Samsung Galaxy A51 Review: Everything You Need to Know

Samsung Galaxy A51 Camera Review: Quad-Lens Powerhouse or Mid-Range?

galaxy a51 camera review
July 01, 2024
Naazneen sohrab

Introduction

The smartphone camera has become arguably the most important feature for many consumers. With billions of photos taken annually, the quality of these pocket-sized lenses has transformed how we document our lives and interact with the world. This demand for high-quality mobile photography has fueled intense competition among manufacturers, pushing the boundaries of innovation, especially in the mid-range market. Samsung's Galaxy A51, with its quad-lens camera system, has emerged as a prominent contender in this segment. But does its impressive array of lenses truly deliver powerhouse performance, or is it merely a mid-range compromise? This comprehensive review dives deep into the Galaxy A51's camera capabilities, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, comparing it to key rivals like the iPhone SE and Pixel 3a, and ultimately determining whether its quad-lens setup lives up to its promise. For UAE consumers, this review will be particularly valuable, as it will also highlight Fonezone.ae as the ideal destination for securing the best Samsung Galaxy A51 price in the UAE.

The Mid-Range Contender: Samsung Galaxy A51

The ever-expanding smartphone camera market, projected to reach substantial growth in the coming years, demands devices that excel in various photographic situations. This is especially true in the competitive mid-range segment, where the Samsung Galaxy A51 has positioned itself as a formidable player.

The Galaxy A51, powered by the Exynos 9611 processor and running on Android 10 with One UI 2, presents itself as a well-rounded smartphone. While its performance capabilities place it firmly in the mid-range category, its camera system, with its quad-lens configuration, hints at more ambitious aspirations. The question becomes: Does it deliver?

The Galaxy A51 boasts four rear cameras – a configuration often associated with flagship devices. However, the mere presence of multiple lenses doesn't guarantee exceptional performance. This review critically examines whether the A51’s quad-lens setup truly delivers powerhouse image quality or if it falls short of expectations, settling into a predictable mid-range performance.

Feature	Specification
Display	6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 1080 x 2400 pixels (FHD+)
Processor	Exynos 9611
RAM	4GB, 6GB, 8GB
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB (expandable with microSDXC)
Rear Camera	Quad: 48MP (wide) + 12MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) + 5MP (depth)
Front Camera	32MP (wide)
Battery	4000mAh
Charging	15W wired fast charging
Operating System	Android 10 (upgradable to Android 13)
Security	Under-display fingerprint sensor
Dimensions	158.5 x 73.6 x 7.9 mm
Weight	172g

What to Expect from this Review

This review will delve into the technical specifications and practical performance of each camera in the A51's system. We'll examine image quality in various scenarios, from bright daylight to challenging low-light conditions. Video capabilities will also be assessed, along with the overall user experience within the camera app. Furthermore, we'll compare the A51’s camera to its predecessors, the Galaxy A50 and A71, and its competitors, including the iPhone SE and Google Pixel 3a, to gauge its true value and position in the market.

Unpacking the Hardware: The Galaxy A51's Camera Setup

The Galaxy A51’s camera setup is a key selling point, so let’s break down each component:

At the heart of the A51’s camera system lies a 48MP main sensor, utilizing pixel binning technology to produce 12MP images. This technique combines data from multiple pixels to enhance light capture and improve overall image quality, especially in low light. While the 48MP main sensor is a prominent feature, the A51 offers more than just a primary lens. Its versatility is enhanced by the inclusion of three additional cameras: an ultra-wide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor.

The Ultra-Wide Lens: Expanding the Frame

The 12MP ultra-wide lens expands the field of view, allowing users to capture expansive landscapes or fit more subjects into the frame. This is particularly useful for architectural photography or group shots where a standard lens might not capture the entire scene. The dedicated 5MP macro camera allows users to capture close-up shots of small objects and details. While the macro lens’s resolution is lower than the other cameras, it opens up a world of photographic opportunities often overlooked by standard smartphone lenses.

The Depth Sensor: Enhancing Portraiture

The 5MP depth sensor plays a crucial role in enhancing portrait mode by accurately gauging distance and creating a natural bokeh effect, blurring the background while keeping the subject in sharp focus. No smartphone camera review is complete without assessing the selfie camera. The Galaxy A51 boasts a 32MP front-facing camera, promising high-resolution self-portraits and clear video calls.

Daylight Performance: Colors, Detail, and Dynamic Range

Evaluating the image quality of the Galaxy A51 involves examining its performance across various lighting conditions and shooting modes. In daylight conditions, the A51's 48MP main camera captures detailed images with vibrant, typically Samsung-saturated colors. The dynamic range, while decent for a mid-range phone, occasionally struggles with high-contrast scenes, sometimes leading to slightly underexposed shadows. The A51's dynamic range, while generally good, can be challenged by extreme lighting conditions. In scenes with very bright highlights and deep shadows, details can be lost in either extreme.

The A51 generally produces accurate white balance, although images can sometimes exhibit a slightly warm cast. Colors, as mentioned earlier, are often saturated, giving images a vibrant, yet sometimes artificial, look, a signature characteristic of Samsung's image processing.

Scene Optimizer: Samsung's AI Magic in Action

Samsung's Scene Optimizer utilizes AI to automatically adjust camera settings based on the detected scene, optimizing for factors such as color, contrast, and exposure. While generally effective, the Scene Optimizer can sometimes over-saturate colors, further amplifying Samsung's signature look.

Detail and Sharpness: From Main to Ultra-Wide

Detail and sharpness are generally good with the main camera, particularly in well-lit conditions. The ultra-wide lens, while offering a wider field of view, exhibits slightly less detail and sharpness towards the edges of the frame, a common characteristic of ultra-wide lenses.

The dedicated macro lens allows for close-up shots, but its 5MP resolution limits the level of detail captured. Focusing can also be challenging at such close distances.

Portrait Mode: Bokeh and Subject Separation

Portrait mode, aided by the depth sensor, performs reasonably well, creating a pleasing bokeh effect and separating the subject from the background. However, edge detection can be inconsistent, sometimes blurring parts of the subject unintentionally.

The 32MP selfie camera produces detailed self-portraits with good color reproduction. It's also capable of recording 4K video, if the A51 supports it, offering high-resolution footage for vlogging or video calls. Low-light performance is a critical aspect of any smartphone camera. Let's explore how the A51 handles challenging low-light scenarios.

In standard low-light conditions, the A51 produces images with noticeable noise and reduced detail. The pixel binning technology of the main sensor helps improve light capture, but it can’t fully compensate for the lack of light. The dedicated Night Mode improves low-light performance by combining multiple exposures to brighten the image and reduce noise. While it's a welcome addition, it doesn't drastically transform the A51's low-light capabilities.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

Beyond stills, video recording is an important feature of any smartphone camera.

The Galaxy A51 is capable of recording video at various resolutions and frame rates. Its ability to record 4K video, if applicable, further strengthens its multimedia capabilities. However, video stabilization can be inconsistent, especially when shooting handheld footage. The Super Steady mode, designed to improve stability, is useful for action shots and general video recording, but it's not a perfect solution.

Performance and Processing: The Exynos 9611 Factor

While this review primarily focuses on the camera, it's important to consider other aspects of the Galaxy A51 that contribute to the overall user experience. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with its high pixel density provides a vibrant viewing experience, especially for reviewing photos and videos. The Exynos 9611 processor, while adequate for everyday tasks, can struggle with more demanding applications and games. Battery life is generally good, lasting a full day on a single charge, though it lacks wireless charging. The Android 10 operating system, overlaid with Samsung's One UI 2, provides a smooth user experience. Storage can be expanded via the microSD card slot, addressing potential storage concerns for avid photographers and videographers.

Where to Buy Samsung Galaxy A51 in Dubai, UAE?

For UAE consumers, Fonezone.ae is the ideal destination for purchasing the Samsung Galaxy A51. They offer competitive pricing, ensuring you get the best Samsung Galaxy A51 price in the UAE, whether you're looking for a new or pre-loved device. Their commitment to quality assurance provides peace of mind, knowing that your device will function optimally.

Overall Battery Longevity for Mobile Photographers

So, is the Samsung Galaxy A51 a quad-lens powerhouse or simply a mid-range contender? The answer is nuanced. While its quad-lens setup offers versatility, its overall camera performance places it firmly in the mid-range category. It excels in daylight photography, producing vibrant and detailed images. However, its low-light performance is less impressive, and its macro camera, while a welcome addition, has limitations. For users prioritizing camera versatility and a vibrant display within a reasonable budget, the A51 is a compelling option. For UAE consumers looking for the best Samsung Galaxy A51 price, Fonezone.ae provides a reliable and affordable option.

Consider your photography needs and budget carefully. If you prioritize image quality above all else, exploring competitors like the iPhone SE or Pixel 3a might be worthwhile. However, if you value a combination of features, including a vibrant display, decent battery life, and a versatile camera system, the A51, especially at the competitive prices offered by Fonezone.ae, is a strong contender in the mid-range market. Consider visiting Fonezone.ae to explore the available options and find the perfect Galaxy A51 for your needs.