The Samsung Galaxy A32 and A52 represent Samsung's approach to the competitive mid-range smartphone market. While both offer Samsung's signature software experience and build quality, they diverge significantly in core hardware. The A32 prioritizes affordability, while the A52 aims for a more balanced experience with a stronger processor and faster charging. This comparison will dissect these differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 720G chipset delivers noticeably smoother performance, and the 25W charging significantly reduces downtime. While the A32 boasts slightly better endurance, the A52’s overall refinement and faster operation justify the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 25 | 2021, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 25 | Available. Released 2021, March 26 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.26 x 2.90 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 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 | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, (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 |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | FM radio |
| 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue |
| Models | SM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325N | SM-A525F, SM-A525F/DS, SM-A525M, SM-A525M/DS |
| Price | € 124.99 / £ 89.38 | C$ 699.00 / £ 129.99 / € 169.89 |
| SAR EU | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 119h
|
Endurance rating 105h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
-27.0 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1277 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 261282 (v8)
GeekBench: 5865 (v4.4), 1577 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Longer battery endurance (119h)
- Slightly brighter display (814 nits)
- More affordable price point
- Slower processor (Helio G80)
- Slower charging (15W)
- Less responsive user experience
Samsung Galaxy A52
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 720G)
- Faster charging (25W with 30min 50% boost)
- Smoother display (likely 90Hz)
- Better image processing
- Slightly shorter battery endurance (105h)
- Slightly dimmer display (794 nits)
- Higher price
Display Comparison
Both the A32 and A52 feature displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of Samsung's AMOLED panels. However, the A32 edges out the A52 in peak brightness, reaching 814 nits compared to the A52’s 794 nits. This difference, while measurable, is unlikely to be dramatically noticeable in everyday use. Both displays offer vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The A52, however, benefits from a smoother 90Hz refresh rate (not specified in the data, but standard for the A52), resulting in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, a benefit for users who consume a lot of content or play fast-paced games.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. However, given Samsung’s typical segmentation, the A52 likely benefits from more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a larger primary sensor. The A32’s Helio G80 ISP is less capable than the Snapdragon 720G’s, impacting image quality, especially in low-light conditions. While both phones likely include a suite of lenses, the A52’s superior processing power will result in better dynamic range and detail in photos and videos. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the A52 (a common feature in this price range, though not explicitly stated) would further enhance image and video stability.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The A32 utilizes the MediaTek Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, while the A52 features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, fabricated on a more efficient 8nm node. This process difference translates to better thermal management and power efficiency for the A52. The Snapdragon 720G’s Kryo 465 Gold cores, clocked at 2.3 GHz, offer a performance advantage over the A32’s Cortex-A75 cores at 2.0 GHz. This means faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the A52. While both phones have an octa-core CPU, the architectural differences and fabrication process give the A52 a clear edge.
Battery Life
The A32 boasts an endurance rating of 119 hours, slightly surpassing the A52’s 105 hours. This suggests the A32 will last longer on a single charge with moderate use, likely due to the less power-hungry Helio G80 chipset. However, the A52 compensates with significantly faster charging – 25W wired, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 30 minutes. The A32 is limited to 15W charging, resulting in a much slower charging experience. This difference in charging speed is a significant convenience factor, especially for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if you prioritize maximum battery life and are on a very tight budget, primarily using your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 if you value a more responsive user experience, faster charging, and are willing to spend a bit more for improved performance in gaming and multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 720G in the A52 handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 720G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty Mobile at medium to high settings with stable frame rates. While it's not a flagship-level gaming chip, it provides a significantly better gaming experience than the Helio G80 in the A32, offering smoother gameplay and reduced lag.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the A32 slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
For casual users who charge their phone overnight, the 15W charging on the A32 is likely sufficient. However, if you frequently find yourself needing a quick top-up during the day, the A52’s 25W charging, which can deliver a 50% charge in just 30 minutes, is a substantial advantage.
❓ Does the A52 have better software support and updates compared to the A32?
Generally, Samsung provides longer software support for devices with newer chipsets. The A52, with its Snapdragon 720G, is likely to receive more Android version updates and security patches than the A32 over its lifespan.
❓ How significant is the difference in multitasking performance between the two phones?
The Snapdragon 720G in the A52 handles multitasking much more efficiently than the Helio G80 in the A32. You'll experience less lag when switching between apps and running multiple applications simultaneously on the A52.
