The Samsung Galaxy A51, released in December 2019, quickly became a popular mid-range smartphone choice due to its balance of features, performance, and price. However, one of the most frequently asked questions about this device is whether it supports wireless charging. In this detailed review, we will explore the wireless charging capabilities of the Galaxy A51, along with discussing the device’s overall features and comparing it with other smartphones in its class.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Samsung Galaxy A51
Design and Build Quality
The Samsung Galaxy A51 boasts a sleek and modern design, featuring a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels. The Infinity-O display design provides a nearly bezel-less look, with a small punch-hole for the front camera. The back of the device is made of plastic, which Samsung refers to as “Glasstic,” giving it a glossy finish that resembles glass.
The phone is available in a variety of colors, including Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Blue, and Prism Crush Pink, catering to a wide range of aesthetic preferences. Despite its plastic build, the Galaxy A51 feels solid and well-constructed, with a weight of 172 grams that strikes a good balance between being lightweight and substantial.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the Galaxy A51 is powered by the Exynos 9611 chipset, an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A73 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.7 GHz. The device comes with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, depending on the variant, and offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card up to 512GB.
The performance of the Galaxy A51 is adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, social media, and media consumption. It handles multitasking reasonably well, although it may struggle with more intensive applications and high-end gaming due to its mid-range chipset.
Camera System
The Galaxy A51 features a versatile quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of:
- A 48MP main sensor with an f/2.0 aperture.
- A 12MP ultra-wide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture and a 123-degree field of view.
- A 5MP macro sensor with an f/2.4 aperture for close-up shots.
- A 5MP depth sensor with an f/2.2 aperture for better portrait shots.
The camera system delivers good performance in well-lit conditions, capturing detailed and vibrant images. The ultra-wide lens is particularly useful for landscape photography and group shots, while the macro lens allows for detailed close-ups. The depth sensor enhances portrait mode by providing better background blur.
On the front, the Galaxy A51 has a 32MP selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of capturing high-resolution self-portraits and supporting features like Live Focus for bokeh effects.
Software
The Galaxy A51 runs on Samsung’s One UI 2.0, based on Android 10 out of the box, with updates available to newer versions of One UI and Android. One UI is known for its user-friendly interface and a host of customization options. It includes features like Dark Mode, Digital Wellbeing, and a variety of Samsung apps that enhance the overall user experience.
Battery Life
The device is equipped with a 4,000mAh battery, which provides decent battery life, lasting a full day of moderate usage. It supports 15W fast charging, which can quickly recharge the battery when needed. However, this brings us to the critical point of our review: does the Galaxy A51 support wireless charging?
Wireless Charging: The Reality
Despite its many strengths, the Samsung Galaxy A51 does not support wireless charging out of the box. This omission might come as a disappointment to some users who have become accustomed to the convenience of wireless charging.
Why No Wireless Charging?
Several factors contribute to the absence of wireless charging in the Galaxy A51:
- Cost Considerations: Incorporating wireless charging technology adds to the manufacturing cost of the device. Given that the Galaxy A51 is positioned as a mid-range smartphone, Samsung likely chose to exclude this feature to keep the price competitive.
- Target Market: The A51 is targeted at consumers looking for a balance between features and affordability. Wireless charging, while convenient, is not considered a necessity by all users, especially in the mid-range segment where price sensitivity is higher.
- Material Constraints: The back of the Galaxy A51 is made of plastic, which is less conducive to wireless charging compared to glass. Implementing wireless charging with a plastic back can be technically challenging and might not provide optimal charging efficiency.
Alternatives and Workarounds
While the Galaxy A51 does not support wireless charging natively, there are several alternatives and workarounds that users can consider:
Wireless Charging Adapters
One of the most common solutions is to use a wireless charging adapter. These adapters are thin, flexible coils that connect to the phone’s charging port and can be placed between the phone and its case. Here’s how you can set it up:
- Purchase a Qi Wireless Charging Adapter: Ensure the adapter is compatible with your phone’s charging port (USB-C for the Galaxy A51).
- Attach the Adapter: Plug the adapter into the phone’s USB-C port and stick the coil to the back of the phone.
- Use a Wireless Charging Pad: Place the phone with the adapter on a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad to charge it wirelessly.
While this solution is not as seamless as built-in wireless charging, it provides a functional alternative for those who prefer the convenience of wireless charging.
Wireless Charging Cases
Another option is to use a wireless charging case designed specifically for the Galaxy A51. These cases have built-in wireless charging receivers that enable the phone to charge wirelessly when placed on a charging pad. Although these cases can add some bulk to the phone, they offer an integrated solution without needing to attach an external adapter.
Upgrading to a Phone with Built-in Wireless Charging
For users who prioritize wireless charging and are in the market for a new phone, considering an upgrade to a model with built-in wireless charging might be the best option. Samsung offers several models in their Galaxy S and Note series that include this feature. Additionally, other manufacturers like Apple, Google, and OnePlus also have wireless charging support in their higher-end models.
Comparison with Competitors
To better understand the Galaxy A51’s position in the market, it’s useful to compare it with other smartphones in the same price range that offer wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy A71
The Galaxy A71 is a step up from the A51 and includes several enhancements, including a more powerful Snapdragon 730 chipset and a larger 4,500mAh battery. However, like the A51, it also lacks built-in wireless charging. This further supports the notion that Samsung reserves wireless charging for its higher-end models.
Google Pixel 4a
The Google Pixel 4a is another popular mid-range smartphone that competes with the Galaxy A51. It offers a clean Android experience with timely updates, a highly capable camera, and a compact design. However, it also does not support wireless charging, indicating that this feature is often omitted in mid-range devices to keep costs down.
Xiaomi Mi 9
The Xiaomi Mi 9, though slightly older, is an example of a mid-range phone that includes wireless charging. It features a Snapdragon 855 processor, a 6.39-inch AMOLED display, and a 3,300mAh battery with 20W wireless charging support. The inclusion of wireless charging in the Mi 9 showcases Xiaomi’s approach to providing premium features at a competitive price, although it might compromise on other areas such as software experience and brand trustworthiness compared to Samsung.
OnePlus Nord
The OnePlus Nord is another strong competitor in the mid-range segment. It features a Snapdragon 765G processor, 5G support, and a versatile camera setup. However, similar to the Galaxy A51, it lacks wireless charging. OnePlus focuses on delivering a fast and smooth user experience, often at the expense of additional features like wireless charging.
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A51 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a good balance of features, design, and performance at an affordable price. However, it does not support wireless charging natively, which might be a drawback for users who prioritize this feature.
For those who own a Galaxy A51 and wish to use wireless charging, options such as wireless charging adapters and cases provide viable alternatives. These solutions can add convenience without requiring a significant investment in a new device.
Ultimately, the absence of wireless charging in the Galaxy A51 highlights the trade-offs manufacturers make to balance cost and features in mid-range smartphones. As wireless charging becomes more ubiquitous and cost-effective to implement, it may become a standard feature even in mid-range devices. For now, consumers looking for wireless charging in a Samsung device may need to consider higher-end models or explore third-party accessories.
In summary, while the Samsung Galaxy A51 does not support wireless charging out of the box, it remains a compelling choice for many users due to its overall value proposition. Those who desire wireless charging will need to consider alternative solutions or look towards higher-end smartphones that include this feature natively.