The Realme V13 5G and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$300 5G smartphone market. While both aim to deliver 5G connectivity at an accessible price, they take different approaches to achieving this, particularly in chipset choice and display technology. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a brighter, more vibrant display and slightly faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better choice. However, the Realme V13 5G offers a competitive package, and its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides solid performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 31 | 2021, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, April 02 | Available. Released 2021, March 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 74.8 x 8.5 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.33 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 | 185 g (6.53 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 (~405 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 600 nits | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM) |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, Realme UI 2.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio | - |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A526B, SM-A526B/DS, SM-A5260, SM-A526W, SM-A526U, SM-A526U1 |
| Price | About 210 EUR | $ 137.39 / £ 280.00 / € 115.49 |
| SAR | - | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.42 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 111h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 334981 (v8), 386474 (v9)
GeekBench: 1820 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme V13 5G
- Competitive price point
- Solid 5G performance for everyday tasks
- Potentially better power efficiency in light use due to 7nm process
- Likely inferior display quality compared to the A52 5G
- Slower charging speed (18W)
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Brighter and more vibrant display (787 nits)
- Faster charging (25W, 50% in 30 min)
- Potentially better image processing
- Similar performance to the Realme V13 5G
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G boasts a significant advantage in display quality, achieving a measured peak brightness of 787 nits. This is a crucial benefit for outdoor visibility, something the Realme V13 5G’s display specs lack. While the A52 5G’s contrast ratio is listed as ‘Infinite (nominal)’ – typical for AMOLED panels – the Realme V13 5G’s panel type isn’t specified, suggesting an LCD which will inherently have lower contrast. The A52 5G’s superior brightness and likely AMOLED technology will deliver a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed sensor information is missing. Given the market positioning, it’s reasonable to assume both feature a primary camera around the 48-64MP range. The A52 5G’s brand reputation suggests more refined image processing, potentially leading to better dynamic range and color accuracy. The absence of specific details makes a definitive camera comparison difficult, but Samsung’s history of camera optimization gives it a probable advantage. We can assume both will include standard features like portrait mode and night mode, but the quality of these modes will likely vary.
Performance
Both phones utilize octa-core CPUs clocked at 2.2 GHz, but the underlying architecture differs. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G employs Qualcomm’s Kryo 570 cores built on an 8nm process, while the Realme V13 5G uses Mediatek’s Cortex-A76 and A55 cores fabricated on a 7nm node. While both are capable, the Snapdragon 750G’s architecture is generally considered more efficient for sustained workloads. However, the 7nm process of the Dimensity 700 may offer better power efficiency during less demanding tasks. Neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, but the Snapdragon 750G in the A52 5G likely has a slight edge in graphically intensive applications.
Battery Life
Both the Realme V13 5G and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G achieve an endurance rating of 111 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the charging speeds differ significantly. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G supports 25W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes, while the Realme V13 5G is limited to 18W. This faster charging speed provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V13 5G if you need a reliable 5G phone for basic communication, social media, and occasional light gaming, and are comfortable with a less premium display. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G if you prioritize a brighter, more color-accurate display for media consumption, slightly faster charging speeds, and a more established brand reputation, even if it means a similar performance level.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Snapdragon 750G in the Galaxy A52 5G capable of handling demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 750G can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. It's not a dedicated gaming chip, so don't expect flagship-level performance. The Realme V13 5G's Dimensity 700 will offer similar gaming capabilities.
❓ How significant is the charging speed difference between 18W and 25W in real-world use?
The 25W charging on the Galaxy A52 5G is noticeably faster. Reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes is a significant convenience, while the 18W charging on the Realme V13 5G will take considerably longer to achieve the same level of charge.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G support software updates for longer than the Realme V13 5G?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices than Realme. You can expect more Android version updates and security patches for the A52 5G over its lifespan.
