Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. A52: A Detailed Comparison for Budget-Conscious Buyers
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better buy. The Snapdragon 750G provides a noticeable performance uplift, and the slightly improved battery endurance, while modest, adds to its value. However, if 5G connectivity isn't a priority and you find a significantly cheaper A52, it remains a capable device.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 |
| 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, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 17 | 2021, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 19 | Available. Released 2021, March 26 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min) | - | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Always-on display | - | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 618 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 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), 1/1.7X", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 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 |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | 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, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/region dependent) | 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 | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue |
| Models | SM-A526B, SM-A526B/DS, SM-A5260, SM-A526W, SM-A526U, SM-A526U1 | SM-A525F, SM-A525F/DS, SM-A525M, SM-A525M/DS |
| Price | $ 137.39 / £ 280.00 / € 115.49 | C$ 699.00 / £ 129.99 / € 169.89 |
| SAR | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.42 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 111h | Endurance rating 105h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -27.5 LUFS (Good) | -27.0 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 334981 (v8), 386474 (v9) GeekBench: 1820 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 261282 (v8) GeekBench: 5865 (v4.4), 1577 (v5.1) GFXBench: 15fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- 5G connectivity for future-proofing
- Slightly better battery endurance
- Slightly lower peak display brightness
- Potentially higher price point
Samsung Galaxy A52
- Slightly brighter display
- Potentially lower price
- Still a capable performer for everyday tasks
- Slower processor
- Lacks 5G connectivity
- Shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Both the A52 5G and A52 feature excellent Super AMOLED displays with an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the A52 edges out the 5G model in peak brightness, achieving 794 nits compared to the A52 5G’s 787 nits. While the difference is minimal and likely imperceptible in most conditions, the A52 will offer slightly better visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays share a 120Hz refresh rate, contributing to a fluid scrolling experience, and utilize PWM dimming, though specific frequencies weren't provided, making it difficult to assess potential flicker sensitivity.
Camera Comparison
Both devices share the same 'Photo / Video' camera capabilities, suggesting identical camera hardware and software processing. This means users will experience similar image quality and features across both models. Without specific details on sensor sizes or lens apertures, it’s safe to assume they utilize the same camera system, focusing on versatility rather than groundbreaking innovation. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The A52 5G boasts the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm), featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores. This is a step up from the A52’s Snapdragon 720G (8nm) with its 2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver cores. While the A52’s CPU clock speeds are slightly higher on the prime cores, the 750G’s architecture and 5G modem integration provide a more modern and efficient platform. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance on the A52 5G.
Battery Life
The A52 5G offers a slightly better endurance rating of 111 hours compared to the A52’s 105 hours. This 6-hour difference, while not massive, indicates the Snapdragon 750G’s improved efficiency contributes to longer battery life. Both phones support 25W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in 30 minutes. The A52 5G’s slightly larger battery capacity (not specified in the data, but likely a minor difference) combined with the more efficient chipset provides a small but noticeable advantage in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, occasional gaming, and future-proofing with 5G connectivity. This is the phone for users who want a responsive experience and aren't willing to compromise on speed. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 if you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, and are looking for the most affordable option within the A52 family. It’s a solid choice for those who don’t need the extra performance of the 5G variant.