Poco F3 vs. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G: A Deep Dive into Mid-Range 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing gaming and demanding tasks, the Poco F3 is the clear winner thanks to its Snapdragon 870. However, the Galaxy A52 5G offers a more refined experience with a brighter display and a potentially more consistent camera performance, making it ideal for everyday users and content creators.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Xiaomi Poco F3 | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G |
| 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, 28, 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, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 22 | 2021, March 17 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 27 | Available. Released 2021, March 19 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 76.4 x 7.8 mm (6.44 x 3.01 x 0.31 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| IP53, dust and splash resistant | 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 (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~407 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~85.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 101.0 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1300 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 800 nits (HBM) |
| - | Always-on display | |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, HyperOS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 3.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Color spectrum sensor, LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP, f/2.4, 50mm (macro), AF | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1/3.4", 0.8µm | 32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| 24-bit/192kHz audio | - | |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), NavIC | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio (market/region dependent) |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, 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, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD3.0, QC3, 100% in 52 min | 25W wired, 50% in 30 min |
| Type | Li-Po 4520 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Arctic White, Night Black, Deep Ocean Blue, Moonlight Silver | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue |
| Models | M2012K11AG | SM-A526B, SM-A526B/DS, SM-A5260, SM-A526W, SM-A526U, SM-A526U1 |
| Price | € 162.15 | $ 137.39 / £ 280.00 / € 115.49 |
| SAR | 1.06 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) | 0.74 W/kg (head) 0.53 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.42 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | Endurance rating 114h | Endurance rating 111h |
| Camera | Photo / Video | Photo / Video |
| Display | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | -24.5 LUFS (Very good) | -27.5 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | AnTuTu: 631850 (v8), 697216 (v9) GeekBench: 3206 (v5.1) GFXBench: 48fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | AnTuTu: 334981 (v8), 386474 (v9) GeekBench: 1820 (v5.1) GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Xiaomi Poco F3
- Significantly faster processor for gaming and demanding tasks
- Faster charging speeds (33W vs 25W)
- Potentially better power efficiency due to 7nm process
- Display likely less bright than the A52 5G
- Camera performance may be less consistent than Samsung's
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially more refined camera image processing
- Generally smoother software experience
- Slower processor for demanding tasks
- Slower charging speeds
- Less powerful GPU for gaming
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G boasts a significantly brighter display, reaching a measured 787 nits, compared to the Poco F3’s ‘Infinite’ (nominal) contrast ratio which doesn’t specify peak brightness. This brightness advantage translates to better outdoor visibility for the A52 5G. Both phones share an ‘Infinite’ (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting both utilize AMOLED panels, but the A52 5G’s higher peak brightness is a tangible benefit. While both likely feature high refresh rates (a common feature in this segment, though not explicitly stated), the A52 5G’s superior brightness gives it the edge for media consumption in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer ‘Photo / Video’ capabilities, but lack specific details for a detailed comparison. However, given Samsung’s image processing expertise, the A52 5G likely delivers more consistent and visually appealing photos in a wider range of conditions. The Poco F3, while capable, may rely more on raw sensor data. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Samsung’s track record suggests a more refined camera experience. The A52 5G’s potential for better software optimization gives it an advantage.
Performance
The Poco F3’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7nm) chipset is a substantial upgrade over the Galaxy A52 5G’s Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm). The 870 features an octa-core CPU with a prime core clocked at 3.2 GHz, significantly faster than the A52 5G’s 2.2 GHz Kryo 570 cores. This translates to noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance on the Poco F3. The 7nm process node of the 870 also suggests better power efficiency compared to the 8nm 750G, despite the higher clock speeds. The Poco F3 is the clear choice for power users.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve similar endurance ratings – 114 hours for the Poco F3 and 111 hours for the Galaxy A52 5G. However, the Poco F3’s 33W wired charging (with PD3.0 and QC3 support) is significantly faster than the A52 5G’s 25W charging, reaching 100% in 52 minutes versus 50% in 30 minutes. This faster charging speed mitigates any potential battery life differences, making the Poco F3 more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The A52 5G’s slower charging is a notable drawback.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Poco F3 if you need uncompromising performance for gaming, video editing, or running demanding applications. Its Snapdragon 870 chipset delivers a significant advantage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G if you prefer a brighter, more color-accurate display, a more versatile camera system, and a generally smoother, more polished software experience, even if it means sacrificing some raw processing power.