The mid-range smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and vivo V21 represent compelling options. While both aim to deliver a premium experience without the flagship price tag, they take different approaches. The A52s 5G prioritizes raw processing power with its Snapdragon 778G, while the V21 focuses on a sleek design and balanced feature set powered by the Dimensity 800U. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset, built on a more efficient 6nm process, delivers noticeably better performance and sustained speeds, particularly for gaming and demanding applications. While the vivo V21 offers a respectable experience, the A52s 5G provides a more future-proof platform.
| 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, 20, 28, 38, 39, 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, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 27 | 2021, August 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, May 05 | Available. Released 2021, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.7 x 73.9 x 7.3 mm (6.29 x 2.91 x 0.29 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 | 176 g (6.21 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 (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.44 inches, 100.1 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 90Hz, HDR10+, 500 nits (typ) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 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 800U (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 642L |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.2 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30/60fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | HDR |
| Single | 44 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF, OIS | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 4K@30fps (no OIS), 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | 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 (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 63% in 30 min | 25W wired |
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dusk Blue, Sunset Dazzle | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint |
| Models | V2066, V2108 | SM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N |
| Price | About 320 EUR | £ 112.98 / € 249.47 |
| SAR | - | 0.72 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.88 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 123h
|
Endurance rating 113h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-28.2 LUFS (Average)
|
-27.5 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 336699 (v8), 365055 (v9)
GeekBench: 6516 (v4.4), 1600 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 17fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9)
GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo V21
- More powerful Snapdragon 778G processor
- Brighter display for outdoor use
- Potentially smoother 120Hz display (depending on variant)
- Slower 25W charging
- Slightly lower battery endurance rating
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Faster 33W charging
- Slightly better battery endurance rating
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Less powerful Dimensity 800U processor
- Potentially dimmer display
- May be limited to 60Hz refresh rate
Display Comparison
Both devices boast an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term that doesn't reveal much about panel quality. However, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G distinguishes itself with a measured peak brightness of 800 nits, significantly improving visibility in direct sunlight. The vivo V21 lacks a specified peak brightness, suggesting it may struggle in similar conditions. While both likely utilize AMOLED panels, the A52s 5G’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for outdoor users. The lack of refresh rate information for the V21 suggests it may be limited to 60Hz, while the A52s 5G is commonly found with a 120Hz panel, enhancing smoothness.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specifics are limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A52s 5G’s brand reputation suggests a more refined image processing pipeline. The V21 often emphasizes selfie capabilities, but the A52s 5G’s overall camera system is likely more versatile. The absence of details regarding OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device makes it difficult to assess low-light performance. We can assume both will include standard features like HDR and portrait modes, but the A52s 5G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP).
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) is a clear step up from the vivo V21’s MediaTek Dimensity 800U (7nm). The 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon offers superior power efficiency, translating to less thermal throttling during prolonged use. The A52s 5G’s CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core alongside 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores and 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – provides a more robust architecture than the V21’s 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive gaming experience on the A52s 5G.
Battery Life
The vivo V21 boasts an endurance rating of 123 hours, slightly better than the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G’s 113 hours. However, this doesn’t tell the whole story. The A52s 5G’s more efficient Snapdragon 778G chipset mitigates the smaller battery capacity. Furthermore, the V21 supports 33W wired charging, reaching 63% in 30 minutes, while the A52s 5G is limited to 25W. This means the V21 will recharge significantly faster, a key benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery. Despite the V21’s slightly better endurance rating, the A52s 5G’s efficiency and faster charging offer a more practical experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo V21 if you prioritize a slim profile and fast 33W charging, and your primary use case revolves around social media, casual gaming, and everyday tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you demand smoother performance in graphically intensive games, benefit from a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and value a more powerful processor for long-term usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the Galaxy A52s 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G is built on a 6nm process, which is more efficient than the 7nm Dimensity 800U. While some heat is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the A52s 5G is generally well-managed and exhibits less thermal throttling than devices with less efficient chipsets. Samsung also incorporates thermal management features to help maintain performance.
❓ Is the 33W charging on the vivo V21 significantly faster in real-world use compared to the A52s 5G’s 25W?
Yes, the 33W charging on the V21 is noticeably faster. It can reach 63% charge in 30 minutes, while the A52s 5G will take considerably longer to achieve a similar charge level. This makes the V21 a better choice for users who prioritize quick charging and frequently need to top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ How does the Dimensity 800U handle demanding apps like video editing software?
The Dimensity 800U is capable of handling basic video editing tasks, but it may struggle with more complex projects or higher resolutions. The Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G offers significantly better performance for demanding applications, resulting in faster rendering times and a smoother editing experience.
