Apple iPhone 12 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy M52 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 October 3, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 92.83 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.23 "/g 3.87 "/g
Weight 189 g 173 g
Height 146.7 mm 164.2 mm
Width 71.5 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 7.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • White
  • Icy Blue
  • Blazing Black

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.7 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 86.4 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 393 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 111.38 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 53.86 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 642L

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 11
Maximum OS Version 18 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M52 5GPractical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mmM52 5G is taller and wider, making it less pocketable.
Weight189g173gM52 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use.
BuildUnknown Screen ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5M52 5G likely more resistant to scratches and drops.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M52 5GPractical Impact
Size6.1"6.7"M52 5G offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 Pro has a sharper image, especially noticeable with small text.
PPI460393iPhone 12 Pro screen appears crisper and more detailed.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDSimilar display quality; both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzM52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience.
Brightness1200 nits800 nitsiPhone 12 Pro is easier to view in bright sunlight.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M52 5GPractical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly faster performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
AnTuTu Score1,082,644589,200iPhone 12 Pro handles complex apps and multitasking much more smoothly.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 642LiPhone 12 Pro provides better graphics performance for gaming and visually intensive applications.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M52 5GPractical Impact
Main Camera12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.55"64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.97"M52 5G captures more detail in good lighting. iPhone 12 Pro may perform better in low light due to wider aperture and larger pixels.
Selfie Camera12MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.2M52 5G produces higher resolution selfies.
Telephoto Lens12MP, f/2.0NoneiPhone 12 Pro offers optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without quality loss.
Wide Angle Lens12MP, f/2.4Wide Angle + Macro: 13MP, f/2.2iPhone 12 Pro captures wider scenes. M52 5G can take macro shots.
Portrait ModeN/A5MP, f/2.4M52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor to improve the portrait photos.
VideoUp to 4K@60fps with HDRUp to 4K@30fpsiPhone 12 Pro offers higher frame rate 4K recording and HDR video.
StabilizationOIS, Ultra stable videoDigital image stabilizationiPhone 12 Pro provides smoother and more stable video recording, especially in motion.
DxOMark (Mobile)127N/AiPhone 12 Pro has superior camera performance.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12 ProSamsung Galaxy M52 5GPractical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhM52 5G likely offers significantly longer battery life.
Charging20W25WM52 5G charges slightly faster.
Wireless Charging15W MagSafe, 7.5W QiNoneiPhone 12 Pro supports wireless charging, a convenient feature for some users.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:

  • Significantly higher performance: The A14 Bionic chip provides a much faster and smoother experience, especially in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
  • Superior camera system: Optical zoom, better video recording capabilities, and potentially better low-light performance provide more versatile and higher-quality photography and videography.
  • Higher display resolution and brightness: Offers a sharper and more visible display, especially in outdoor conditions.
  • Premium build quality: Although specifics are missing, iPhones are generally known for their build quality.
  • Wireless charging: Offers convenient wireless charging capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Advantages:

  • Larger display: Provides a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
  • Higher refresh rate: Offers smoother scrolling and animations.
  • Significantly larger battery: Likely provides much longer battery life.
  • Fingerprint sensor: Offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
  • Macro lens: Ability to take detailed close-up photos.
  • Potentially lower price: The M52 5G is likely priced lower than the iPhone 12 Pro.

Trade-offs:

  • Choosing the iPhone 12 Pro means sacrificing battery life and a larger screen for significantly better performance and camera capabilities.
  • Choosing the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G means sacrificing performance and camera quality for longer battery life and a larger screen, and a potentially lower price.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal Users for Apple iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Power users: Individuals who demand high performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
  • Users who value display quality: Those who appreciate a sharp and bright display, especially for outdoor use.
  • Ecosystem users: Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.

Specific Use Cases for iPhone 12 Pro:

  • Mobile gaming: Demanding games run smoother and look better.
  • Video editing on the go: Faster processing enables quick video edits.
  • Professional photography: High-quality images and video for professional use.
  • Outdoor use: Display remains visible in bright sunlight.

Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:

  • Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a good value for their money.
  • Users who prioritize battery life: Individuals who need a phone that can last all day.
  • Media consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and playing games on their phone.
  • Users who prefer a larger screen: Individuals who find larger screens easier to use.

Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:

  • All-day usage: Long battery life ensures the phone lasts throughout the day without needing a recharge.
  • Media consumption: Large display provides an immersive experience for watching videos and movies.
  • Casual gaming: Decent performance for less demanding games.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 12 Pro is likely more expensive.
  2. How important is performance to you? If you need a fast phone for demanding tasks, the iPhone 12 Pro is the better choice.
  3. How important is battery life? If you need all-day battery life, the M52 5G is likely a better option.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Mobile gamer with a flexible budget: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its superior performance and graphics capabilities.
  • Scenario 2: Student on a budget who needs a phone for all-day use: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G for its long battery life and potentially lower price.
  • Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast who wants a versatile camera system: Choose the iPhone 12 Pro for its optical zoom and overall better camera capabilities.

My Choice

If I were to choose, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. Here's why:

While the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G offers a larger screen and significantly better battery life, the iPhone 12 Pro's advantages in performance and camera capabilities outweigh those benefits for my personal usage. I frequently use my smartphone for demanding tasks like photo and video editing, and the A14 Bionic chip provides a much smoother and more responsive experience. The iPhone 12 Pro's camera system is also significantly more versatile, offering optical zoom and better video recording features which I value.

Although the smaller display and shorter battery life are drawbacks, I am willing to make those trade-offs for the superior performance and camera quality that the iPhone 12 Pro provides.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.