OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: The Mid-Range 5G Showdown
Mid-range smartphones have evolved dramatically, offering near-flagship performance at a fraction of the price. The OnePlus Nord CE 5G and Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G are two strong contenders in this space—but which one should you pick? Let’s break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build Quality
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Nord is slimmer and lighter (170g vs. 189g), making it more pocket-friendly. A52s feels slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 170g | 189g | Nord is easier for one-handed use, but A52s has a sturdier feel. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | A52s wins here—better drop protection and scratch resistance. |
| IP Rating | No official rating | IP67 water/dust resistant | A52s is more durable—better for outdoor or rough use. |
Verdict:
- Pick the Nord CE 5G if you prefer a lightweight, sleeker phone.
- Pick the A52s 5G if durability (Gorilla Glass 5, IP67) matters to you.
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.5" AMOLED | Both are similar in size, but A52s has a slightly bigger screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A52s has smoother scrolling & animations—better for gaming. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 800 nits | A52s is brighter outdoors, easier to read in sunlight. |
| PPI | 410 | 405 | Negligible difference—both look sharp. |
Verdict:
- A52s wins—higher refresh rate (120Hz) and brighter display make it the better choice for media consumption & gaming.
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | A52s has a more powerful and efficient chip (better performance, battery efficiency). |
| Antutu Score | ~385,000 | ~570,752 | A52s is ~48% faster—better for multitasking & gaming. |
| RAM Options | 6GB/8GB/12GB | 6GB/8GB | Nord CE 5G offers 12GB RAM—better for heavy multitaskers. |
| Storage | 128GB/256GB (No SD card) | 128GB/256GB (No SD card) | Same storage options—both lack expandability. |
Verdict:
- A52s is the clear winner—better chipset & efficiency, but Nord CE 5G has a 12GB RAM option for power users.
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 (Omnivision) | 64MP, f/1.8 (Sony IMX682) | A52s has better sensor (Sony) & OIS—sharper, more stable shots. |
| Ultrawide | 8MP, f/2.25 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A52s has a higher-res ultrawide, better for landscapes. |
| Selfie | 16MP, f/2.45 | 32MP, f/2.0 | A52s has a sharper front camera—better for selfies. |
| Extra Lenses | 2MP B&W (gimmicky) | 5MP macro + 5MP depth | A52s has more useful extra lenses (macro & depth). |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps (no OIS) | 4K@30fps (with OIS) | A52s has better stabilization for videos. |
Verdict:
- A52s is the better camera phone—OIS, better sensors, and more versatile lenses make it superior for photography.
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Same battery size—expect similar endurance. |
| Charging Speed | 30W (faster) | 25W (slightly slower) | Nord charges a bit quicker, but difference isn’t huge. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer (Nord) is slightly more durable long-term. |
Verdict:
- Nord CE 5G charges faster, but real-world battery life is similar on both.
2. Key Insights: Strengths & Weaknesses
OnePlus Nord CE 5G
✅ Pros:
- Lighter & sleeker design (easier one-handed use).
- 12GB RAM option (great for heavy multitaskers).
- Slightly faster charging (30W).
❌ Cons:
- No OIS in cameras (shaky video, worse low-light photos).
- No official IP rating or Gorilla Glass.
- Weaker chipset (750G vs. 778G).
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
✅ Pros:
- Better display (120Hz, 800 nits brightness).
- Superior cameras (OIS, Sony sensor, 32MP selfie).
- More durable (Gorilla Glass 5, IP67).
- Faster & more efficient chipset (778G).
❌ Cons:
- Heavier & bulkier.
- No 12GB RAM option.
3. Who Should Buy What?
Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G If You:
✔ Want a lightweight, minimalist phone.
✔ Need 12GB RAM for heavy multitasking.
✔ Prefer faster charging (30W vs. 25W).
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G If You:
✔ Want the best display (120Hz, 800 nits).
✔ Prioritize camera quality (OIS, Sony sensor).
✔ Need better durability (Gorilla Glass 5, IP67).
4. Final Decision: Which One Would I Pick?
If performance, display, and camera matter most, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear winner. It has:
✅ A faster, more efficient chipset (778G vs. 750G).
✅ Better cameras (OIS, 32MP selfie, Sony sensor).
✅ A smoother 120Hz display with higher brightness.
The Nord CE 5G is a solid choice if you prefer a lighter phone with faster charging, but it falls short in camera quality and durability.
My Pick: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G—it’s the better all-rounder with superior display, performance, and cameras.
