Samsung A24 Vs A51 Is The Newer Model Really An Upgrade Or Just Hype

When Samsung releases a new mid-range phone, the assumption is often that it's automatically better than its predecessor. The Galaxy A24, launched in 2023, replaces the once-popular Galaxy A51 from 2020. On paper, the A24 appears modernized with updated specs and design cues. But does it genuinely outperform the A51, or is the upgrade more about marketing than meaningful improvements? For users deciding between upgrading, buying used, or choosing budget devices, this comparison cuts through the noise.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

The Galaxy A24 and A51 both fall into Samsung’s reliable but utilitarian design language for mid-tier phones. The A51 features a glossy plastic back with a subtle gradient finish, giving it a slightly premium look despite its polycarbonate build. It was one of the first in its class to adopt a centered punch-hole front camera, which became a design staple.

The A24 refines this formula with a flatter back panel and a matte finish that resists fingerprints better. Its frame is still plastic, but the overall weight distribution feels more balanced. While the A24 is marginally heavier (188g vs 172g), the difference is negligible in hand. Both phones lack water resistance, though the A24 uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on the display—same as the A51—so durability remains comparable.

Tip: Use a protective case on either model—neither phone is built to survive repeated drops.

Display Quality: Brighter Isn’t Always Better

The A24 boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, compared to the A51’s 6.5-inch Super AMOLED at 60Hz. On the surface, this seems like a major leap. Higher refresh rates make scrolling smoother and interactions feel more responsive. However, the real-world benefit depends on usage patterns.

In daily tasks like browsing or social media, the 90Hz screen on the A24 is noticeably smoother. But under direct sunlight, the A51 holds up surprisingly well. The A24 reaches up to 600 nits peak brightness, while the A51 manages around 550. That extra 50 nits helps outdoors, but not dramatically. Both support HDR10, so video playback quality is nearly identical.

The resolution is the same (1080 x 2400), so pixel density is virtually indistinguishable. The A24 wins on paper, but if you're upgrading from the A51, the visual jump isn't revolutionary—just incremental.

Performance and Software: Where the A24 Shines

This is where the A24 pulls ahead. It runs on the MediaTek Helio G99, a 6nm chipset with better efficiency and performance than the A51’s Exynos 9611. While neither chip handles heavy gaming or multitasking with ease, the G99 offers faster app launches and improved thermal management.

Benchmarks tell the story: the A24 scores around 30% higher on AnTuTu v9 than the A51. In practice, this means fewer stutters when switching between apps or loading photos. The A24 also ships with Android 13 and Samsung’s One UI 5.1, while the A51 maxed out at Android 12. More importantly, the A24 is eligible for four years of security updates and two OS upgrades, making it a smarter long-term investment.

“Software longevity is now as important as hardware in mid-range phones. The A24’s update promise gives it a real edge.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Same Sensors, Smarter Processing

On paper, the cameras look similar: both have a 48MP main sensor, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The front cameras are 13MP on both. But differences emerge in image processing and consistency.

The A51’s photos can appear oversharpened, with aggressive HDR that washes out skies. Low-light performance is passable but noisy. The A24, thanks to improved ISP (Image Signal Processor) and AI enhancements, delivers more natural color reproduction and better dynamic range. Night mode is faster and produces cleaner results with less grain.

Video recording remains limited to 1080p at 30fps on both models—no 4K option. But the A24 includes better stabilization algorithms, reducing jitter during handheld shooting. If photography matters, the A24 offers tangible improvements, especially in varied lighting.

Battery Life and Charging: Trade-offs in Modernization

The A51 packs a 4000mAh battery, while the A24 increases capacity to 5000mAh—a significant 25% boost. This aligns with modern expectations for all-day endurance. Real-world testing shows the A24 lasts 1.5 to 2 hours longer under mixed use, including streaming, messaging, and GPS navigation.

However, there’s a catch: charging speed. The A51 supports 15W fast charging, but the A24 only includes 25W—on select regional variants. Many markets receive models limited to 15W. Even then, Samsung doesn’t include a fast charger in the box, forcing users to buy one separately. So while the A24 has better stamina, refueling isn’t necessarily quicker.

Feature	Samsung A24	Samsung A51
Display	6.5” Super AMOLED, 90Hz	6.5” Super AMOLED, 60Hz
Processor	MediaTek Helio G99	Exynos 9611
Rear Camera	48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP	48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	13MP	13MP
Battery	5000mAh	4000mAh
Charging	15W–25W (varies by region)	15W
OS & Updates	Android 13, 2 OS + 4 security	Android 12 (max), no further OS updates
Weight	188g	172g

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her Galaxy A51 since 2020. It still works, but apps take longer to load, and the battery dies by early evening. She considered buying a used iPhone SE but found a new A24 on sale for $220. After switching, she noticed immediate benefits: notifications arrive faster, WhatsApp scrolls smoothly, and her TikTok videos don’t stutter. The bigger battery means she no longer carries a power bank. While the design feels familiar, the software experience feels current. For Maria, the A24 wasn’t a flashy upgrade—but a practical one that restored confidence in her daily device.

Is the A24 Worth It Over the A51?

If you already own an A51, ask yourself: is your phone struggling? If it still meets your needs, upgrading may not be urgent. But if you’re experiencing lag, short battery life, or security concerns due to outdated software, the A24 offers meaningful improvements.

For new buyers, the choice is clearer. The A24 provides better future-proofing with longer software support, superior battery, and a smoother display. While the A51 can be found secondhand for under $100, factor in potential wear, lack of warranty, and no update path. The ~$120–$150 price difference for a brand-new A24 starts to look justified.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Is your A51 slow or frequently crashing?
• ✅ Do you need longer battery life?
• ✅ Do you want to stay secure with regular updates?
• ✅ Are you using the phone for social media, streaming, or light productivity?
• ✅ Can you get the A24 within $100 of a used A51?

If you answered yes to three or more, the A24 is a worthwhile step forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A24 run games like PUBG or Genshin Impact?

Yes, but not at high settings. The Helio G99 handles these games at medium graphics with occasional frame drops. It’s playable, but not ideal for competitive mobile gaming.

Does the A24 have a headphone jack?

Yes—both the A24 and A51 retain the 3.5mm headphone jack, a rarity in modern smartphones and a plus for users with wired audio gear.

Is the A51 still supported with updates?

No. The A51 received its final OS update with Android 12 and only limited security patches. It’s no longer receiving official support from Samsung, making it vulnerable over time.

Final Verdict: Upgrade with Purpose, Not Hype

The Samsung A24 isn’t a radical reinvention—it’s a thoughtful evolution. It improves where it counts: battery life, software longevity, and everyday responsiveness. Compared to the A51, it’s objectively better in key areas, even if the changes seem minor at first glance.

The tech industry thrives on convincing users that newer always means better. But in the case of the A24 vs A51, the upgrade is substantiated—not just hype. For existing A51 owners on the fence, consider your usage. If your phone still performs well, hold on. But if you’re feeling the strain of aging hardware, the A24 delivers a quiet but meaningful leap forward.

🚀 Ready to make a smart upgrade? Evaluate your current phone’s performance, check local pricing, and choose based on real needs—not just release dates.