The vivo Z5x (2020) and Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW represent different approaches to affordable 5G connectivity. The Z5x, released earlier, aimed for value, while the A51 5G UW leverages a newer chipset and carrier support. This comparison dissects their core differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and the implications of their respective Snapdragon processors.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing 5G performance and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 765G offers a noticeable performance uplift over the Z5x’s Snapdragon 712, despite slightly slower charging. However, the Z5x remains a viable option for budget-conscious users.
| 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, 4, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 13, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 260, 261 mmWave |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | CDMA 800 & TD-SCDMA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 09. Released 2020, June 09 | 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 | 162.4 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm (6.39 x 3.04 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 | 204.1 g (7.20 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 (~83.4% 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 (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 360 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 360 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM712 Snapdragon 712 (10 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 616 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Funtouch 10 | Android 10, One UI 2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | 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 | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 1.12µm, AF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, 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 | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Dark Blue | Prism Bricks Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A516V |
| Price | About 160 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 Z5x (2020)
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Older Snapdragon 712 chipset
- Less efficient 10nm process
- Potentially lower camera quality
Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW
- More powerful Snapdragon 765G chipset
- 7nm process for better efficiency
- Integrated 5G modem for improved connectivity
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Potentially higher price
- May experience some throttling under sustained load
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 impacting UI smoothness. The A51 5G UW’s more powerful GPU will contribute to a more responsive experience when scrolling and navigating the interface, even if the resolution and refresh rate are similar.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, a direct comparison is limited. However, the Snapdragon 765G includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) capable of faster image processing and improved noise reduction. This suggests the A51 5G UW will likely produce better-quality photos, particularly in low-light conditions. The Z5x’s ISP, while capable, is a generation behind. The A51 5G UW’s ISP also supports more advanced features like computational photography and potentially better video stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW’s Snapdragon 765G (7nm) is a significant upgrade over the vivo Z5x’s Snapdragon 712 (10nm). The 7nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency and thermal characteristics. The 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime core, clocked at 2.4GHz, provides a substantial single-core performance boost compared to the Z5x’s 2.3GHz Kryo 360 Gold cores. This translates to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The integrated 5G modem in the 765G also offloads processing from the CPU, further enhancing performance. While both utilize octa-core configurations, the architectural improvements in the 765G are substantial.
Battery Life
The vivo Z5x (2020) features 18W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW is limited to 15W. This means the Z5x will theoretically charge faster. However, the Snapdragon 765G’s improved power efficiency may offset this difference in real-world usage. The A51 5G UW’s more efficient processor could result in comparable or even better battery life despite the slower charging speed. The actual battery capacity of both devices is not provided, making a definitive statement difficult, but the chipset efficiency is a key factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Z5x (2020) if you need a highly affordable 5G device and prioritize basic functionality over demanding tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW if you prefer a smoother user experience, better gaming performance, and the benefits of a more modern chipset, even if it means a slightly higher price and slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 765G in the A51 5G UW handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 765G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with playable frame rates. While it won't match the performance of flagship chipsets, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Snapdragon 712 in the Z5x, thanks to its more powerful GPU and improved thermal management.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G UW support sub-6GHz 5G, and what real-world speeds can I expect?
The A51 5G UW is designed for sub-6GHz 5G networks, which are more widely deployed than mmWave. Real-world speeds will vary significantly based on network conditions and proximity to cell towers, but users can generally expect speeds ranging from 50Mbps to 300Mbps, potentially higher in optimal conditions. The Z5x also supports sub-6GHz 5G, but the 765G modem offers better efficiency and potentially faster speeds.
❓ Is the difference in charging speed (18W vs 15W) between the Z5x and A51 5G UW noticeable in everyday use?
The 3W difference in charging speed is noticeable, but not dramatic. The Z5x will likely charge approximately 15-20% faster from 0-100%. However, the A51 5G UW’s more efficient processor may reduce the overall need for frequent charging, mitigating the impact of the slower charging speed.
