak brightness or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the focus here is on the underlying processing power needed to drive a smooth visual experience. The A51 5G UW’s more capable GPU, stemming from the Snapdragon 765G, will likely handle graphically intensive content more effectively, potentially resulting in smoother scrolling and animations, even if the panel technology itself is similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s image signal processor (ISP) is significantly more advanced than the one found in the Snapdragon 665. This means the A51 5G UW will likely exhibit better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The A51 5G UW’s ISP also supports more advanced features like 4K video recording, which may not be available on the Y50.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y50’s SM6125 Snapdragon 665 (11nm). The 7nm process node allows for greater transistor density and improved thermal efficiency, meaning the 765G can sustain higher performance for longer periods. The CPU configuration further highlights this: the A51 5G UW features 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, compared to the Y50’s quad 2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and quad 1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A51 5G UW.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 15W wired charging, a relatively slow standard in today’s market. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 765G’s improved power efficiency could partially offset a potentially smaller battery in the A51 5G UW. However, the more demanding processor will also consume more power under load. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the A51 5G UW’s 5G connectivity will likely result in faster battery drain when connected to 5G networks.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y50 (2020) if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely limited. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prefer a more responsive experience, plan to utilize 5G networks, and enjoy occasional mobile gaming or demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW handle demanding games like PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium to high settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 665 in the Y50, which may struggle with consistent performance even at lower settings.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the A51 5G UW worth the extra cost if 5G isn't widely available in my area?
That depends on your future plans. Even if 5G isn't currently available, investing in a 5G-enabled phone like the A51 5G UW future-proofs your device for when 5G networks expand. It also typically offers improved 4G LTE performance compared to phones without 5G modems.
❓ Does the Snapdragon 665 in the vivo Y50 struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Snapdragon 665 is a budget-oriented chipset and can exhibit noticeable slowdowns when multitasking with several apps open simultaneously. Switching between apps may be slower, and demanding apps may take longer to load.
❓ How does the 15W charging affect the user experience on both phones?
15W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect it to take around 2-3 hours to fully charge either device from 0%. This means you'll need to plan your charging schedule accordingly, especially if you're a heavy user.
