The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Oppo A94 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G represent compelling options for users seeking 5G connectivity without a flagship price tag. However, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, with Oppo prioritizing a sleek design and Samsung focusing on raw processing power. This comparison dives deep into the specifications and real-world implications of each device to determine which one offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers significantly better performance, making it ideal for gaming and demanding applications. While the Oppo A94 offers a respectable experience, the A52s 5G’s processing advantage outweighs the A94’s slightly faster charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 05 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 11 | Available. Released 2021, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.1 x 73.2 x 7.8 mm (6.30 x 2.88 x 0.31 in) | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | - | IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.43 inches, 99.8 cm2 (~85.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 430 nits (typ), 800 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6779V Helio P95 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GM9446 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, ColorOS 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.4, 24mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4310 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Fluid Black, Fantastic Purple | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint |
| Models | CPH2203 | SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N |
| Price | About 160 EUR | £ 112.98 / € 249.47 |
| SAR | - | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9)
GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Oppo A94
- Faster 30W wired charging
- Potentially more stylish design (subjective)
- Competitive price point
- Significantly weaker processor (Helio P95)
- Less efficient 12nm manufacturing process
- Display likely inferior to A52s 5G
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Superior performance (Snapdragon 778G)
- Brighter and more vibrant display
- More advanced ISP for better image processing
- Slower 25W wired charging
- Design may be less visually striking (subjective)
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak brightness of 800 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the Oppo A94. This translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both displays have an 'infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, the A52s 5G’s higher brightness provides a more vibrant and engaging viewing experience. Details regarding the A94’s panel technology (e.g., AMOLED vs. LCD) are missing, but the A52s 5G’s Super AMOLED panel is known for its excellent color reproduction and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are advertised as having capable photo and video capabilities, but specifics are limited. Without detailed sensor size information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Snapdragon 778G’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more advanced than the Helio P95’s, potentially leading to better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The A52s 5G likely benefits from Samsung’s well-regarded camera software algorithms. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A52s 5G (likely, based on Samsung’s typical implementation) would further enhance image quality and video stabilization, a feature not confirmed for the A94.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) is a significant upgrade over the Oppo A94’s MediaTek Helio P95 (12nm). The Snapdragon 778G features a more modern CPU architecture – a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core alongside 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the A94’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The 6nm manufacturing process of the Snapdragon 778G also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. The A94 will handle everyday tasks adequately, but the A52s 5G offers a smoother, more responsive experience, especially with graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both the Oppo A94 and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G achieve an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting comparable overall battery life. However, the charging speeds differ. The Oppo A94 supports 30W wired charging, while the A52s 5G is limited to 25W. This means the A94 can theoretically charge faster from 0-100%, though the difference in real-world usage may not be substantial. The similar endurance ratings suggest that despite the more powerful processor in the A52s 5G, Samsung has optimized power consumption effectively.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oppo A94 if you prioritize a polished aesthetic and are primarily a casual smartphone user who values a streamlined experience over peak performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you’re a gamer, multitasker, or simply want a phone that feels responsive and future-proofed, even if it means sacrificing some design flair.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G powerful enough for demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 778G is a very capable chipset for mobile gaming. It can comfortably run Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. The 6nm process also helps to minimize thermal throttling, ensuring consistent performance during extended gaming sessions.
❓ Does the Oppo A94's Helio P95 struggle with multitasking or running multiple apps simultaneously?
The Helio P95 is a decent processor for basic multitasking, but it can show signs of strain when running numerous apps concurrently or switching between resource-intensive applications. Users who frequently multitask or use demanding apps may experience lag or slowdowns.
❓ How significant is the difference in charging speed between the Oppo A94's 30W and the Samsung A52s 5G's 25W charging?
While the Oppo A94 charges slightly faster on paper, the real-world difference is likely to be around 15-20 minutes for a full charge. Both phones offer reasonably quick charging, and the A52s 5G’s optimized power management helps offset the slightly slower charging speed.
❓ Are there any known overheating issues with the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G's Snapdragon 778G chipset?
The Snapdragon 778G is generally known for its thermal efficiency. While some users may experience mild warming during prolonged gaming or heavy usage, significant overheating issues are uncommon. Samsung's software optimizations also contribute to effective thermal management.
