Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G vs F42 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers significantly better performance, coupled with faster 25W charging and a brighter display. While the F42 5G offers a compelling price, the A52s 5G provides a more refined and capable experience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy F42 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G |
| 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 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 41, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 29 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 03 | Available. Released 2021, September 01 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.2 x 76.4 x 9 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.35 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 | 203 g (7.16 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 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 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), 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/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1152p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| - | Virtual Proximity Sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Matte Aqua, Matte Black | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint |
| Models | SM-E426B, SM-E426B/DS | SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N |
| Price | About 240 EUR | £ 112.98 / € 249.47 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.94 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Samsung Galaxy F42 5G
- Significantly faster Snapdragon 778G processor
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Brighter and potentially more accurate display
- Generally more expensive than the F42 5G
- May have a slightly less durable plastic build (typical for the A-series)
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- More affordable price point
- Decent battery life (113h endurance)
- 5G connectivity
- Slower MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Potentially lower display quality
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 800 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness for the F42 5G. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays have an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (Samsung's marketing term for OLED), the A52s 5G's higher brightness provides a more impactful viewing experience. The lack of detailed display specs for the F42 5G suggests a potentially lower-quality panel, impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are missing. However, given the A52s 5G’s positioning, it likely benefits from Samsung’s more advanced image processing algorithms. The A52s 5G likely has a more capable main sensor, and potentially optical image stabilization (OIS), which the F42 5G likely lacks. While both will capture acceptable images in good lighting, the A52s 5G is expected to deliver superior low-light performance and more detailed photos.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Snapdragon 778G (6nm) in the A52s 5G is a substantial upgrade over the Dimensity 700 (7nm) in the F42 5G. The A52s 5G’s CPU configuration – 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78, 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78, and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a significant performance advantage over the F42 5G’s 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55. The 6nm process node of the Snapdragon 778G also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended gaming sessions. This benefits users who play demanding mobile games or frequently multitask.
Battery Life
Both devices share an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life despite the lack of specific mAh ratings. However, the A52s 5G’s 25W wired charging is a significant advantage over the F42 5G’s 15W charging. This means the A52s 5G can be topped up much faster, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. A full charge on the A52s 5G will take considerably less time than on the F42 5G.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F42 5G if your priority is absolute affordability and you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you value smoother performance for gaming and multitasking, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging speeds – even if it means spending a bit more.