We purchased the Samsung Galaxy A51 5G for our reviewer to put through his paces. Read on for our full product review."

The Galaxy A50 proved that Samsung could keep enough of its flagship flash intact when making more budget-friendly phones, and it was a mid-range hit as a result. A standard LTE-capable A51 followed, and now Samsung has released a Galaxy A51 5G model in an attempt to capture the growing market for modestly priced phones that can take advantage of faster 5G coverage.

Sure, the Galaxy A51 5G is another fine option, combining a great display with solid speed and long-lasting battery life. It does have a very strong rival in the form of the Google Pixel 4a 5G at the same price, but aside from the Pixel’s reliable camera advantage, these $500 phones are neck and neck in terms of overall quality and appeal.

Many phones in this price range opt for cost-effective plastic backs and frames, including the Pixel 4a 5G, but Samsung finds a good middle ground with the Galaxy A51 5G. The aluminium frame gives the phone some extra heft and feels more premium than plastic, but the glossy back of the phone itself is unquestionably plastic. Samsung has outfitted it with a subtle prismatic effect on the top half, which proves to be a nice variation on the A50’s shiny, reflective approach.