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Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS

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Galaxy A51

Starting at

£96.95£350.00 new
See options

iPhone XS

Starting at

£138.35£559.00 new
See options
(185 reviews)
(645 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A51 and iPhone XS?

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Galaxy A51 starts at £96.95, £41.40 less than the iPhone XS. The Galaxy A51 is the newer model, released in 2019.

Refurbished from

£96.95£138.35

Chipset

Exynos 9611Apple A12 Bionic

Battery

4000 mAh2658 mAh

Screen size

6.5 inch5.8 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels
  • Chipset: Exynos 9611 on the Galaxy A51, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS.
  • The Galaxy A51 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.
  • The Galaxy A51 has a bigger screen: 6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch.

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS specs

The Galaxy A51 and iPhone XS differ in several key areas to suit different users. The Galaxy A51 features a larger 6.5 inch screen with a slightly lower resolution and a bigger battery, making it a good pick for those who want more display space and longer battery life. Camera capabilities also vary, with the Galaxy A51 providing higher megapixel counts on both front and main cameras, while the iPhone XS delivers a different camera experience. Storage options and SIM functionality also differ, so your choice depends on what fits your priorities for screen size, operating system, battery, and camera use.

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS price

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS battery life and software updates

Durability focuses on battery capacity, software updates, and operating system. These factors influence how long the phone can last on a single charge and whether it receives current software improvements.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy A51 has a 4000 mAh battery which supports longer use between charges, suitable if you need extended battery life through the day. The iPhone XS has a 2658 mAh battery, which still performs well but may require more frequent charging depending on your usage.

Operating System

The Galaxy A51 runs on Android, offering a flexible and customisable experience that suits users who prefer that platform. The iPhone XS runs on iOS, known for its smooth integration and consistent updates.

Battery

4000 mAh2658 mAh

Fast charging

15 WN/A

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

N/AIP68

Software updates

EndedEnded Apr 2026, last iOS 18

Wireless charging

N/AYes

Year of release

20192018

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS performance

Performance covers the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how smoothly the phone runs apps and handles multitasking, as well as how much data and media you can keep.

Chipset Power

The Galaxy A51 uses the Exynos 9611 chipset, which is suitable for everyday use and typical apps. The iPhone XS is powered by the Apple A12 Bionic chipset, offering strong performance for demanding tasks and smooth multitasking.

RAM Size

Both phones have 4 GB of RAM, which supports basic multitasking and app use comfortably. This amount keeps many everyday apps running smoothly without overloading the system.

Storage Options

The Galaxy A51 is available in 64GB and 128GB variants, providing room for apps, photos, and media, with the option to expand storage via a microSDXC card. The iPhone XS comes in 64GB and 256GB models, offering a larger top-tier storage size for those who want more internal space without expansion.

Chipset

Exynos 9611Apple A12 Bionic

RAM

4 GB4 GB

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS screen

Screen quality includes size, resolution, and display type. These determine how much you see at once and the clarity and colour of images and video.

Screen Size

The Galaxy A51 has a larger 6.5 inch screen, which provides more room for watching videos, browsing, and multitasking. The iPhone XS has a 5.8 inch screen, which is more compact and easier to use with one hand.

Screen Resolution

The Galaxy A51 offers a 1080 x 2400 resolution, delivering sharp and detailed images for its screen size. The iPhone XS has a slightly higher resolution of 1125 x 2436, which contributes to crisp visuals on a smaller display.

Screen Type

The Galaxy A51 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED display, which also offers excellent colour accuracy and contrast. Both provide good viewing experiences.

Refresh rate

60 HzN/A

Resolution

1080 x 24001125 x 2436

Screen size

6.5 inch5.8 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDSuper Retina OLED

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS camera

Audiovisual covers the front and main cameras, influencing photo and video quality for selfies and general photography.

Front Camera

The Galaxy A51 has a 32 megapixel front camera, capturing high detail for selfies and video calls. The iPhone XS has a 7 megapixel front camera, which performs well for clear selfies with balanced detail.

Main Camera

The Galaxy A51's main camera is 48 megapixels, which can capture more detail in photos, especially in bright conditions. The iPhone XS features a 12 megapixel main camera, optimised for balanced photos with good colour and low-light performance.

Camera type

N/ADouble (2x)

Front camera

32 megapixels7 megapixels

Main camera

48 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS size and design

Miscellaneous features include physical dimensions, SIM options, network support, and expandable storage. These affect everyday convenience and how the phone fits your lifestyle.

SIM Card Setup

The Galaxy A51 supports dual physical SIM cards, which suits users who want to keep two separate mobile numbers or plans physically installed. The iPhone XS has a physical SIM slot plus an eSIM, offering flexibility without needing a second physical card.

Expandable Storage

The Galaxy A51 includes a microSDXC card slot, allowing you to increase storage with a memory card. The iPhone XS does not have this option, so storage depends solely on the internal capacity you choose.

Physical Size and Weight

The Galaxy A51 measures 158.5 mm in height, 73.6 mm in width, and weighs 172 g. It is slightly larger and lighter compared to the iPhone XS, which is 143.6 mm tall, 70.9 mm wide, and weighs 177 g. The iPhone XS may feel more compact and a bit heavier in hand.

Network Compatibility

Both phones support 4G networks and come unlocked, giving you freedom to use them with various carriers in the UK.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

N/ALightning

Depth

7.9 mm7.7 mm

Height

158.5 mm143.6 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

7 February 202021 September 2018

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Dual Physical SIMPhysical SIM + eSIM

Weight

172 g177 g

Width

73.6 mm70.9 mm

Galaxy A51 or iPhone XS: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A51 if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £96.95, £41.40 less than the iPhone XS
  • you want a bigger battery (4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (6.5 inch vs 5.8 inch)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy A51 often comment on its condition, with many finding their phones look nearly new despite being described as fair. Some mention the battery life lasts a full day with normal use, though a few find it shorter than expected. The phone's interface and storage options receive praise, and several users are happy enough to recommend PhoneMart. However, a small number report issues with cleanliness or functionality, highlighting the variety in refurbished conditions.

Reviewers of the iPhone XS frequently mention the device looks like new or excellent condition, with smooth performance and good battery life lasting through the day. Many customers appreciate the phone's compact size and camera quality. Some note minor marks or faults, including occasional front camera problems or screen issues, but most express satisfaction especially with the phone's speed and condition. The larger storage option is popular among those who want to keep many apps and photos.

Overall, the Galaxy A51 suits buyers looking for a larger screen and longer battery life with expandable storage, while the iPhone XS appeals to those wanting a compact device with iOS and access to the latest updates. Both have good cameras for different photography needs and offer unlocked network compatibility.

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS FAQs

Galaxy A51 vs iPhone XS comes down to the chipset, battery and screen size. Chipset: Exynos 9611 on the Galaxy A51, Apple A12 Bionic on the iPhone XS. The Galaxy A51 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.

The Galaxy A51 is cheaper refurbished, from £96.95 compared with £138.35 for the iPhone XS.

The Galaxy A51 has a bigger battery: 4000 mAh vs 2658 mAh.

The Galaxy A51 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

The Galaxy A51 no longer gets updates. Updates for the iPhone XS ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.

Refurbished, the Galaxy A51 comes in 64GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XS in 64GB and 256GB.

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