The Infinix Zero X Neo and Samsung Galaxy M52 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive mid-range 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at accessible price points, they diverge significantly in their core hardware choices, creating distinct strengths and weaknesses. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G emerges as the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset provides a substantial performance advantage, coupled with a brighter display and faster 25W charging. While the Zero X Neo offers a lower entry price, the M52 5G’s overall refinement and capabilities justify the premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 13 | 2021, September 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 02 | Available. Released 2021, October 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168.4 x 76.5 x 8.8 mm (6.63 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 76.4 x 7.4 mm (6.46 x 3.01 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 173 g (6.10 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2460 pixels (~396 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.78 inches, 109.2 cm2 (~84.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~86.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED Plus, 120Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G76 MC4 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, XOS 7.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Quad-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7um, PDAF
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro) |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nebula Black, Starry Silver, Bahamas Blue | Icy Blue, Blazing Black, White |
| Models | - | SM-M526BR, SM-M526BR/DS, SM-M526B, SM-M526B/DS |
| Price | About 210 EUR | About 300 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 123h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.0 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 504424 (v9)
GeekBench: 2796 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Infinix Zero X Neo
- More affordable price point
- 5G connectivity
- Decent battery endurance
- Less powerful chipset
- Slower charging speed
- Display specifications are less impressive
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 778G
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- Faster 25W charging
- Higher price compared to the Zero X Neo
- May be slightly larger and heavier
- Software updates may be slower than some competitors
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy M52 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 777 nits, compared to the Infinix Zero X Neo’s unspecified brightness. This difference translates to superior visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays feature an 'infinite' contrast ratio (typical for AMOLED panels), the M52 5G’s higher peak brightness is a tangible advantage. The Zero X Neo’s display specifications are less detailed, leaving questions about color accuracy and panel technology unanswered, while the M52 5G benefits from Samsung’s established display expertise.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is lacking for the Zero X Neo. The M52 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more consistent and pleasing results. Without specific details on the Zero X Neo’s primary sensor size and aperture, it’s difficult to assess its low-light performance. The M52 5G’s camera system, while not explicitly detailed in the provided data, typically features a more refined software experience and potentially better dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Infinix Zero X Neo utilizes the MediaTek Helio G95 (12nm), while the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm). The Snapdragon 778G’s 6nm process node is inherently more efficient, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance. Furthermore, the CPU architecture differs significantly; the M52 5G features a Cortex-A78 prime core clocked at 2.4GHz, alongside three additional A78 cores, offering a substantial uplift in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Zero X Neo’s dual Cortex-A76 cores at 2.05GHz. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the M52 5G.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G’s 25W wired charging significantly outperforms the Infinix Zero X Neo’s 18W charging. This means the M52 5G can replenish its battery much faster, minimizing downtime. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed provides a practical advantage for users who frequently need to top up their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Zero X Neo if you prioritize affordability above all else and primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. You’ll accept compromises in performance and display quality to stay within a tighter budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G if you value a smoother user experience, better gaming performance, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging – all while still enjoying 5G connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Galaxy M52 5G experience thermal throttling during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G’s 6nm process and efficient design minimize thermal throttling. While some heat generation is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the M52 5G is generally well-equipped to maintain consistent performance for extended periods, unlike the Helio G95 which is more prone to throttling under sustained load.
❓ How does the 18W charging on the Infinix Zero X Neo compare to real-world charging times?
18W charging on the Zero X Neo will result in significantly slower charging times compared to the M52 5G’s 25W. Expect a full charge to take considerably longer, potentially exceeding 2 hours, depending on battery level and usage.
❓ Is the difference in CPU architecture between the Helio G95 and Snapdragon 778G noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Snapdragon 778G’s Cortex-A78 cores provide a significant boost in single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The Helio G95 will feel adequate for basic tasks, but the M52 5G offers a more premium experience.
