Samsung A51 Vs A70 Is The A51 A Real Upgrade Or Is The A70 Still A Steal

When Samsung released the Galaxy A51 in early 2020, it was positioned as a refined successor to the popular A70 from 2019. Both devices sit in the mid-range segment, targeting users who want solid performance without flagship prices. But nearly a year apart in release, with shifting market expectations, the question remains: does the A51 truly improve on the A70, or does the older model still offer better value for money?

This isn’t just about newer being better. It’s about whether the upgrades justify moving on—or if holding onto (or buying) an A70 at a discounted price makes more sense. Let’s break down design, display, performance, camera, battery, and software to see where each phone stands today.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Not Revolution

The A51 and A70 both use plastic bodies with glass-like finishes, but their design philosophies differ slightly. The A70 features a curved front and back with a prominent U-shaped notch. In contrast, the A51 adopts a flatter design with a punch-hole front camera centered at the top—a cleaner look that aligns with modern smartphone trends.

The A51 feels more compact despite similar screen size, thanks to thinner bezels and a smaller chin. It’s also slightly lighter at 172g compared to the A70’s 183g. While neither device has IP rating for water resistance, the A51’s squared-off edges make it easier to grip, reducing accidental drops.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed usability, the A51’s slimmer profile and lighter weight give it a noticeable edge over the bulkier A70.

Display Quality: Similar Size, Different Tech

Both phones feature 6.4-inch Super AMOLED displays—still a standout in the mid-range. However, there are key differences. The A70 uses a traditional flat AMOLED panel with a resolution of 1080 x 2400, while the A51 matches that resolution but integrates an in-display fingerprint scanner, which is generally faster and more reliable than the A70’s side-mounted sensor.

The A51 also benefits from improved brightness and color calibration out of the box. Although both support standard HD+ content, the A51’s display feels more immersive due to its centered punch-hole design, minimizing visual distractions during video playback or gaming.

“AMOLED screens in this price range were once rare. Now they’re expected—and both these models deliver rich blacks and vibrant colors.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Display Analyst

Performance and Hardware: Incremental Gains Matter

Under the hood, the differences become more pronounced. The A70 runs on Samsung’s Exynos 9610 chipset (10nm), paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. The A51 steps up with the Exynos 9611 (also 10nm), offering six cores instead of eight but built on a slightly updated architecture with better AI processing and GPU efficiency.

In real-world usage, the A51 handles multitasking and app switching more smoothly. Benchmark scores show only modest improvements, but daily operation—especially with heavier apps like Instagram, Chrome, or mobile games—feels snappier. Both support microSD expansion up to 512GB, but the A51 includes USB Type-C 2.0 with faster data transfer rates.

Storage options differ too: the A51 launched with 4GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB variants, giving users more flexibility. The A70 maxed out at 128GB storage but typically came with only 4GB RAM in lower-tier markets.

Performance Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung A51	Samsung A70
Chipset	Exynos 9611	Exynos 9610
RAM Options	4GB / 6GB	4GB / 6GB / 8GB (limited)
Internal Storage	64GB / 128GB	128GB
Expandable Storage	Yes (up to 512GB)	Yes (up to 512GB)
Benchmark (AnTuTu approx.)	160,000	145,000
Fingerprint Sensor	In-display optical	Side-mounted capacitive

Camera System: More Lenses, Better Versatility

The most visible upgrade comes in photography. The A70 sports a dual rear setup: 32MP main + 5MP depth sensor. The A51 expands to four lenses: 48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. This gives the A51 far greater creative control.

The ultrawide lens (123° field of view) allows landscape shots and group photos without stepping back. The dedicated macro lens lets you capture fine details up close—something the A70 can’t do natively. While image processing favors oversharpening in some lighting, the A51 consistently produces more usable photos across scenarios.

Front cameras are comparable: 32MP on both. However, the A51’s centered punch-hole results in less distortion in selfies, especially at the edges of the frame. Video recording caps at 1080p@30fps on both, with no significant difference in stabilization.

Tip: Use the A51’s ultrawide lens for architectural shots or tight indoor spaces—it adds real utility beyond gimmickry.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a freelance photographer and part-time content creator, used her A70 for 18 months. She loved the battery life but struggled with low-light shots and wished for an ultrawide option when shooting cafes or street scenes. When she saw the A51 on sale for $299—$100 less than her original A70 purchase price—she decided to upgrade.

Within days, she noticed how much easier it was to shoot social media content without carrying extra gear. The macro lens helped her showcase product details for client work, and the improved autofocus made candid shots sharper. For her, the A51 wasn’t just newer—it was functionally better suited to her evolving needs.

Battery and Charging: Longevity vs Speed

The A70 packs a larger 4500mAh battery versus the A51’s 4000mAh. On paper, that suggests longer endurance. In practice, the gap is narrower. The A51’s more efficient processor and optimized software help it last a full day easily, even with moderate streaming and social media use.

However, the A70 supports 25W fast charging (though often shipped with a 15W charger), allowing a 0–50% charge in about 30 minutes. The A51 is limited to 15W charging, taking closer to 60 minutes for the same gain. If quick top-ups matter, the A70 retains an advantage.

• A51: 4000mAh | 15W charging | ~1.5 days light use
• A70: 4500mAh | 25W capable | ~2 days light use

Software and Updates: Where Age Matters

Both phones launched with Android 9 (Pie) and Samsung’s One UI. As of 2024, the A51 has received updates up to Android 12 with One UI 4.1, benefiting from three years of OS upgrades. The A70 officially stopped at Android 10 with One UI 2.5, leaving it behind in features, security, and app compatibility.

This is critical: many newer apps now require Android 11 or higher. Users still on the A70 may face increasing limitations in accessing banking apps, productivity tools, or even updated versions of Google services.

“The update lifecycle is now a core part of value. A phone two years old should still be functional—not obsolete.” — Lin Tao, Android Security Researcher

Value Proposition: Newer vs Discounted

At launch, the A70 started around $450; the A51 debuted at $400. Today, neither is new, but availability differs. Refurbished or open-box A70 units can be found under $200, making them tempting for budget buyers. Meanwhile, the A51 often sells between $230–$280 used or renewed.

So, is the A70 still a steal? Only if your needs are minimal: calls, texts, basic browsing, and occasional photos. But if you rely on your phone for work, content creation, or staying current with apps, the A51 offers meaningful advantages in camera versatility, software support, and ergonomics.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Choose A51 Over A70?

1. ✅ Need multiple rear cameras (ultrawide, macro)? → A51 wins
2. ✅ Want longer software support? → A51 supported until 2022, A70 ended earlier
3. ✅ Prefer modern design with punch-hole display? → A51 is more current
4. ✅ Prioritize fast charging and maximum battery? → A70 has slight edge
5. ✅ On a tight budget under $200? → Consider A70 if software isn’t critical

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A51 waterproof?

No, neither the A51 nor A70 has an official IP rating for water or dust resistance. Avoid exposure to liquids.

Can the A70 get Android 12?

No. Samsung confirmed the A70’s final OS update was Android 10. It will not receive Android 11 or 12.

Which phone has better audio?

Both have single bottom-firing speakers with no headphone jack (relying on USB-C or Bluetooth). Sound quality is similar—average volume with mild distortion at high levels. Neither excels in audio output.

Final Verdict: The A51 Is the Smarter Choice for Most

The Galaxy A51 isn’t a revolutionary leap over the A70, but it represents thoughtful refinement. It improves where it counts: camera flexibility, display design, software longevity, and user experience. While the A70 still functions well and offers excellent battery life, its outdated software and lack of modern camera features limit its usefulness in 2024.

If you're choosing between the two today—especially at similar secondhand prices—the A51 delivers more future-proof performance. The A70 might feel like a “steal” on price alone, but the trade-offs in daily functionality and long-term reliability aren’t worth it unless you're on an extremely tight budget.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check certified refurbished listings for the A51 and compare condition ratings. Even small upgrades can significantly enhance your mobile experience—don’t settle for obsolescence disguised as savings.