Samsung Galaxy A51 5G review

Introduction

Samsung is bringing 5G to the masses with the Galaxy A51 5G and the Galaxy A71 5G. We have the smaller one for review to find out what's changed from the 4G version with the inclusion of the next-gen connectivity.

For starters, the chipset is different - it's the Exynos 980 that is bringing that 5G capability and, along with it, a bump in performance over the modest 9611 SoC of the older model. A bigger battery is also among the new bits, a welcome upgrade to meet the increased power demand.

If you're willing to pay the premium for 5G this early in its adoption, even on a midranger like the A51 5G, chances are you'd probably enjoy a more upmarket build and Samsung has obliged. It's replaced the plastic midframe with an aluminum one. This remodeling, complete with the battery capacity bump and the extra antennas all means that the A51 5G is now 15g heavier - a not insignificant increase that robs it of all claims for lightness.

And that's about everything that's changed when going from 4G to 5G on the Galaxy A51. Here's a quick refresher on the other key specs.

Samsung Galaxy A51 5G specs

• Body: 158.9x73.6x8.7mm, 187g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, aluminum frame; Colors: Prism Cube Black, Prism Cube White, Prism Cube Pink.
• Display: 6.5" Super AMOLED, 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 405ppi.
• Chipset: Exynos 980 (8 nm): Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A77 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex A55); Mali-G76 MP5.
• Memory: 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM; UFS 2.1; microSDXC (hybrid slot).
• OS/Software: Android 10, One UI 2.
• Rear cameras: Wide (main): 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm, 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚; Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4; Depth: 5 MP, f/2.2; LED flash, panorama, HDR.
• Front camera: 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm; HDR.
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 4500mAh; Fast charging 15W.
• Misc: Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass; NFC; FM radio, RDS, recording; ANT+.

Samsung Galaxy A51 5G unboxing

The Galaxy A51 5G comes in the same retail packaging as the 4G version, but proudly flying a 5G banner. It's a proper cardboard box with a lid as opposed to lesser A-series models that replace the lid with a sleeve.

Inside the box there's a full set of accessories. A 15W Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging adapter is bundled, maxing out the phone's charging capability, and there's a USB-A-to-C cable to go with it. A pair of earbuds with a three button remote is included and a soft silicone case will give your phone protection straight out of the box.