Samsung A51 Vs A31 Is The A51 Still Worth It In 2024

Released just a few years apart, the Samsung Galaxy A51 and A31 were both positioned as mid-range workhorses with strong value propositions. While newer models have since taken their place, many consumers still consider these devices due to their availability at heavily discounted prices. In 2024, the question isn’t whether they were good phones when launched—but whether the A51 still holds up against its slightly more affordable sibling, the A31, in today’s mobile landscape.

With app demands rising, Android updates evolving, and user expectations shifting toward longer software support and better cameras, it's crucial to evaluate if the A51 remains a practical choice or if the savings from opting for the A31 make more sense—especially on a tight budget.

Design and Build Quality: Subtle Differences, Similar Feel

Both the Galaxy A51 and A31 feature plastic builds with glossy finishes that attract fingerprints easily. The A51 adopts a sleeker design language with slimmer bezels and a centered punch-hole front camera, giving it a more modern aesthetic. In contrast, the A31 has slightly thicker bezels and an off-center front camera cutout, which feels dated by 2024 standards.

The A51 is marginally smaller and lighter (172g vs 185g), making it easier to handle one-handed. Both phones include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button—a reliable feature even now—and lack water resistance, which limits durability in everyday use.

Tip: Use a protective case and screen protector to extend longevity, especially since both phones use plastic bodies prone to scratches.

Display and Screen Experience

The A51 features a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400), while the A31 uses a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel but only at HD+ resolution (720 x 1600). This difference may seem minor on paper, but in practice, it impacts clarity, color vibrancy, and outdoor visibility.

The A51’s higher pixel density results in sharper text and smoother image rendering, particularly noticeable when reading e-books, browsing social media, or streaming video. Both displays support the same 60Hz refresh rate, so neither offers smooth scrolling or responsive touch feedback compared to modern 90Hz or 120Hz screens.

“Display quality can define daily usability. Even two years later, AMOLED at Full HD+ remains significantly more enjoyable than HD+ equivalents.” — Lena Patel, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance Comparison: Processor and Real-World Speed

Under the hood, the Galaxy A51 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 9611 chipset (10nm, octa-core), paired with up to 6GB RAM. The A31 uses the older MediaTek Helio P65 (12nm, octa-core) with up to 4GB RAM. On benchmarks, the Exynos chip outperforms the Helio P65 in CPU and GPU tasks, translating to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.

In real-world usage in 2024, this gap matters. The A51 handles light gaming like *Among Us*, *Subway Surfers*, or *Candy Crush* without stuttering. It also manages background apps more efficiently, reducing reloads when switching between Chrome, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

The A31 struggles slightly under heavier loads. Users report occasional lag when opening large files or using multiple apps simultaneously. With only 4GB RAM (on most variants), it relies more on swap memory, leading to slower response times over extended use.

Software Support and Update Status

This is where the decision becomes complicated. Both phones originally shipped with Android 10 and received two major OS updates. As of 2024, the A51 runs Android 12 with One UI 4.1, while the A31 maxes out at Android 11 with One UI 3.1.

Samsung has ended official security updates for both models, though occasional patch drops may still occur in some regions. Without ongoing security patches, both devices are increasingly vulnerable to malware and phishing threats—especially if downloading third-party apps or visiting untrusted sites.

The A51 benefits from having been on a slightly more premium update path. Its longer software lifecycle gives it an edge in compatibility with newer versions of Google Play Services and modern apps that require updated APIs.

Camera Capabilities: Which Takes Better Photos?

The A51 includes a quad-camera setup: 48MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. The A31 features a triple camera: 48MP main, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth—missing the ultra-wide lens entirely.

The absence of an ultra-wide camera on the A31 limits creative flexibility. Capturing landscapes, group photos, or architectural shots becomes difficult without cropping or stepping back. The A51’s 12MP ultra-wide (f/2.2) delivers usable results in daylight, though low-light performance is soft and noisy.

Feature	Galaxy A51	Galaxy A31
Main Camera	48MP, f/2.0	48MP, f/2.0
Ultra-Wide	12MP, f/2.2	Not available
Mono/Macro	5MP each	5MP each
Front Camera	32MP, f/2.2	20MP, f/2.2
Video Recording	4K @30fps	1080p @30fps

The A51 supports 4K video recording—a rare feature in its original price range—while the A31 tops out at 1080p. For content creators or users who value high-resolution video, this alone makes the A51 more future-proof.

Battery Life and Charging: Endurance in 2024

The A31 packs a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the A51’s 4000mAh unit. However, battery size doesn’t tell the whole story. The A51’s more efficient Exynos 9611 and optimized software allow it to deliver surprisingly competitive endurance despite the smaller capacity.

In typical use—moderate browsing, messaging, music, and some video—the A51 lasts about 1.5 days. The A31 can stretch to nearly two full days under similar conditions. But heavy usage (social media, navigation, streaming) drains both within a single day.

Charging speed is identical: 15W fast charging via USB-C. Neither model supports wireless charging. Fully recharging the A51 takes about 1 hour 45 minutes; the A31 requires closer to 2 hours due to its larger battery.

Tip: Enable adaptive battery settings and reduce screen brightness to extend daily life on either device.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student in Manila, needed a replacement phone after her old iPhone SE stopped holding a charge. With ₱8,000 ($140) to spend, she considered both the used A51 and new-in-box A31. She prioritized camera quality for online class presentations and social media content.

She tested both in-store. The A31 felt sluggish switching between Zoom and Google Docs. The A51 opened apps instantly and took noticeably clearer selfies. Though the A31 promised longer battery, Maria chose the A51. After six months, she reports stable performance, appreciates the 4K video for TikTok clips, and hasn’t faced major slowdowns—even with 30+ apps installed.

Her experience reflects a broader trend: for users valuing responsiveness and multimedia capability over raw battery stamina, the A51 remains the superior investment.

Checklist: Is the A51 Right for You in 2024?

• ✅ Need a phone under $150 with decent camera quality
• ✅ Want smoother performance for social media and multitasking
• ✅ Prioritize display sharpness and modern design
• ✅ Don’t mind limited security updates but will avoid risky downloads
• ✅ Plan to upgrade within 1–2 years, not long-term ownership

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Samsung A51 run WhatsApp and Instagram smoothly in 2024?

Yes. Both apps function well on the A51. The Exynos 9611 handles background syncing and media loading efficiently. Some interface lag may appear during prolonged use, but overall performance remains acceptable.

Is the A31 a better value because of the bigger battery?

Only if battery life is your top priority and you accept trade-offs in speed and display quality. The A31’s larger battery is offset by a less efficient processor and lower-resolution screen. For most users, the A51 offers better balance.

Will either phone receive Android 14?

No. Samsung confirmed both devices reached their final major OS update. The A51 ends at Android 12; the A31 at Android 11. No further upgrades are planned.

Final Verdict: Is the A51 Still Worth It?

In 2024, the Samsung Galaxy A51 is no longer a cutting-edge device—but it remains a smart buy in the refurbished or second-hand market. Compared to the A31, it offers meaningful advantages: a sharper display, faster processor, better front camera, and 4K video recording. These features add up to a noticeably better user experience, especially for digital communication, content creation, and general responsiveness.

The A31 wins on battery capacity and initial cost, but its weaker chipset and outdated software make it feel sluggish over time. Unless you’re strictly maximizing battery life on a minimal budget, the A51 justifies its typically higher resale price.

If you're purchasing today, ensure the device has been well-maintained, ideally with less than 80% battery health and no signs of swelling. Avoid units stuck on outdated firmware. And always install apps only from trusted sources to minimize security risks.

🚀 Ready to make a smart upgrade? If you're choosing between these two, go for the A51—it still delivers a near-premium experience at a fraction of the cost. Share your thoughts or experiences with these models in the comments below!