Is The Samsung S24 Worth The Upgrade From An A51 Users Are Saying

For millions of smartphone users who’ve spent years with the Samsung Galaxy A51—a reliable mid-range workhorse—the question isn’t just about new features. It’s whether those upgrades justify the cost. The Galaxy S24, Samsung’s latest flagship, promises cutting-edge performance, AI integration, and refined design. But does it deliver enough value for A51 owners ready to make the leap?

The answer depends on how you use your phone, what you value in a device, and how much you're willing to invest. Let’s break down real-world feedback, hardware differences, software advancements, and long-term benefits to determine if the S24 is truly worth it.

Performance: From Mid-Range to Flagship Power

The Galaxy A51, launched in 2020, was built around the Exynos 9611 or Snapdragon 730G—processors that were solid at the time but now struggle with heavy multitasking and modern gaming. In contrast, the S24 runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in most regions), offering up to 3x faster CPU performance and significantly improved GPU efficiency.

Users upgrading from the A51 consistently report near-instant app launches, seamless switching between demanding apps like Adobe Lightroom and YouTube, and buttery-smooth scrolling even with multiple widgets active. One Reddit user noted: “After four years with my A51, the S24 feels like magic. Apps don’t reload, animations don’t stutter—it just *works*.”

Beyond raw speed, the S24 includes 8GB or 12GB of RAM compared to the A51’s 4GB or 6GB. This makes a tangible difference in background app retention and future-proofing.

Tip: If you frequently edit photos, stream HD video, or use productivity apps, the S24’s processing power will noticeably improve your daily experience.

Display and Design: A Night-and-Day Difference

The A51’s 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display was impressive for its class, but it maxes out at 60Hz refresh rate and 405 ppi. The S24, meanwhile, features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and peak brightness exceeding 2,600 nits.

This means smoother scrolling, crisper text, better outdoor visibility, and more immersive media consumption. The smaller screen size may surprise some A51 users used to larger displays, but reviewers praise the S24’s compact ergonomics and premium build—featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an aluminum frame versus the A51’s plastic body.

One YouTube tech reviewer put it simply: “Holding the S24 after using an A51 is like trading a sedan for a sports car. The materials, finish, and responsiveness all scream quality.”

Camera Upgrades That Actually Matter

The A51’s quad-camera setup included a 48MP main sensor, but low-light performance and zoom capabilities were limited. The S24 brings a completely re-engineered system: a 50MP main sensor with larger pixels, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom.

More importantly, computational photography has evolved dramatically. The S24 uses AI-powered enhancements for lighting correction, noise reduction, and subject tracking. Users upgrading from the A51 say night shots are no longer hit-or-miss—they’re consistently bright, detailed, and color-accurate.

Video recording sees even greater gains. The S24 supports 4K at 60fps with advanced stabilization, while the A51 tops out at 4K/30fps with minimal stabilization. Vloggers and social media creators especially appreciate this jump.

“After filming family events on my A51 for years, the S24 made me realize how much I was missing. Zoomed-in clips are stable, colors pop, and audio is clearer thanks to directional beamforming mics.” — Jordan Lee, Mobile Content Creator

Software and Longevity: Four Years of Updates Make a Difference

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade is software support. The A51 received three Android OS updates and four years of security patches—good for its tier. But the S24 goes further: Samsung guarantees **seven years** of OS and security updates, aligning with top-tier competitors like Google Pixel.

This means S24 owners can expect Android 17 or later, ensuring compatibility with future apps, security standards, and smart ecosystem integrations. For users planning to keep their phone beyond three years, this longevity adds significant value.

In addition, the S24 ships with One UI 6.1 powered by AI tools like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Note Assist—features absent on older devices. These aren’t gimmicks; they streamline everyday tasks like searching images, translating menus in real time, or summarizing meeting notes.

Real User Feedback: What A51 Holdouts Are Saying

A deep dive into forums like XDA Developers, Reddit’s r/GalaxyS24, and Samsung Community reveals a consistent theme: satisfaction among upgraders, but only when expectations are realistic.

• Positive sentiment: “Worth every penny. My A51 felt slow and outdated. The S24 flies.”
• Value concern: “It’s amazing, but I wish the price was lower given inflation.”
• Surprise benefit: “I didn’t think battery life would be better with a smaller cell, but the efficiency gains are real.”

Notably, many users emphasize the psychological shift—from managing battery and storage constantly on the A51 to feeling unrestricted on the S24. One user shared: “I used to close apps to save memory. Now I forget I’m even using a phone half the time. It just keeps up.”

Upgrade Checklist: Is the S24 Right for You?

Before making the move, consider these factors:

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from A51 to S24?

• Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or lag?
• Do you want better photo and video quality, especially in low light?
• Do you plan to keep your phone for 4+ years?
• Are you interested in AI-powered productivity tools?
• Can you take advantage of trade-in programs or carrier deals?

If you answered yes to three or more, the S24 is likely a worthwhile upgrade.

Feature Comparison: A51 vs S24

Feature	Galaxy A51	Galaxy S24
Processor	Exynos 9611 / Snapdragon 730G	Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
RAM	4GB / 6GB	8GB / 12GB
Display	6.5\", 60Hz AMOLED	6.2\", 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X
Rear Cameras	48MP + 12MP UW + 5MP Macro + 5MP Depth	50MP + 12MP UW + 10MP Telephoto (3x)
Software Support	3 OS + 4 Security	7 OS + 7 Security
Battery	4,000mAh	4,000mAh (but 20% more efficient chip)
Price (Launch)	$399	$799

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my A51 accessories work with the S24?

Most cases and screen protectors won’t fit due to different dimensions and camera layout. However, chargers, cables, and wireless earbuds remain compatible. Samsung’s DeX feature also works across both, though S24 offers smoother desktop mode performance.

Is the smaller screen a downgrade?

Not necessarily. While the S24 has a slightly smaller display than the A51, it’s denser, brighter, and more responsive. Many users report preferring the compact size for one-handed use and reduced fatigue during extended reading or browsing.

Can I get a good deal when upgrading?

Yes. Samsung frequently offers trade-in credits up to $300 for older Galaxy devices, and carriers often bundle discounts with new plans. Refurbished S24 models are also becoming available at lower price points, improving accessibility.

Conclusion: A Meaningful Leap, Not Just a Luxury

Upgrading from the Galaxy A51 to the S24 isn’t merely about owning a newer phone—it’s about gaining a tool that responds instantly, captures memories vividly, lasts longer securely, and adapts to how you work and play. For users still clinging to a device from 2020, the S24 represents a generational leap in mobile technology.

While the price tag is steep, the combination of sustained performance, AI integration, and seven-year software support makes the S24 one of the most future-ready smartphones available. When real users say it “feels like a fresh start,” they’re not exaggerating.

💬 Have you upgraded from an A51 to an S24? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments—your insight could help others decide their next move.