Realme 9 5G Speed vs Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: A Detailed Comparison

The sub-$300 5G smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Realme 9 5G Speed and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G leverage the capable Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset, but diverge in their approaches to battery, charging, and overall user experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme 9 5G Speed offers a compelling package with its significantly faster 30W charging. While the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a proven 113-hour endurance rating, the Realme’s quicker top-ups and similar performance make it the more practical choice for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Realme 9 5G Speed Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 19, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA - India1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
  SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - International-
Launch
Announced2022, March 102021, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, March 14Available. Released 2021, September 01
Body
BuildGlass front (Panda Glass), plastic backGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions164.4 x 75.8 x 8.5 mm (6.47 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight199 g (7.02 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
ProtectionPanda GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2412 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.8 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 144Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits (HBM)Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 642LAdreno 642L
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 12, Realme UI 3.0Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 UFS 2.2-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad-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
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Triple48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR, panoramaHDR
Single16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.09", 1.0µm32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
 24-bit/192kHz audio-
Comms
Bluetooth5.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 -Virtual Proximity Sensing
Battery
Charging30W wired, 50% in 25 min25W wired
Type5000 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsStarry Glow, Azure GlowAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint
ModelsRMX3461SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N
PriceAbout 240 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)

Realme 9 5G Speed

  • Faster 30W charging significantly reduces downtime.
  • Identical Snapdragon 778G performance to the A52s 5G.
  • Potentially more affordable price point.

  • Battery life may be shorter than the A52s 5G.
  • Thermal throttling could be a concern under heavy load.

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

  • Exceptional 113-hour battery endurance.
  • 800 nits peak brightness for excellent outdoor visibility.
  • Samsung’s established reputation for software and support.

  • Slower 25W charging.
  • May be slightly more expensive than the Realme 9 5G Speed.

Display Comparison

Both devices lack detailed display specifications in the provided data, but the Galaxy A52s 5G is confirmed to reach 800 nits of peak brightness, suggesting a more visible screen outdoors. Given Samsung’s display expertise, it likely benefits from superior color calibration and viewing angles. The 'Infinite' contrast ratio is a marketing term, but hints at a good quality AMOLED panel. Realme’s display specs are absent, making a direct comparison difficult, but it likely targets a similar level of quality within the price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific sensor details. The absence of information on sensor size, aperture, or optical image stabilization (OIS) makes a definitive camera comparison impossible. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on computational photography to enhance image quality. The 2MP macro cameras commonly found in this price range are unlikely to deliver significant improvements over the main sensor. The image processing style will likely differ, with Samsung leaning towards more saturated colors and Realme aiming for a more natural look.

Performance

The core performance is identical: both the Realme 9 5G Speed and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G are powered by the Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) chipset, featuring the same Octa-core CPU configuration (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55). This means comparable performance in everyday tasks and gaming. However, thermal management could differ; Realme’s thinner design might lead to more throttling under sustained load, while Samsung’s larger chassis could offer better heat dissipation. RAM configurations are not specified, but faster LPDDR5 RAM would benefit both devices.

Battery Life

The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G boasts an impressive endurance rating of 113 hours, indicating excellent battery life. However, it’s paired with a slower 25W charging solution. The Realme 9 5G Speed, conversely, offers 30W charging, allowing it to reach 50% charge in just 25 minutes. While the exact battery capacity of the Realme is unknown, the faster charging speed is a significant advantage for users who need to quickly replenish their battery. The A52s 5G prioritizes longevity, while the Realme prioritizes convenience.

Buying Guide

Buy the Realme 9 5G Speed if you prioritize rapid charging and don't mind potentially shorter battery life between charges. This phone is ideal for users who frequently top up their devices throughout the day. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you value long-lasting battery life above all else and prefer a device with a well-established track record for endurance, even if it means slower charging speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in either phone struggle with demanding games like Genshin Impact?
The Snapdragon 778G is a capable chipset, but Genshin Impact will require medium settings for a consistently smooth experience on both the Realme 9 5G Speed and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. Expect some frame drops during intense combat scenarios. Thermal management will play a role; the A52s 5G's larger body may offer slightly better sustained performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on phones in this price range offer limited detail and image quality. They are often included for marketing purposes but rarely deliver significant improvements over the main camera when using digital zoom. You're better off using the main sensor and cropping for close-up shots.
❓ How does the software experience differ between Realme UI and Samsung's One UI?
Realme UI is known for its customization options and generally lighter feel, while Samsung's One UI offers a more polished and feature-rich experience. One UI typically receives longer software support and security updates. Preference is subjective, but Samsung generally has a stronger track record for long-term software maintenance.