Motorola Moto G 5G vs Samsung Galaxy A52 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date December 7, 2020 March 26, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 125.14 cm³ 100.87 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.16 "/g 3.44 "/g
Weight 212 g 189 g
Height 166.1 mm 159.9 mm
Width 76.1 mm 75.1 mm
Thickness 9.9 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Frosted Silver
  • Volcanic Gray
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 85.7 % 84.9 %
Pixel Density 393 PPI 407 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 111.38 mAh/in² 106.51 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.96 mAh/cm³ 44.61 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver)
GPU Adreno 619 Adreno 618

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Motorola Moto G 5G and Samsung Galaxy A52, focusing on practical implications:

Design

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GSamsung Galaxy A52Practical Impact
Dimensions166.1 × 76.1 × 9.9 mm159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mmThe Galaxy A52 is shorter, narrower, and thinner, making it more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. The Moto G 5G is bulkier.
Weight212g189gThe Galaxy A52 is noticeably lighter, which improves comfort during extended use, and reduces strain on wrists/hands.

Display

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GSamsung Galaxy A52Practical Impact
Size6.7"6.5"The Moto G 5G has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption. The difference is minor.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both offer the same level of sharpness.
Pixel Density393 PPI407 PPIThe difference in pixel density is not significant enough to be noticeable.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDThe Galaxy A52's AMOLED screen provides deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and more efficient power use with dark themes, making it visually superior.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzThe Galaxy A52 offers smoother animations and scrolling, resulting in a more fluid user experience.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsNote: Brightness data is missing for both phones. Peak brightness is crucial for outdoor visibility.

Performance

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GSamsung Galaxy A52Practical Impact
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5GQualcomm Snapdragon 720GThe Moto G 5G's 750G offers a performance advantage over the 720G in the Galaxy A52. Expect slightly snappier app loading times and smoother performance.
AnTuTu Score390,000341,212The Moto G 5G demonstrates a higher benchmark score, indicating that it may perform better under heavy load, such as gaming.
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 618The Adreno 619 in the Moto G 5G is a slight step up, which could provide a modest advantage in graphics-intensive tasks like gaming.

Camera

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GSamsung Galaxy A52Practical Impact
Main Camera48MP, f/1.764MP, f/1.8The Galaxy A52's higher resolution means potentially more detail in photos. The Moto G 5G's wider aperture could perform slightly better in low light.
Selfie Camera16MP, f/2.2, 1.00µm32MP, f/2.2, 0.80µmThe Galaxy A52 has a higher resolution selfie camera, allowing for more detailed self-portraits.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.212MP, f/2.2The Galaxy A52 captures higher resolution wide-angle photos, meaning more detail in group shots.
Depth SensorNone5MP, f/2.4The Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh effect in portrait mode.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.45MP, f/2.4The Galaxy A52 has a higher resolution macro lens, potentially capturing more detailed close-up shots.
Video4K@30fps, EIS4K@30fps, EIS, OISBoth capture 4K video. The Galaxy A52 offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother video, while the Moto G 5G relies on Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
Camera FeaturesPDAF, LAF, RAWOIS, Ultra Stable Video, Continuous autofocusThe Galaxy A52 offers OIS for better video and low-light photography. It also offers a more robust autofocus system for fast and reliable image capturing, whereas the Moto G5G offers a RAW mode for more advanced editing.

Battery

FeatureMotorola Moto G 5GSamsung Galaxy A52Practical Impact
Capacity5000mAh4500mAhThe Moto G 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life.
Charging20W Fast Charging25W Fast ChargingThe Galaxy A52 charges faster, despite a smaller battery capacity.
Battery FeaturesLi-IonLi-Polymer, QC2.0, AFCThe Galaxy A52’s advanced charging tech may contribute to faster charge times.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Motorola Moto G 5G Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life, ideal for users who are away from power outlets for extended periods.
  • Slightly Better Performance: Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a performance edge for more intensive tasks.
  • Newer Bluetooth: Offers potentially slightly better wireless connectivity.
  • Laser Autofocus: Allows for fast focusing, especially useful in challenging lighting situations.
  • RAW photo format: Gives users greater control and flexibility for editing photos.

Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED screen delivers better visuals with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
  • Smoother Refresh Rate: 90Hz refresh rate results in a more fluid and responsive user experience.
  • Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors across the board, OIS for better low light and video, and a dedicated depth sensor and robust autofocus system.
  • Faster Charging: 25W fast charging replenishes battery quicker, a good feature for those in a hurry.
  • Stereo Speakers: Offers better audio output, enhancing media consumption.
  • More RAM: An 8GB option allows for smoother multitasking, making this a more suitable option for power users.
  • More Software updates: Android 11 out of the box and guaranteed updates till Android 14.
  • Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is a huge benefit.
  • More GPS satellites: The inclusion of Beidou makes this more accurate for location tracking.

Trade-offs:

  • The Moto G 5G trades a slightly better processor for a less impressive display, and camera system.
  • The Galaxy A52 sacrifices a bit of battery capacity for a superior screen, and better camera system.
  • The Galaxy A52 has a bulkier design with a larger camera housing.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Motorola Moto G 5G:

  • Ideal User: Budget-conscious users needing dependable all-day battery life, a focus on 5G connectivity, and an acceptable general experience with a decent performance.
  • Use Cases:
    • Long days away from power outlets.
    • Users who prioritize battery endurance and responsiveness.
    • Gamers who appreciate the slight performance bump with the 750G.
    • Users who want the flexibility of the RAW photo format.

Samsung Galaxy A52:

  • Ideal User: Users who want an outstanding visual experience with a better screen, a more versatile camera, and a feature-rich software experience with long-term updates.
  • Use Cases:
    • Those who heavily consume media on their phone.
    • Photography enthusiasts who want flexibility.
    • Users who prefer smoother animations and scrolling.
    • Users who value fast charging and audio output.
    • Users who want consistent updates and support from Samsung.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Motorola is a great budget-friendly option with a decent battery and processor.
  • The Samsung offers a lot more features, making it more of a value-packed option that delivers better camera quality, better video quality, faster charging, better software experience, more RAM, and a better build quality, at a higher price point.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three critical questions a potential buyer should consider:

  1. Display Preference: Is a vibrant, high-contrast AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate a priority (Samsung A52), or is a larger screen acceptable even with an IPS LCD (Motorola G 5G)?
  2. Camera Needs: Is Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and superior sensor quality and advanced autofocus features more important for photography and video recording (Samsung A52), or is basic image capture with the flexibility of RAW format enough (Motorola G 5G)?
  3. Battery and Charging: Is an all-day battery life the most important factor even if it sacrifices visual fidelity (Motorola G 5G), or would faster charging and a smaller battery be more suitable (Samsung A52)?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: "The Power User": If you prioritize performance, multitasking, and graphics quality, and want to get the best possible software support, then the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better choice, particularly with the 8GB RAM variant.
  • Scenario 2: "The All-Day Traveler": If battery life is the single most critical factor, the Motorola Moto G 5G could be considered, although it comes with tradeoffs.
  • Scenario 3: "The Multimedia Enthusiast": If you value a high-quality display for media consumption and a versatile camera system, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear winner.
  • Scenario 4: "The Budget-Conscious Buyer": If you want the cheapest option that gets all the basics right, then the Motorola Moto G 5G is a great choice.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the Moto G 5G offers slightly better performance and a larger battery, the overall experience offered by the Galaxy A52 is significantly superior. The AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a major upgrade for everyday use, providing a much more enjoyable visual experience. The camera system is more versatile and reliable, with OIS for better photos and videos. The stereo speakers, faster charging, and overall better build quality makes this a more complete package. In my opinion, the advantages of the Galaxy A52 far outweigh the slight benefits offered by the Moto G 5G, especially considering it offers better software support and more RAM, making it a more capable phone in the long run.

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.

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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.