The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the vivo Y51a and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver a 5G experience, they diverge significantly in their internal hardware and target user. This comparison dissects these differences to reveal which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers substantially faster performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While the Y51a offers a lower entry price, the A52s 5G’s performance advantage justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 08 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 23 | Available. Released 2021, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.3 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, Funtouch 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.06" 1.0µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 70% in 67 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Sapphire, Crystal Symphony | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint |
| Models | V2031 | SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N |
| Price | About 200 EUR | £ 112.98 / € 249.47 |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.39 W/kg (body) | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9)
GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y51a
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery life (113h endurance)
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Significantly weaker processor
- Less capable camera system
- Likely lower display quality
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Much faster Snapdragon 778G processor
- Brighter and potentially higher-quality display
- Faster 25W charging
- Better camera image processing
- Higher price tag
- May be slightly heavier due to larger components
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 800 nits, compared to the unspecified brightness of the vivo Y51a. This higher peak brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays are likely LCD panels given the price points, the A52s 5G’s 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal) suggests a more refined panel with deeper blacks. The Y51a’s display specifications are less detailed, suggesting a more basic viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the specifics are limited. The A52s 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing expertise and potentially a larger sensor, though sensor size isn't specified. The Y51a’s camera system is likely more basic, focusing on everyday snapshots. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment, but the A52s 5G’s more powerful chipset allows for more sophisticated image processing algorithms, resulting in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is powered by the Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm), featuring a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core and 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 performance cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the vivo Y51a’s Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) with its 4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold and 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver cores. The 6nm process node of the 778G offers superior power efficiency and thermal performance, meaning less throttling during sustained workloads like gaming. The A78 cores in the 778G also provide a significant architectural advantage over the Kryo 260 cores in the 662.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an Endurance rating of 113 hours, indicating similar overall battery life despite the A52s 5G’s more powerful processor. This suggests efficient power management on both sides. However, the A52s 5G supports 25W wired charging, allowing it to charge significantly faster than the Y51a’s 18W charging, reaching 70% charge in 67 minutes for the Y51a. The faster charging speed is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y51a if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic smartphone functionality – calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you value performance, a brighter display, and a more versatile camera system. It’s the better choice for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a phone that can keep up with their digital life.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 662 in the vivo Y51a sufficient for playing modern mobile games?
While the Snapdragon 662 can handle some mobile games, it will struggle with graphically demanding titles at higher settings. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag in games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile. The Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G offers a much smoother gaming experience.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G compared to the 18W charging on the vivo Y51a?
The A52s 5G’s 25W charging significantly reduces charging times. While the Y51a takes 67 minutes to reach 70% charge, the A52s 5G will reach a similar level in considerably less time, offering a more convenient charging experience for users who are frequently on the go.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G’s 6nm process and Samsung’s thermal management design minimize throttling. While some heat buildup is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the A52s 5G is generally able to maintain stable performance for longer periods compared to phones with less efficient chipsets.
