The Blackview A52 and Doogee S59 Pro represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The A52 relies on a newer, though less powerful, Unisoc chipset, while the S59 Pro opts for the more established MediaTek Helio P22. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly more modern architecture, the Doogee S59 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P22 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, offers a performance edge over the Blackview A52’s 22nm Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading times.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, November 22 | 2021, March 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 25 | Available. Released 2021, April |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 62 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.44 x 0.36 in) | 161 x 80.2 x 18.3 mm (6.34 x 3.16 x 0.72 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 183.6 g (6.49 oz) | 340 g (11.99 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~100.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~63.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS G0 3.0 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
other unspecified camera | - |
| Features | LED flash | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 130˚ (macro), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 24W wired |
| Type | 5180 mAh | 10050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar Night, Vitality Green, Ice Blue | Black, Orange, Green |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 210 EUR |
Blackview A52
- Potentially longer software support (Blackview's recent focus)
- May offer slightly better efficiency due to newer architecture (though offset by process node)
- Competitive price point
- Slower CPU performance due to lower clock speeds and older process node
- Lacks fast charging capabilities
Doogee S59 Pro
- Faster CPU performance with Helio P22 (2.0 GHz Cortex-A53)
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process
- 24W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Potentially shorter software support lifecycle
- May run slightly warmer under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications prevents a direct comparison of brightness or color accuracy. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the inclusion of a 24W charger on the Doogee S59 Pro suggests a slightly more feature-complete package, potentially extending to image processing capabilities. It's reasonable to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions, and the image quality will be adequate for casual social media sharing but not professional photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S59 Pro’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. This is a significant advantage over the Blackview A52’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm) and its slower Cortex-A55 cores (1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz). The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio P22 is more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences and clock speeds give the S59 Pro a clear edge in CPU-intensive tasks. The A52's newer architecture *could* offer some efficiency gains, but the lower clock speeds and larger process node negate this advantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Doogee S59 Pro’s 24W wired charging is a notable advantage. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet, offering a more convenient user experience. While the A52 may have a slightly larger battery, the S59 Pro’s faster charging could offset this difference in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A52 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and value a potentially longer software support lifecycle from a brand increasingly focused on updates. Buy the Doogee S59 Pro if you prefer a more responsive user experience, occasionally play casual games, and appreciate the convenience of 24W fast charging, even if it comes at the cost of potentially slightly lower long-term software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P22 in the Doogee S59 Pro struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P22 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it's playable for casual gaming sessions. The Blackview A52's Unisoc SC9863A1 will likely offer a less smooth experience even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Doogee S59 Pro with the 24W charger?
Without knowing the battery capacity, a precise estimate is difficult. However, 24W charging should bring the Doogee S59 Pro from 0% to 100% in approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, significantly faster than the Blackview A52 which lacks fast charging support.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Blackview A52 a significant step down in performance?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A1 is noticeably less powerful than the Helio P22. The slower clock speeds and larger fabrication process result in slower app loading times, less responsive multitasking, and a generally less fluid user experience. It's suitable for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
