Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Honor 50 and the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G. Both phones are solid mid-range contenders, but they have key differences that will make one a better choice for you depending on your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specs, focusing on what they mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | Honor 50 | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 160 × 73.8 × 7.8 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | M52 5G is taller and slightly wider, but also thinner. The Honor 50 might feel more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 175g | 173g | Negligible difference. Both are relatively lightweight. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The M52 5G offers better screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.57" | 6.7" | The M52 5G provides a slightly larger viewing area, good for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2340 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp displays. The difference is negligible in daily use. |
| PPI | 392 | 393 | Both are virtually identical in terms of pixel density. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. The difference is mostly marketing. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. Great for gaming and general responsiveness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Spec error?) | 800 nits | The M52 5G will be much easier to see in bright sunlight assuming the Honor 50 spec is incorrect. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Identical performance. Expect smooth multitasking and gaming on both. |
| AnTuTu Score | 582,766 | 589,200 | Practically identical performance scores. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 642L | Same graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 108MP (f/1.9, 1/1.52") | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/1.97") | Honor 50 has the potential for more detailed shots in good lighting due to the higher megapixel count and larger sensor. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP | 13MP (Wide Angle + Macro) | Honor 50 has dedicated ultrawide lens, M52 combines ultrawide with Macro. |
| Macro | 2MP | N/A | Honor 50 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Depth | 2MP | 5MP | M52 5G may produce slightly better bokeh effect. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/3.14") | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8") | M52 5G has a slightly larger sensor on the front camera, which should result in better selfies in low light. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps (EIS) | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, RAW, Night Mode, Manual Focus, PDAF etc. | Triple Camera | Honor 50 offers a more comprehensive suite of camera features, including RAW capture for editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4300mAh | 5000mAh | The M52 5G will likely last significantly longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 66W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Honor 50 charges much faster, which can be convenient if you're often in a hurry. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | The Honor 50 can be used to charge other devices wirelessly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | The M52 5G guarantees at least two more years of software updates, making it more future-proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.2 (aptX, LDAC) | 5.0 | Honor 50 offers newer Bluetooth version and better audio codecs for compatible headphones. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1) | GPS, QZSS, Galileo | The M52 5G supports more satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128GB | Honor 50 offers a higher storage option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Hi-Res Audio | Dolby Atmos, 2 Microphones | M52 5G has better audio recording. Honor 50 has better playback quality for Hi-Res files. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic (Presumably On-Screen) | Side-Mounted | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on the M52 5G is generally faster and more reliable. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Compass | Geomagnetic Sensor | Minor differences in sensor suites. |
2. Key Insights
Honor 50 Strengths:
- Faster Charging: The 66W charging is a major convenience, especially for users who dislike overnight charging.
- Camera Versatility: The higher resolution main sensor and features like RAW capture give photographers more flexibility.
- Hi-Res Audio: A great addition for audiophiles.
- Reverse Charging: Added convenience
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Strengths:
- Battery Life: The larger battery offers significantly better endurance.
- Display Brightness: Superior outdoor visibility.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed updates to Android 13 provide longevity.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5
- Better Audio Recording: Two microphones
- More reliable Fingerprint sensor
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Honor 50: Best for users who prioritize fast charging, camera versatility, and Bluetooth Audio quality. It’s ideal for content creators who value RAW image capture and need a quick battery top-up.
- Samsung Galaxy M52 5G: Tailored for users who need long battery life, bright outdoor visibility, and value future-proof software. This is a great choice for power users who consume a lot of media and want a phone that will last all day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is battery life? If you need all-day battery and often find yourself away from a charger, the M52 5G is the clear winner.
- Do you value camera features and versatility? If you enjoy photography and want more control over your images, the Honor 50's RAW capture and manual mode are advantageous.
- How much do you value fast charging? If you need to quickly top up your phone before heading out, the Honor 50’s blazing-fast charging is a game-changer.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Photographer: Choose the Honor 50. The combination of a high-resolution sensor, RAW capture, and manual mode gives you more creative control.
- The Power User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G. Its superior battery life and brighter display make it ideal for media consumption and productivity on the go.
- The Value Seeker: Consider which features matter most to you and weigh them against the price. If you're on a tight budget, look for deals on either phone.
Personal Choice
If I were making this decision, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G.
While the Honor 50's camera versatility and faster charging are appealing, the Galaxy M52 5G's larger battery and guaranteed software updates are more important to me. I value long-term usability, a display I can see in any lighting condition, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing my device will be supported with updates for a longer period. Also the fact the fingerprint sensor will be easier to use and the screen better protected makes it a slightly more appealing choice.
