The vivo Y51s and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent compelling options in the increasingly crowded mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price point, they diverge significantly in their core hardware, particularly in their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the stronger choice. The Snapdragon 765G, built on a smaller 7nm process, provides a more consistent performance profile and better thermal management than the Exynos 880. While the Y51s offers a slightly newer chip, the Snapdragon’s optimization and efficiency give it the edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 41, 78 SA/NSA | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G (3.6+ Gbps DL) | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 / 1900 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 29 | 2020, August 14 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2020, August 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 162 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm (6.38 x 3.02 x 0.33 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 188.8 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 104.7 cm2 (~84.4% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Exynos 880 (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MP5 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 10, Funtouch 10.5 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 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 | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+ |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 672 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 5 h |
| Type | 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | V2002A | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 250 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 Y51s
- Potentially newer chipset (Exynos 880)
- Faster wired charging (18W)
- May offer slightly longer battery life due to larger capacity (unconfirmed)
- Exynos 880 built on a less efficient 8nm process
- Potential for thermal throttling under sustained load
- Likely less refined camera image processing
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- More efficient Snapdragon 765G (7nm)
- Superior thermal management
- Generally better camera image processing
- Slower wired charging (15W)
- Chipset is older generation
- May have a smaller battery capacity (unconfirmed)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The focus here isn't on cutting-edge tech like LTPO or OLED. However, the absence of detailed display specs (brightness, color gamut) necessitates relying on brand reputation. Samsung generally delivers more color-accurate displays, while vivo often prioritizes vibrant, saturated colors. Bezels are likely comparable, typical of phones in this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the market segment suggests both phones will rely on multi-camera setups with a primary sensor, ultrawide, and potentially macro/depth sensors. The Snapdragon 765G’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) is generally regarded as more sophisticated, offering better image processing capabilities, particularly in low-light conditions. The A51 5G UW likely benefits from Samsung’s established camera software algorithms. The Y51s’ camera performance will likely be adequate for social media sharing but may lack the refinement of Samsung’s offering. We can assume both will have a 2MP macro lens, which is often of limited practical use.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7nm) benefits from a more mature and efficient manufacturing process compared to the vivo Y51s’ Exynos 880 (8nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the Snapdragon 765G features a faster prime core (2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime) versus the Exynos 880’s 2.0 GHz Cortex-A77. This translates to snappier responsiveness in demanding applications. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The Exynos 880, while newer, struggles to fully leverage its architecture due to the larger node size.
Battery Life
Battery life will be heavily influenced by chipset efficiency and software optimization. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G, with its 7nm process, has an inherent advantage in power efficiency. While the Y51s may have a slightly larger battery capacity (not specified), the Snapdragon’s lower power draw could result in comparable or even superior real-world battery life. The A51 5G UW’s 15W charging is slower than the Y51s’ 18W, but the efficiency gains of the Snapdragon may offset this difference in daily use.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y51s if you prioritize a potentially newer device and are primarily focused on everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and light gaming, and are comfortable with potentially more aggressive power management. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you value consistent performance, smoother multitasking, and a more refined software experience, especially if you plan on playing graphically demanding games or frequently using resource-intensive applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 880 in the vivo Y51s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 880, built on an 8nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the Snapdragon 765G. While it can handle casual gaming, extended sessions with graphically demanding titles may lead to noticeable performance drops as the chip heats up. The Snapdragon 765G's 7nm process offers significantly better thermal efficiency.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras found in this price range offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. Expect soft, grainy results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW is capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium to high graphics settings. However, sustained performance may vary depending on the device's temperature and background processes. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but overall, the experience should be smooth and playable.
❓ Which phone is better for streaming video and browsing the web?
Both phones are adequate for streaming and browsing. However, the Snapdragon 765G's smoother performance and more efficient power management in the A51 5G UW will result in a slightly more responsive and enjoyable experience, especially when multitasking.
