The Samsung Galaxy F52 5G and A21 represent distinct tiers within Samsung’s smartphone lineup. The F52 5G, initially positioned as an online exclusive, brings 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor to the table. The A21, meanwhile, focuses on delivering essential smartphone functionality at an even more accessible price point. This comparison dissects the core differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy F52 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset delivers significantly faster performance and 5G capabilities, justifying the price premium. However, the A21 remains a viable option for those prioritizing extreme affordability and basic smartphone tasks.
| 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 - USA |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 - USA |
| 5G bands | 1, 28, 41, 78 Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE |
| | - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, May 20 | 2020, April 08. Released 2020, June 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 01 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.3 x 8.7 mm (6.48 x 3.00 x 0.34 in) | 167.8 x 76.7 x 8.1 mm (6.61 x 3.02 x 0.32 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 193 g (6.81 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 10, One UI 2.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Black | Black |
| Models | SM-E5260 | SM-A215U, SM-A215U1, SM-S215DL, SM-A215W |
| Price | About 260 EUR | $ 69.88 / C$ 155.00 / £ 54.99 / € 73.89 |
| SAR | - | 1.27 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F52 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Snapdragon 750G
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- 25W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Higher price point compared to the A21
- May not be readily available in all markets
Samsung Galaxy A21
- More affordable price
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Adequate for basic smartphone tasks
- Slow performance with Helio P35
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slower 15W charging
Display Comparison
While both devices likely feature LCD panels (data not provided), the core difference lies in the processing power driving them. The F52 5G’s Snapdragon 750G will provide a smoother experience when scrolling and navigating the UI. The A21’s Helio P35, being a less powerful chipset, may exhibit slight lag in similar scenarios. We can infer that the F52 5G will have a more responsive display experience due to the chipset's superior graphics capabilities.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the chipsets, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, the Snapdragon 750G includes a more advanced Image Signal Processor (ISP) than the Helio P35. This ISP will likely result in better image processing, improved dynamic range, and faster autofocus on the F52 5G. While both phones likely feature multiple rear cameras, the F52 5G’s ISP will likely extract more detail and produce higher-quality images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The A21's camera will be adequate for casual snapshots, but the F52 5G will offer a more refined photographic experience.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Galaxy F52 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) is a significant upgrade over the Galaxy A21’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm). The Snapdragon 750G’s octa-core configuration, with 2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570 cores, offers a much higher peak performance and improved efficiency compared to the Helio P35’s 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. The 8nm process node of the Snapdragon 750G also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during extended use. This translates to a noticeably faster and more responsive experience on the F52 5G, particularly when multitasking or playing graphically intensive games.
Battery Life
The Galaxy F52 5G supports 25W wired charging, a significant advantage over the A21’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed on the F52 5G means less downtime and quicker top-ups. The Snapdragon 750G’s 8nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting any difference in battery capacity. Users who frequently use their phones throughout the day will benefit from the F52 5G’s faster charging and potentially longer battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F52 5G if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, streaming high-resolution video, and enjoying 5G connectivity for faster download speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A21 if you prioritize a lower upfront cost and primarily use your phone for calls, texts, social media, and light web browsing. The A21 is ideal for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Galaxy F52 5G handle demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 750G is capable of running PUBG and Call of Duty, but you’ll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a consistently smooth experience. The A21’s Helio P35 will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the F52 5G worth the extra cost if I don't have 5G coverage in my area?
Even without 5G coverage, the F52 5G still benefits from the more powerful Snapdragon 750G processor and faster overall performance. However, if 5G is unavailable and you primarily need a phone for basic tasks, the A21 might be a more cost-effective choice.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the F52 5G compared to the A21?
The F52 5G’s 25W charging can significantly reduce charging times. While exact figures depend on battery capacity, you can expect a much faster 0-100% charge compared to the A21’s 15W charging, potentially shaving off 30-60 minutes.
