Samsung A12 Vs A51 Is The A51 Still Worth It Or Is The A12 Good Enough

When shopping for an affordable Samsung smartphone, two models consistently come up: the Galaxy A12 and the Galaxy A51. Released just a year apart, these devices occupy overlapping price ranges today, making the decision harder than ever. The A51 was once a mid-tier favorite with premium features, while the A12 arrived as a budget-friendly entry-level option. But now that both are available at similar price points—especially in the refurbished or discounted market—the question arises: is the older A51 still worth choosing over the newer A12?

The answer depends on what you value most: performance and screen quality, or battery life and software longevity. Let’s break down the key differences and real-world implications to help you decide which phone truly delivers better value in 2024.

Display and Build Quality

The first noticeable difference between the A12 and A51 lies in their displays. The A51 features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent outdoor visibility. In contrast, the A12 uses a larger 6.5-inch PLS LCD screen but with a lower HD+ resolution (720 x 1600), resulting in noticeably less sharpness and muted color reproduction.

From a build perspective, the A51 feels more premium. It has a sleek glass-like back (plastic, but with a glossy finish) and thinner bezels, giving it a modern look. The A12 opts for a more utilitarian design with thicker bezels and a matte plastic body that resists fingerprints but feels less refined.

Tip: If you consume a lot of video content or read on your phone, the A51’s superior display will make a tangible difference in daily use.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the Galaxy A51 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 9611 (or Snapdragon 730G in some regions), an octa-core processor paired with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. This chipset supports smooth multitasking, handles casual gaming well, and ensures faster app launches. The A12, however, uses the MediaTek Helio P35—a capable chip for basic tasks but significantly slower in benchmarks and real-world responsiveness.

In practical terms, the A51 opens apps quicker, scrolls through social media feeds without stutter, and maintains system fluidity even after prolonged use. The A12 can lag when switching between multiple apps or using heavier services like Google Maps and YouTube simultaneously.

Software support is another critical factor. The A51 launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 12 with One UI 4.1. While no longer receiving major OS upgrades, it had a longer update cycle than the A12, which shipped with Android 10 or 11 and is limited to One UI 3.1 or 4.0 depending on region. For users who prioritize security patches and feature improvements, the A51’s extended support window gives it an edge.

“Even at the budget level, consistent software updates are crucial for long-term usability and security.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Battery Life and Charging

Where the A12 shines is battery endurance. It packs a massive 5000mAh battery, slightly larger than the A51’s 4000mAh unit. In real-world testing, the A12 routinely lasts one-and-a-half to two full days on moderate use, while the A51 typically requires daily charging, sometimes twice under heavy load.

However, charging speed favors the A51. It supports 15W fast charging out of the box, allowing a 0–50% charge in about 30 minutes. The A12 only supports 10W charging, meaning a full recharge takes closer to two hours.

If your priority is going days without plugging in, the A12 wins. But if you prefer quick top-ups during short breaks, the A51 offers a more convenient charging experience despite its smaller battery.

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

Both phones feature quad-camera setups, but the implementation differs significantly.

Feature	Samsung A51	Samsung A12
Main Sensor	48MP (f/2.0)	48MP (f/1.8)
Ultrawide	12MP (f/2.2)	5MP (f/2.2)
Macro	5MP (f/2.4)	2MP (f/2.4)
Depth	5MP (f/2.4)	2MP (f/2.4)
Front Camera	32MP (f/2.2)	8MP (f/2.0)

On paper, specs look similar, but actual photo quality diverges. The A51’s main sensor captures sharper images with better dynamic range and low-light performance thanks to pixel binning and improved image processing. Its 12MP ultrawide lens provides genuinely useful wide-angle shots, whereas the A12’s 5MP version often produces soft, grainy results with visible distortion.

The front camera is where the gap widens most. The A51’s 32MP selfie shooter delivers crisp, detailed portraits even in indoor lighting, while the A12’s 8MP sensor struggles with noise and lacks detail.

Tip: Test camera performance in low light before buying. Many budget phones advertise high megapixels but deliver poor real-world results.

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Maria, a college student balancing online classes, part-time work, and social media. She bought the A12 for its low price and big battery. Initially satisfied, she found herself frustrated within weeks: videos on her learning platform looked blurry due to the low-res screen, group Zoom calls froze frequently, and taking lab report photos required multiple attempts due to poor focus.

She traded up to a used A51 six months later. Despite the smaller battery, she charged it nightly and gained smoother app performance, clearer video lectures, and reliable photo documentation for assignments. Even though the A51 cost $30 more secondhand, she said, “It actually feels like a real smartphone.”

This scenario reflects a broader trend: users prioritizing functionality over raw battery size often find the A51 more satisfying long-term.

Which Phone Should You Buy? A Decision Checklist

Use this checklist to determine the right fit based on your needs:

• ✅ Choose the Samsung A51 if:
  • You watch videos or read extensively on your phone
  • You want faster performance for apps and multitasking
  • Camera quality matters for social media or documentation
  • You plan to keep the phone for 2+ years
• ✅ Choose the Samsung A12 if:
  • Battery life is your top priority
  • You mainly use basic apps like WhatsApp, calls, and SMS
  • You're on a tight budget and need the lowest possible price
  • You use the phone as a backup or secondary device

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A51 still supported with updates?

No, the A51 has reached the end of its major software update cycle. It received Android 12 and One UI 4.1, along with several security patches. While it may still receive occasional firmware updates, don’t expect new OS versions or long-term patching moving forward.

Can the A12 handle TikTok and Instagram Reels smoothly?

Moderately. The A12 can run these apps, but scrolling through rapid-fire videos may result in occasional stutters or delayed loading. The lower-resolution screen also diminishes visual enjoyment compared to higher-end devices.

Is the A51 waterproof?

Neither the A12 nor the A51 has an official IP rating for water resistance. Both should be kept away from moisture. Accidental spills might be survivable, but submersion or heavy rain poses serious risk.

Final Verdict: Is the A51 Still Worth It?

Yes—the Samsung Galaxy A51 remains a compelling choice over the A12 for most users, despite being an older model. Its superior display, stronger processor, better cameras, and faster charging collectively offer a more enjoyable and future-proof experience. While the A12 wins in battery capacity and upfront affordability, those advantages are often outweighed by compromises in daily usability.

If you can find a used or refurbished A51 in good condition for only slightly more than a new A12, it’s almost always the smarter investment. However, if you need a durable backup phone that lasts days between charges and costs under $100, the A12 serves that niche well.

Ultimately, value isn’t just about price—it’s about how the device performs across months of real-world use. And in that regard, the A51 continues to prove its worth.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Check current prices for both models, compare condition ratings if buying used, and prioritize the features that matter most in your daily routine. Your next phone should work for you—not against you.