Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison between the Motorola Edge 20 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. We'll break down the specs, highlight the real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on what each specification actually means for you:
| Feature | Motorola Edge 20 Pro | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163 × 76 × 8 mm, 190g | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | Edge 20 Pro is slightly taller, A52s is a touch thicker. Both feel similar in hand. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 Front | Gorilla Glass 5 Front, Plastic Back, IP67 Dust/Water Resistance | Gorilla Glass 5 offers a degree of scratch resistance. A52s 5G will survive splashes and submersion better. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Edge 20 Pro gives a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharpness is virtually identical on both phones. |
| Pixel Density | 385 PPI | 405 PPI | A52s has a slightly sharper display, however the difference is negligible. |
| Technology | OLED | AMOLED | Expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. Samsung typically has more saturated color profiles, while Moto is known for more color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 144Hz | 120Hz | Edge 20 Pro provides smoother scrolling and gaming visuals, although the difference isn't huge. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | A52s 5G is much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 870 5G | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Snapdragon 870 is a significantly more powerful chipset, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 813,800 | 570,752 | Edge 20 Pro has a noticeable performance advantage in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 650 | Adreno 642L | Adreno 650 provides smoother graphics in gaming and other graphically intensive apps. |
| RAM | 12GB | 6GB/8GB | Edge 20 Pro handles more apps running simultaneously without slowing down. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 108MP (f/1.9) | 64MP (f/1.8) | Edge 20 Pro captures more detail in good lighting, however high megapixel counts doesn't always translate to better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP (f/3.4) | None | Edge 20 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities for far away shots. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 16MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | Edge 20 Pro takes wider shots with the ultrawide angle lens. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP (f/2.4) | A52s can take close-up macro shots. |
| Depth Lens | None | 5MP (f/2.4) | A52s uses depth lens to get better portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.3) | 32MP (f/2.0) | A52s might produce slightly better selfies in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Edge 20 Pro offers much higher resolution video recording. |
| Stabilization | EIS | OIS | A52s provides superior video stabilization due to OIS in the main camera. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Expect similar battery life on both phones. |
| Charging | 30W | 25W | Edge 20 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | Motorola Edge 20 Pro can charge other devices wirelessly |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Samsung will provide future software updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Edge 20 Pro has slightly newer version of Bluetooth, may provide better wireless connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Edge 20 Pro has more GPS satellites, may provide better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G has a slight edge in audio features (by a small margin) offering enhanced spatial audio; |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Motorola Edge 20 Pro features a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Strengths: More powerful performance (Snapdragon 870), higher refresh rate display (144Hz), 8K video recording, Telephoto Lens, larger storage on base model.
- Competitive Advantages: Best for users who prioritize performance, gaming, and high-resolution video capture.
- Trade-offs: Lacks OIS, lower peak brightness, no expandable storage, potentially shorter software support lifespan, no IP rating.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Strengths: Brighter display (800 nits), OIS for video, IP67 water/dust resistance, Dolby Atmos audio, Macro Lens, Portrait Mode.
- Competitive Advantages: Suited for users who value a robust camera system, outdoor visibility, and durability.
- Trade-offs: Less powerful processor, lower refresh rate (120Hz).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Edge 20 Pro:
- Ideal User: Mobile gamers, videographers, anyone who needs a fast, responsive phone for demanding applications.
- Use Cases: Playing graphically intense games, recording high-quality videos, multitasking with numerous apps, reverse charging other devices.
- Recommendation: Excellent choice if you want a flagship-level experience without the flagship price tag.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users, photography enthusiasts, those who want a reliable phone for everyday tasks and capturing memories.
- Use Cases: Taking photos and videos in various conditions, streaming content, browsing social media, using the phone outdoors, better audio quality.
- Recommendation: A well-rounded device that offers a great balance of features and value, especially if durability and camera versatility are important to you.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when deciding between these phones:
- How important is performance to me? If you're a heavy gamer or run demanding apps, the Edge 20 Pro is the better choice.
- What are my priorities for the camera? If OIS and versatility are key, the A52s 5G wins. If you plan to use the telephoto lens, or record in 8K, the Edge 20 Pro wins.
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? The A52s 5G's brighter display is significantly better for outdoor use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student who needs a phone for general use, streaming, and taking photos of notes and friends. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (better all rounder, longer software support)
- Scenario 2: You're a mobile gamer who wants the best possible performance on a budget. Recommendation: Motorola Edge 20 Pro (superior processor and refresh rate).
- Scenario 3: You frequently take photos and videos in different environments and need a reliable camera system with good stabilization. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G (versatile camera and OIS).
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Motorola Edge 20 Pro. As someone who values performance above all else, the Snapdragon 870 and 12GB of RAM are simply too compelling to pass up. While I appreciate the A52s 5G's brighter display and OIS, those features don't outweigh the significant performance gains I'd get with the Motorola. Plus, the 8K video recording is a nice bonus for capturing higher quality memories.
