Samsung Galaxy M51 Review: The Original Battery Champion with Big Screen Power

1. Introduction

Launched in late 2020, the Samsung Galaxy M51 made headlines as “the battery monster” in the affordable midrange segment, thanks to its massive 7000mAh battery—then the largest in any mainstream smartphone. It targeted heavy users, travelers, and binge-watchers, but didn’t just impress with battery life. A vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, Snapdragon 730G processor, and quad-camera setup made the M51 a crowd favorite. Even as the market has moved towards 5G and glossier designs, the M51’s endurance and all-round capability ensure its ongoing relevance in 2025 as a budget-friendly, reliable workhorse. See official archives and current support on the Samsung Galaxy M51 product page.

Samsung Galaxy M51 Key Features Table

3. Design & Build Quality

Samsung kept things practical yet attractive with the M51’s design. The polycarbonate back is glossy, resists minor scratches, and is easier to grip than some rivals’ glass backs. The device feels substantial due to the 7000mAh battery, tipping the scales at 213g, which some may find heavy but is well-balanced in hand. Gorilla Glass 3 in front offers additional security, though the device lacks IP certification. The power button and volume rocker are on the right, with the side-mounted fingerprint scanner proven quick and accurate. The M51 favors function over flashy looks, with flat edges, rounded corners, and enough elegance for all ages.

4. Display

A 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display (2400 x 1080, 20:9 aspect, 393 ppi) dominates the front—one of the biggest and brightest in its class. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and outdoor visibility is excellent thanks to Samsung’s OLED expertise. The punch-hole (Infinity-O) design ensures immersive viewing for Netflix, gaming, and YouTube, with thin bezels all around. Unlike newer models, it is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, but touch responsiveness is still solid for everyday use. Widevine L1 certification means you get Full HD streaming on all platforms.

5. Performance

Running on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G—an 8nm octa-core chip paired with Adreno 618 GPU—the M51 handles day-to-day use, multitasking, and even mid-level gaming with ease. The 6GB or 8GB RAM and UFS 2.1 storage (128GB standard, with microSD expansion) make app switching and data transfers quick. Games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, and Asphalt 9 run well, though not always at the highest settings. One UI (now upgradable to version 5 with Android 13) provides a smooth experience with minimal lag, system app optimizations, and Samsung’s helpful suite of features.

6. Cameras

The quad-rear camera system includes:

• 64MP primary (Sony IMX682): Delivers impressively detailed, sharp, and colorful photos in daylight. Pixel-binning aids low-light shots, supported by Night Mode for extra clarity.
• 12MP ultrawide (123° FOV): Great for landscapes, group shots, and creative perspectives; slight edge distortion at the outer areas is normal.
• 5MP macro: Capable of very close shots—flowers, texture—but needs good lighting for best results.
• 5MP depth sensor: Helps boost portrait shots, delivering natural subject-background separation.

The front 32MP camera takes sharp, bright selfies with accurate skin tones, good dynamic range, and fun “Live Focus” portrait modes. Both front and back cameras support up to 4K video recording (30fps), with good stabilization for walking and vlogs, although ultra-wide and selfie cams max out at 1080p for EIS.

7. Battery Life

This is where the M51 truly shines. The huge 7000mAh battery delivers up to 2 days of moderate-heavy usage or up to 9+ hours of screen-on time, wiping out battery anxiety entirely for travelers, commuters, and marathon media consumers. Samsung bundles a 25W fast charger (Type-C to C), which can fully recharge the battery in about 2 hours—a feat given its size. The M51 also supports reverse wired charging, allowing you to charge other devices via OTG.

8. Connectivity & Other Features

The phone is 4G dual-SIM (triple slot: 2 SIM + 1 microSD), Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, NFC for mobile payments, and retains the much-loved 3.5mm audio jack. The mono speaker is decently loud, and Dolby Atmos is supported (wired/wireless). Unlock is via a rapid side fingerprint reader or Face Unlock. One UI features include Secure Folder, Game Launcher, call/message filtering, and digital wellbeing controls. Samsung Knox ensures data security.

9. User Experience

The M51 provides a balanced, consistent experience for users needing a “do everything” phone—heavy streaming, social, occasional gaming, and non-stop multitasking. One UI’s organizational tools (Edge Panels, Multi-Window pop-up view, and Smart Stay) enhance productivity. While not built for one-handed use due to its size and weight, the huge display and battery make for an ideal media device or work companion. One UI updates, customizability, and reliable performance keep the phone feeling modern in 2025. Haptic feedback and touch are accurate, and calls/connections are robust.

10. Pros and Cons

11. Comparison

Compared to rivals like Redmi Note 10 Pro Max and Poco X3, the M51 stands out for battery endurance and display size. Xiaomi’s competitors may edge ahead on stereo audio, AMOLED 120Hz panels, or faster chipsets, but the M51 wins for users whose top priorities are screen size and battery life. Against its successor, the M52 5G, you lose 5G and high refresh but gain bigger battery and more affordable pricing.

12. Pricing, Variants & Availability

At launch, the M51 started around ₹24,999 (6/128GB), falling under ₹18,000 in online deals or refurbished markets today. The 8GB RAM version was marginally costlier. It remains available via Amazon, Samsung’s online store, and refurbished/secondary market sellers, usually in Celestial Black or Electric Blue.

13. Verdict / Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy M51 still deserves the “battery king” crown in the sub-₹20K segment. With an unbeatable battery, huge AMOLED display, steady cameras, and reliable One UI, it’s a perfect choice for binge-watchers, road warriors, and anyone who hates charging every few hours. For those who care more for 5G or gaming, there are newer Samsungs to consider. But for fuss-free users wanting lasting reliability and all-day comfort, the M51 is a powerhouse still worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How long does the Samsung M51 battery last?
It comfortably lasts 2 days for most, or up to 9–11 hours screen-on time per charge. Even power users get a full day on heavy use.

Q2: Does the Galaxy M51 have fast charging and reverse charging?
Yes—the 25W charger gives a full charge in roughly 2 hours. You can also charge other phones/accessories via OTG reverse charging.

Q3: Is gaming smooth on the Galaxy M51?
Yes, games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, and Asphalt run well on medium-high settings, thanks to Snapdragon 730G and 6/8GB RAM.

Q4: Are the cameras on the M51 good for social media?
Absolutely—daylight output is sharp and vibrant, and selfies are clear. Night mode works, but high-end flagships are better in challenging light.

Q5: What Android version does the M51 currently run?
Launched with Android 10/One UI 2.1; upgradable to Android 13/One UI 5 as of 2025, ensuring app compatibility and security.