Samsung Galaxy A51

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was a part of Samsung’s A-series lineup, which is known for offering a blend of solid features at a mid-range price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy A51:

Overview:

Launched in late 2019, the Samsung Galaxy A51 was a successor to the popular A50, bringing in several improvements and new features. Positioned in the mid-range segment, the A51 aimed to provide a good mix of performance, camera capabilities, and design without breaking the bank.

Features:

1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 10, overlaid with Samsung’s One UI 2.
2. Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, featuring an Infinity-O design (centered hole-punch).
3. Processor: Exynos 9611 (10nm).
4. Memory: Options of 4/6/8 GB RAM with 64/128 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 512 GB.
5. Camera: Quad rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 12 MP ultrawide lens, 5 MP macro sensor, and a 5 MP depth sensor. A 32 MP front camera.
6. Battery: 4000 mAh non-removable battery with 15W fast charging.
7. Other Features: Under-display optical fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a plastic back with a “prism” design.

Pros:

1. Display: The Super AMOLED display offered vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good brightness levels.
2. Camera Capabilities: The versatile camera setup allowed for a variety of photography options, from ultrawide shots to live focus (bokeh) effects.
3. Design: The “prism” design on the back and the slim bezels, combined with the centered hole-punch, gave the device a modern and appealing look.
4. Expandable Storage: The inclusion of a microSD card slot was a plus, especially when some competitors were omitting this feature.
5. One UI: Samsung’s software experience was feature-rich, offering a plethora of customization options and features.

Cons:

1. Processor Performance: The Exynos 9611 was capable for daily tasks, but it wasn’t the most powerful chipset in its price segment, leading to occasional lags in intensive tasks.
2. Plastic Build: While the “prism” design was visually appealing, the plastic build felt less premium compared to glass or metal.
3. Fingerprint Scanner: The under-display fingerprint scanner was not always as fast or consistent as traditional capacitive scanners.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2019 and 2020, the Galaxy A51 faced competition from various mid-range devices:

• OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 765G, and a versatile camera setup.
• Realme X2: Known for its AMOLED display, Snapdragon 730G chipset, and fast charging capabilities.
• Redmi Note 9 Pro: Xiaomi’s offering with a balanced set of features at a competitive price point.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was announced in December 2019 and released later that month.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Performance Hiccups: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags, especially when multitasking or running heavy apps.
2. Camera Low-Light Performance: While the camera was generally good, some users felt that its performance in low-light conditions could be improved.
3. Battery Optimization: Some users felt that the battery drain was faster than expected, especially with prolonged screen-on time.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy A51 was a well-rounded mid-range device that offered a mix of design, features, and performance. While it had its shortcomings, it provided good value for its price, especially for those looking for a reliable brand with a solid software experience. The A51 continued the A-series’ tradition of offering a balanced smartphone experience for the masses.