Galaxy A51 vs Galaxy S21+ 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A51, released in December 2019, and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched in January 2021, represent different tiers within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, the S21 Plus 5G offers a more advanced feature set and higher-end specifications, reflecting its position as a flagship device compared to the A51's mid-range focus. The primary distinctions lie in their processing power, display technology, camera capabilities, and overall build quality.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release dates, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A51, released in late 2019, originally shipped with Android 10 and received its last major Android update to Android 13 in December 2022. This means it has reached its end of life for official Android operating system updates. In contrast, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, launched in January 2021 with Android 11, has received updates up to Android 15 as of April 2025, marking its final major OS update. This provides the S21 Plus 5G with a longer period of current software features and security patches.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy A51 features a plastic back and a glass front protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. It does not have an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, though some sources incorrectly state IP68. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, however, boasts a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, coupled with an aluminum frame. It also carries an IP68 rating, indicating resistance to dust and immersion in water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Users can expect the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G to remain functionally relevant for a longer duration due to its more recent release, extended software support, and enhanced physical durability. The A51, while still functional, will not receive new Android features, potentially limiting its compatibility with future applications and increasing security vulnerabilities over time.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, impacting everything from app loading times to multitasking efficiency.

• Processor Capabilities: The Galaxy A51 is powered by an Exynos 9611 processor. This processor handles everyday tasks and moderate multitasking smoothly, but users might notice some choppiness or slower responsiveness with demanding applications or graphically intensive games. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, on the other hand, features a more powerful processor (Exynos 2100 or Snapdragon 888, depending on the region). This results in significantly faster app loading, smoother transitions, and a more fluid experience even with heavy usage and advanced gaming.
• RAM and Storage: The A51 offers various RAM configurations, including 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB, with storage options of 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, expandable via microSD card. The S21 Plus 5G comes with a consistent 8GB of RAM and storage options of 128GB or 256GB, though it lacks a microSD card slot for expansion. The higher base RAM in the S21 Plus 5G contributes to more efficient multitasking and app retention in memory.
• Overall System Responsiveness: The S21 Plus 5G provides a more responsive and immediate user experience across the board, from navigating the interface to launching and switching between applications. The A51, while capable for general use, may exhibit occasional delays or less fluid animations, particularly as more applications run simultaneously.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer distinct visual experiences.

• Display Technology and Resolution: Both the Galaxy A51 and the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G feature Super AMOLED displays, known for their vibrant colors and deep blacks. Both also share a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: A key difference lies in the refresh rate. The Galaxy A51 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which provides a smooth enough experience for most users. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, however, features a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This higher refresh rate results in noticeably smoother scrolling, more fluid animations, and a more responsive feel, particularly beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: The S21 Plus 5G's Dynamic AMOLED 2X display offers higher peak brightness, making it more comfortable to view content outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The larger 6.7-inch screen of the S21 Plus 5G also provides a more expansive viewing area compared to the A51's 6.5-inch display.

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these two Samsung phones offer different photographic experiences.

• Rear Camera Systems: The Galaxy A51 features a quad-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second. The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G comes with a triple-camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens with OIS and 3x hybrid zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The S21 Plus 5G is capable of recording 8K video at 24 frames per second and 4K video at 60 frames per second across all its lenses, including the selfie camera.
• Photography Performance: The S21 Plus 5G generally offers superior image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions, thanks to its larger sensors and advanced processing. Its telephoto lens provides greater versatility for zooming without significant loss of detail. The A51's macro lens allows for detailed close-up shots, and its main camera performs well in good lighting. Both phones offer features like Live Focus for portrait effects and Super Steady mode for video stabilization.
• Front Camera: The A51 has a 32MP front-facing camera, while the S21 Plus 5G features a 10MP front camera. Despite the lower megapixel count, the S21 Plus 5G's front camera often produces higher quality selfies due to better sensor technology and image processing.