Samsung Galaxy A51 5G is the smaller version of the A71 5G and has similar specs to the Galaxy S20 FE. So, if you are in the market for a Samsung phone and your choice is between A51 and S20 FE, then you should choose the Galaxy A51 5G. There’s no point in purchasing a $700 phone (S20 FE 5G). Instead, buy an unlocked 5G A51 phone at only $400 in the US.
However, if you are in the market for a good phone, instead of buying the A51 5G, buy the iPhone SE at the same $400 price.
So far, we have spotted more than 6 versions of Galaxy A51. These are:
- SM-A516V,
- SM-A516/DS,
- SM-A516N,
- SM-A516B,
- SM-A516U,
- SM-A5160
These models use either a Qualcomm processor or an Exynos processor. Which processor you get depends on where you live. For example, if you live in the US, you would get a phone with a Qualcomm processor. However, if you live in India, you would get an Exynos A51.
As we said earlier that the A51 has more than 6 different versions. So, each version has a slightly different configuration. Nevertheless, here is the base A51 specifications table:
A51 5G features | A51 5G Specs |
Network Support | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G / CDMA |
SIM | 1 Nano-SIM. |
Supports eSIM? | No, but the dual sim model available in select few regions. |
SIM Slot Type | Single Slot. A single tray holds both a microSD card and a Nano-Sim card. |
Display | 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-O. |
Front Display Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Back | Plastic back, aluminum frame. |
Display Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels (405 PPI density) |
OS | Android 10, One UI 2.5 |
Processor | Octacore 1 at 2.4 GHz, 1 at 2.2 GHz, 6 at 1.8 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 765. The 5G version has Snapdragon 765G, where G stands for 5G. |
GPU | Adreno 620 |
Internal Memory Size | 128 GB (105.5 GB available to use) |
External SD card? | Yes. Expandable up to 1024 GB (1 TB) |
SD card slot type | microSDXC |
RAM | 6GB |
Number of Main Back Camera | 4 |
Back Main Camera Configurations | 48 MegaPixel(MP) 80-degree 26mm wide camera,12 MP 123-degree ultrawide camera, 5 MP macro camera,5 MP depth camera. |
Video Recording and Playback | Up to UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 120 FPS. |
Front Camera | 32 MP 26mm wide camera. |
3.5mm headphone jack? | Yes. |
Stereo speaker? | Yes. |
NFC? | Yes. |
USB | Type-C 2.0 reversible connector. |
Fingerprint Sensor? | Yes. Under-display optical sensor. |
Battery | Non-removable Li-Po 4500 mAh. |
Charging Power | 15W fast charging. |
Wireless charging? | No. |
Supports Reverse Wireless charging? | No. |
FM Radio? | Yes. |
Waterproof? | No. |
Dex Support? | No. |
USB OTG Support? | Yes. |
Wireless emergency alerts (CMAS) capable | Yes. |
Hearing Aid (HAC) rating | M3, T3. |
Price | $400 unlocked in the US. |
Models | SM-A516V,SM-A516/DS,SM-A516N,SM-A516B,SM-A516U,SM-A5160 |
Should you buy Galaxy A51 or not? Learning about the pros and cons of A51 5G is the perfect way to make a purchase decision. This way, instead of relying on others’ reviews, you be the judge and decide on your future buying.
Pros of Samsung Galaxy A51 5G:
These are the advantages of the Galaxy A51.
Price:
The biggest pros of the Galaxy A51 is its price. This phone has similar specs and a better camera than S20 FE but costs almost 45% less. Compared to other S20 versions, A51 5G is cheap. For example, different S20 prices are:
- S20 5G UW: $1,000
- S20 FE 5G: $700
- A51 5G: $400
A51 5G specs are high, but the price is not that high compared to other Samsung high-end phones. We think you can buy this phone instead of buying other high-end Samsung phones.
Trade-in offers to buy A51 5G cheap:
Samsung has a trade-in offer where they will give you up to $175 credit towards your Galaxy A51 purchase. Here is a list of eligible phones that you can trade-in to buy the A51.
Eligible Samsung phones with trade-in rebate value:
Galaxy Model | Trade-in rebate value | Trade-in rebate value with a cracked screen |
Galaxy Note 9 | $225 | $200 |
Galaxy S9 Plus | $175 | $150 |
Galaxy S9 | $150 | $120 |
Galaxy Note 8 | $120 | $110 |
Galaxy S8+ | $120 | $90 |
Galaxy S8 | $90 | $75 |
Galaxy S8 Active | $60 | $55 |
Galaxy S7 Edge | $55 | $45 |
Galaxy S7 | $45 | $40 |
Galaxy S7 Active | $25 | $20 |
Eligible iPhones with trade-in rebate value:
iPhone Model | Trade-in rebate value | Trade-in rebate value with a cracked screen |
iPhone XR | $225 | $170 |
iPhone 8 Plus | $175 | $150 |
iPhone 8 | $150 | $120 |
iPhone 7 Plus | $100 | $90 |
iPhone 7 | $90 | $75 |
iPhone 6S | $55 | $45 |
iPhone 6S Plus | $55 | $45 |
Eligible Google phones with trade-in rebate value:
Model | Trade-in rebate value | Trade-in rebate value with a cracked screen |
Pixel 4 XL | $225 | $200 |
Pixel 4 | $200 | $180 |
Pixel 3 XL | $150 | $100 |
Pixel 3a XL | $150 | $100 |
Pixel 3a | $120 | $80 |
Pixel 3 | $115 | $75 |
Display:
The Galaxy A51 has a 6.5 inch Dynamic AMOLED screen, and its resolution is 1080 x 2400 pixels (405 PPI density). The screen resolution is so high that you won’t be able to distinguish individual pixels. Dynamic AMOLED infinity O screens provide vivid colors, and it is far superior to an LCD screen. Here, “O” denotes that this screen has a hole-punch cutout for the front camera.
Expandable Storage:
Every Galaxy A51 comes with 128 GB memory (only 105 GB is usable). Moreover, the A51 has an expandable memory slot, where you can insert a microSD card up to 1TB. It is very convenient because you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for memory upgrades like Apple’s iPhone.
Here’s an example. The 128 GB iPhone 12 Pro costs $999, and the next storage version, 256 GB, costs $1099. There’s no difference between these two phones except the internal storage capacity. So, Apple is charging you $100 for 128GB memory. Now check the price of this 128 GB Samsung microSD card on Amazon. This is significantly cheaper than Apple’s storage expansion asking price. It is insane that Apple’s storage option is 400% expensive than the average market price. By now, we hope you do realize the benefit of expandable storage space.
MHL to HDMI Support:
Most of the Samsung phones, including the Galaxy A51, support MHL. MHL is a fantastic piece of technology that many do not know. MHL stands for Mobile High Definition Link. Using the MHL-HDMI cable, you can mirror your phone screen to any projector or TV. This feature helps you to give a presentation from the phone or watch a movie on the projector.
On Amazon, if you search “MHL to HDMI,” you will get thousands of results. This cable will help you transfer your phone screens display signal to an HDMI port. Before you buy your MHL to HDMI cable, please make sure which USB your phone supports, whether it is a micro USB, mini USB, or USB type C.
Buy a USB Type C MHL to HDMI cable for your Galaxy A51, for example, similar to this one https://amzn.to/3jduAnk.
Connect one end of the MHL cable to your phone, connect the other HDMI end to a TV or projector. After configuring your TV or projector to HDMI input, your phone screen will show up on your TV or projector. Now, enjoy movies, gameplay on your TV or projector. Moreover, you can give a presentation on office settings with your A51 without laptops or computers. Isn’t it great?
Samsung Financing:
We suggest you buy phones directly from Samsung because they have financing options. The main benefit is that you can purchase the A51 at a 24 months 0% APR loan through the Samsung Financing program. Samsung will not charge you any interest on your purchase if you pay back within 24 months.
Fast Charging:
The Galaxy A51 has 15W fast charging technology. As a result, charging this phone does not take too much time.
Free Returns:
If you purchase your Galaxy A51 from the Samsung web store, you have 15 days to return your phone for a full refund. If you are interested in the A51, we suggest you buy this phone and use it for one week. If you think it’s not for you, you can return your phone for a full refund. Moreover, you can take advantage of the above mentioned Samsung financing offer while you buy your A51.
FM Radio:
The A51 5G has a built-in FM radio. The 3.5mm headphone cable works as the FM radio antenna.
SmartThings, Smart View:
Suppose you have Samsung devices such as a Samsung smart fridge, TV, oven, dishwasher, Air conditioner, Samsung washing machine, Samsung dryer, etc. in your home. In that case, you can control those devices using your Galaxy A51 with SmartThings and SmartView app. For example, you can wirelessly cast your phone screen onto your Samsung TV through the SmartView app.
Top-Notch Security:
Galaxy A51 is a very secure phone. It’s perfect for the “Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)” programs. Samsung Knox is integrated into this phone’s hardware and software. This multi-layered Knox security mechanism protects sensitive data from malware threats.
Galaxy A51 has “Always On Display”:
The Galaxy A51 has a useful feature – “Always On Display.” Using this feature, you can control music, watch time and date, view the calendar even when the screen is turned off. If enabled, the Always On Display will appear if you tap on the screen.
Samsung Pay:
The Galaxy A51 supports Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC) payment system. Therefore, you can use A51 to pay at stores even if they use old fashioned standard credit card readers.
Free Shipping:
If you order your phone online from the Samsung website, Samsung will ship you this Galaxy A51 free of charge.
3.5mm headphone jack:
the Galaxy A51 has a 3.5mm headphone jack. Nowadays, most of the phone comes without it.
Link to Windows:
The Galaxy A51 also supports the “Link to Windows” feature. You can live-stream your phone’s screen to your PC, interact with your phone using a keyboard and mouse, see notifications, read and reply to messages, and interact with photos with “Link to Windows” functionality.
Ethernet Cable Connection:
You can use a USB C to Ethernet adapter (for example, like this one https://amzn.to/2GD2Av2) to connect the Galaxy A51 to an ethernet network. This way, you can get the internet on your A51 phone without WiFi.
Samsung Find My Mobile:
Every Samsung phone has a very useful feature named “Find My Mobile.” If someone steals your phone or you lose it, with the help of this feature, you can track your Samsung phone online. Moreover, you can remotely lock it and delete personal data. You can even use “Find My Mobile” to unlock your phone if you forget your pattern, PIN, or password. To learn more, please visit https://findmymobile.samsung.com/.
Useful Apps and Features in Galaxy A51:
In Galaxy A51, there are many useful apps. The following features of the Galaxy A51 are beneficial.
Secure Folder:
Every Samsung phone, including the Galaxy A51, has the “Secure Folder” feature. You can use the secure folder to protect your private photos, messages, apps, contacts, files, etc. from being accessed by others. It’s a great way to save and protect sensitive data on your phone.
Scan QR Code:
The Galaxy A51 has a built-in QR code scanning feature. From the notification panel, you can activate this feature.
Game Launcher:
In Galaxy A51, there are many useful apps. Game Launcher is one of them. You can use the Game Launcher app to record your phone screen and system audio while you play an android game. A third-party screen recorder app can only record the phone screen, not system audio. So, this is very useful for YouTubers.
Built-in Screen Recorder:
The Galaxy A51 also has a built-in screen recorder app. So, you don’t need to install a 3rd party app to record your phone’s screen.
WiFi Direct Printing:
If you have a printer that supports WiFi, you can print anything from your A51 phone without a WiFi router.
Samsung Kids:
Galaxy A51 is perfect for kids. This phone has a parental control feature. While activated from settings, you can restrict access to apps and set their usage times. Moreover, you can also monitor daily usage time and activity history, including the history of frequently used contacts and browsing history. You need a PIN to deactivate “Samsung Kids” once it is enabled. So, don’t worry that your kid will disable it.
Data Usage Monitor:
The Galaxy A51 comes with a built-in data usage monitor. It is a useful feature to keep track of data usage.
Don’t be surprised to read that many apps use data in the background, even if the phone screen is off. To test in a Samsung phone, Goto Settings -> Connections -> Data Usage -> Data Saver. Now tap on “Allow unrestricted data usage.” Now in the top right corner, click on “⋮” and click on “Sort by allowed apps.” Now click again on “⋮” and “Show system apps.” You will get all the apps that use your phone’s internet data in the background. If necessary, you can turn off data permissions for apps individually by switching the toggle button.
Cons of Samsung Galaxy A51 5G:
These are the cons of A51.
Problems with AMOLED Display:
At the start of this article, we said that Galaxy A51 has an AMOLED screen and praised it. However, the dynamic AMOLED screen has two drawbacks.
- One, AMOLED display loses its sharpness, crispiness, and vividness after a few years. The screen would look dull compared to a newly purchased A51 phone’s screen.
- Second, the AMOLED display has a screen burn issue. It arises when someone uses a single app extensively — such as Google Maps — for a long time. This extended usage would leave a ghost watermark of the used app imprinted on the screen permanently.
Samsung phones have a low resale value:
We know that no one sells their used phone. However, just in case you need to sell your phone, iPhones have a better resale value than Samsung phones.
At the start of this article, we showed this table.
Galaxy Model | Trade-in rebate value | Trade-in rebate value with a cracked screen |
Galaxy Note 9 | $225 | $200 |
Galaxy S9 Plus | $175 | $150 |
Galaxy S9 | $150 | $120 |
Galaxy Note 8 | $120 | $110 |
Galaxy S8+ | $120 | $90 |
Galaxy S8 | $90 | $75 |
Galaxy S8 Active | $60 | $55 |
Galaxy S7 Edge | $55 | $45 |
Galaxy S7 | $45 | $40 |
Galaxy S7 Active | $25 | $20 |
This table shows how much Samsung would pay you for your used Samsung phone during trade-in.
- First of all, the trade-in value is ridiculously low. For example, We have a Galaxy S7 Edge, which we bought 4 years ago for $800. Samsung says they would credit us $55 for this phone if we trade-in.
- Second, even Samsung is not eager to pay you top dollar for their flagship phone.
No wireless charging:
The Galaxy A51 does not have a wireless charging feature.
A51 is not Water or Dust resistant:
The Galaxy A51 is not IP67 or IP68 rated, which means the A51 is not waterproof or dust resistant. Therefore, we ask you to be careful before you take your A51 to the sea beach. It’s because salt water or sand will damage your phone.
Galaxy A51 does not have eSIM:
The A51 does not have eSIM support; it only has Nano-SIM support. Therefore, we can’t use the Galaxy A51 as a dual SIM phone. Though the A51 has a dual sim version, it is not available in all regions.
No Dex Support:
The Galaxy A51 does not have dex support. This is a very useful feature that Samsung decided not to include in this phone. Dex is beneficial because, with the help of the Dex software feature, we can turn our phone into a trackpad for TV or PC, wirelessly connect to a monitor or TV for enhanced multitasking experience such as browsing the web like a PC, etc.
Mediocre camera:
Though A51 has four main cameras, honestly, these cameras do not take great pictures. The pixel in cameras does not mean anything. A 12 MP DSLR camera takes far superior pictures than the 48 MP A51 camera.
Phones 4K video is awful:
The Galaxy A51 has decent cameras and can record 4k video. However, a 4k video recorded on phones is inferior in quality than 4k videos recorded in a DSLR camera. Moreover, A51 cameras are gyro-stabilized. Though this gyro-stabilization is useful for taking pictures, it is terrible for recording video while you walk. The mobile gyro will fail to stabilize the camera on every footstep, especially while recording in 4k.
Non-removable battery:
The Galaxy A51 has a non-removable battery. It is a disadvantage because the removable battery is useful in many scenarios. An old phone loses its battery capacity. So, it charges slowly but discharges rapidly, making the phone unusable for a practical purpose.
Moreover, if Samsung OS detects the battery has become weak, it will slow down the processor to protect the battery from further deterioration. The slow processor will make a Samsung phone laggy. It is why an old Samsung phone lags and hangs. Replacing the old battery with a new one will solve all these problems. But, the A51 battery is non-removable. So, when your Galaxy A51 phone gets old and becomes slow, you have to replace the phone itself.
Samsung Phone Becomes Hot:
Samsung phones overheat quickly. For the last ten years, Samsung failed to fix the phone overheating issue. Samsung acts like this issue does not exist.
If you play any video game, run YouTube, Netflix, or run an app that uses a lot of processing power — such as a video editor — the phone would become so hot that it would be impossible to hold it in hand. When the phone overheats, your phone will become slow and laggy. Furthermore, your Galaxy A51 can also overheat while you record a 4k video with the phone cameras.
Samsung BloatWare:
Though I love Samsung Phones, I’m not too fond of their software. Samsung always ships its phone with a lot of bloatware pre-installed. The A51 is not different, either. This Galaxy A51 comes with more than 50 preloaded apps. There are several duplicate apps too.
You may think it’s not a big deal for your A51 because you have plenty of remaining storage capacity left for you. But the problem with pre-installed bloatware is that those apps have some root permission to access your user data that 3rd party apps don’t have.
Moreover, A pre-installed app can run several processes in the background, which you will never be able to detect. For example, the Facebook app runs several processes in the background that consume a lot of battery and processing power. It not only limits the battery but also prevents other apps from running smoothly, such as Maps. It is why Google maps crash if you have Facebook installed.
Duplicate Apps in Galaxy A51:
Samsung is infamous for shipping its phone with duplicate apps. Galaxy A51 is not an exception, either. The following are the duplicate apps in a Galaxy A51.
Duplicate Assistant:
- Google Assistant.
- Samsung Bixby.
Duplicate App Store:
- Google Play Store
- Galaxy Store
Duplicate Music App:
- YT Music
- Spotify
Duplicate Browser:
- Google Chrome
- Google (Search)
- Samsung Internet
Duplicate Cloud Storage:
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
Numerous Email Client:
- Gmail
- Samsung Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Duplicate Payment System:
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
Pre-installed Microsoft Bloatware:
Samsung preloads every Galaxy A51 with the following Microsoft apps.
- Office Mobile
- Microsoft One Drive
- Microsoft Outlook
3rd Party Bloatware:
There are apps on Galaxy A51, which are not necessary at all times. It could be beneficial for some, but not for all people. Moreover, anyone can download these apps from the App store. So, there’s no point in pre-installing the following apps.
- AR Zone
- Galaxy Wearable
- Samsung Global Goals
- Samsung Members
- Tips
- Samsung Health
- Samsung Notes
- Spotify
- Netflix
- Booking.com
- Galaxy Friends
- Dictionary
- Play Movie & TV
- Google Photos
Carrier Bloatware:
If you buy an unlocked A51 5G, then you are lucky. Because if you buy an A51 through a carrier, those phones will carry even more bloatware. For example, an AT&T A51 5G has the following AT&T apps pre-installed:
- Advanced Messaging (IPME W2),
- Amazon Shop,
- AT&T Call Protect with Sponsored Business ID,
- AT&T Messages Backup & Sync,
- AT&T Mobile Security,
- AT&T Personal Cloud,
- AT&T Pro Tech,
- AT&T Smart WiFi,
- AT&T TV,
- Bleacher Report,
- Bleacher Report Live,
- Browser Landing Page,
- CNN,
- DC Universe,
- Device Help,
- DIRECTV (DTVe),
- DT1-9,
- Entertainment Widget,
- Facebook App Installer,
- Facebook App Manager,
- Game of Thrones: Conquest,
- Golf Clash,
- Great Big Story,
- HBO Max,
- iQi,
- MaaP,
- Mobile Key,
- Mobile Services Manager,
- myAT&T,
- Native Visual Voicemail,
- NBA,
- Pluto TV,
- Real-Time Text (RTT),
- Remote Support,
- Setup & Transfer,
- STIR/SHAKEN,
- The CW Network,
- Video Call (IR94),
- Walmart,
- WiFi Calling with FirstNet,
- Wizarding World
We don’t know about you, but we are laughing, looking at the A51 bloatware list. Compare this with an iPhone, which comes with zero bloatware, zero 3rd party apps, and zero carrier pre-installed apps.
Plastic Back:
This A51 has a plastic back. So, it does not feel premium at all. Moreover, a plastic back will chip its paint after a few years. At that point, this phone will look very ugly. However, if you use a phone case, you can avoid this issue.
Optical On-screen Fingerprint Sensor:
It is better to have something than none. The Galaxy A51 has an on-screen fingerprint sensor. It is not an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which is better than this A51 optical on-screen fingerprint sensor. The optical sensor is slower and inaccurate. You have to place your finger precisely; otherwise, the fingerprint sensor would not recognize your fingerprint, which is frustrating.
No Extended Software Update:
Apple provides software updates to all of its iPhones up to 60 months. They never abandon their phones. But Samsung stops giving any software update after only 24 months of release. So, after only 24 months, you will not receive any OS update for your A51.
RAM:
The Samsung Galaxy A51 would ship with 6GB RAM. We consider it a disadvantage because a 6GB RAM is not enough for the Android OS with One UI 2.5 and with all those bloatware pre-installed. While new, your phone will open apps blazing fast; however, this RAM would choke to run different apps after a few years.
Useless Bixby:
Samsung is terrible at software. Bixby is the prime example. Most of the time, it does not work. Moreover, Android Assistant is far superior to Bixby. Still, Samsung ships this unnecessary software with every phone.
Samsung Phones Don’t Last Long:
We all know that Samsung phones don’t last long. A new Galaxy A51 will operate smoothly. But after only a few years, this A51 will become very slow and laggy.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Does the Samsung A51 5G come with a screen protector?
No, Samsung A51 does not come with a screen protector pre-installed on the phone.
Does the Samsung A51 5G come with a case?
No, Samsung A51 does not come with a phone case in the box.
How to activate Developer Mode in Galaxy A51?
You need to enable the “Developer options” before you can develop apps and test on the A51. To activate it, go to “Settings” then click on “About phone.” Now, click on the “Build number” 7 times to enable “Developer options.” Once activated, the option will appear in the “Settings” main menu.
How to force restart A51 5G?
If your A51 is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold the Side key and the Volume Down key simultaneously for more than 7 seconds to restart your phone.
Conclusion:
The Galaxy A51 5G is a moderately priced, decent phone. If you are on a budget, this phone would be a great choice.
Sources:
- https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/phones/galaxy-a/galaxy-a51-5g-unlocked-sm-a516uzkaxaa/
- https://findmymobile.samsung.com/