Galaxy A51 vs iPhone SE (2020)

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The Samsung Galaxy A51 was announced in December 2019 and released in January 2020, while the iPhone SE (2020) was released in April 2020.

• Software Updates: The iPhone SE (2020) launched with iOS 13.4 and has received updates to iOS 17 and beyond, with a strong history of extended software support from Apple. The Galaxy A51 launched with Android 10 and was eligible for three generations of Android software updates, reaching Android 13. Samsung ended software updates for the Galaxy A51 in early 2024.
• Repairability: The iPhone SE (2020) has a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, noting that common components like the display and battery are relatively straightforward to replace, though the glass back is impractical to repair. The Galaxy A51 has a repairability score of 6.5 out of 10, with individual replacement of the battery and screen possible, but requiring technical knowledge and specialized tools due to small parts and adhesive.
• Practical Lifespan: Users seeking the longest possible software longevity will find the iPhone SE (2020) offers a more extended update cycle. Both devices offer reasonable repairability for common issues, contributing to their practical lifespan.

The performance of these two smartphones varies significantly, largely due to their internal components and operating system optimizations.

• Processing Power: The iPhone SE (2020) features a powerful processor that enables smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking. This allows it to handle intensive games and complex tasks with ease. The Galaxy A51's processor provides adequate performance for everyday tasks, but some users have reported occasional sluggishness or lag, particularly with more demanding apps or heavy usage.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone SE (2020) offers a highly responsive user experience, with applications loading quickly and transitions feeling fluid. The Galaxy A51, while capable, may exhibit slight delays when switching between multiple applications or navigating through the interface.
• Storage Options: Both devices were available with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB internal storage options. The Galaxy A51 also offers expandable storage via a microSD card, providing flexibility for users who need more space for media and files.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A51 is equipped with a larger battery capacity, generally providing sufficient power for a full day of moderate use. The iPhone SE (2020), with its smaller battery, may require more frequent charging for heavy users, with some reports indicating it can struggle to last a full day.

The visual experience on these devices is a key differentiator, primarily due to their display technologies and sizes.

• Display Technology: The Samsung Galaxy A51 features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, known for its deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast. The iPhone SE (2020) utilizes a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display, which offers good color accuracy and brightness but does not achieve the same level of contrast or black depth as an AMOLED panel.
• Resolution and Clarity: The Galaxy A51 has a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 405 ppi. The iPhone SE (2020) has a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, with a pixel density of around 326 ppi. Both offer sufficient clarity for typical viewing, but the A51 provides a sharper image due to its higher pixel density.
• Brightness and Viewing Experience: The A51's AMOLED screen is generally bright enough for outdoor use, with vivid and punchy colors. The iPhone SE (2020) also offers good brightness, but its smaller screen size and thicker bezels contribute to a more traditional smartphone aesthetic compared to the A51's more expansive, edge-to-edge design. Both devices have a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

The camera capabilities of the Galaxy A51 and iPhone SE (2020) offer different strengths, catering to distinct photography preferences.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A51 features a versatile quad-camera setup on the rear, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 5MP depth sensor. This allows for a variety of shooting modes and perspectives. The iPhone SE (2020) has a single 12MP wide-angle main camera with optical image stabilization.
• Photography Performance: In good lighting conditions, both phones can capture detailed and colorful images. The Galaxy A51's main camera produces decent shots, though colors can sometimes appear oversaturated. Its ultrawide and macro lenses add flexibility. The iPhone SE (2020) excels in image processing, delivering consistent and high-quality photos with good dynamic range, even with its single lens. However, the iPhone SE (2020) lacks a dedicated Night Mode, which can impact low-light performance compared to devices with this feature.
• Video Recording: The Galaxy A51 can record 4K video at 30 frames per second, but some reviews note that the 4K footage may lack detail and exhibit poor dynamic range compared to higher-end phones. The iPhone SE (2020) offers excellent video recording capabilities, supporting 4K video at up to 60 frames per second with optical image stabilization, making it a strong option for video capture.
• Front Camera and Audio: The Galaxy A51 has a 32MP front-facing camera, capable of capturing detailed selfies. The iPhone SE (2020) features a 7MP front camera, which performs well for selfies and video calls, benefiting from computational photography. For audio, the Galaxy A51 has a single bottom-firing speaker that provides clear dialogue but lacks bass. The iPhone SE (2020) offers stereo speakers for a more immersive audio experience.

Beyond core features, several practical elements distinguish these two smartphones in daily use.

• Connectivity: Both devices support 4G LTE for cellular connectivity. The Galaxy A51 supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. The iPhone SE (2020) offers Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0, providing potentially faster and more efficient wireless connections. Neither device supports 5G connectivity.
• Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy A51 includes a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack. It features an in-display optical fingerprint sensor, though some users have reported it can be inconsistent. The iPhone SE (2020) uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port and integrates a physical home button with Touch ID for fingerprint recognition, which is generally considered fast and reliable.
• Design and Build Materials: The Galaxy A51 features a plastic back with a glossy finish and a glass front (Gorilla Glass 3). It measures 158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm and weighs 172g. The iPhone SE (2020) has a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, offering a more premium feel. It is more compact and lighter, measuring 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm and weighing 148g. The iPhone SE (2020) also has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.