OnePlus Nord CE 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M52 5G: A Practical Comparison
1. Specifications Breakdown
Design & Build
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | 164.2 × 76.4 × 7.4 mm | M52 is slightly larger but thinner; Nord CE is more compact. |
| Weight | 170g | 173g | Nearly identical—both feel lightweight. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 5 | M52 offers better drop/scuff resistance. |
Display
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Size | 6.43" AMOLED | 6.7" AMOLED | M52 has a bigger screen for media/gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M52 feels smoother in scrolling/gaming. |
| Brightness | 700 nits | 800 nits | M52 is easier to read outdoors. |
| Resolution/PPI | 1080x2400 (410 PPI) | 1080x2400 (393 PPI) | Nord CE is slightly sharper, but negligible. |
Performance
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | M52 is more efficient & powerful (~53% faster in benchmarks). |
| Antutu Score | 385,000 | 589,200 | M52 excels in gaming/app switching. |
| RAM Options | 6/8/12GB | 6/8GB | Nord CE’s 12GB variant benefits heavy multitaskers. |
Camera
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.79 (OV64B) | 64MP, f/1.8 (Samsung GW3) | Similar daylight performance; M52 has a slightly larger sensor for better low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP (f/2.45) | 32MP (f/2.2) | M52 has higher resolution for sharper selfies. |
| Extra Cameras | 8MP ultrawide, 2MP mono | 13MP ultrawide+macro, 5MP depth | M52’s macro & ultrawide combo is more versatile. |
| Video & Features | 4K@30fps, better autofocus | 4K@30fps, Dolby Atmos | Nord CE has better autofocus; M52 offers richer audio. |
Battery & Charging
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | M52 lasts longer but Nord CE charges faster (30W vs. 25W). |
| Battery Chemistry | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer (Nord CE) ages better. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy M52 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 11 (up to 13) | Both will receive similar updates. |
| Wi-Fi/BT | Wi-Fi 5, BT 5.1 (LDAC/AAC) | Wi-Fi 6, BT 5.0 | M52 has faster Wi-Fi; Nord CE has better BT audio. |
| GPS | NavIC support | Standard GPS | Nord CE offers better regional accuracy in India. |
2. Key Insights
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Strengths
✔ Faster charging (30W)
✔ More RAM options (up to 12GB)
✔ Better Bluetooth audio codecs (LDAC/AAC support)
✔ Wider-aperture main camera (slightly better in low light)
Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Strengths
✔ Superior performance (Snapdragon 778G is 53% faster)
✔ Larger, smoother 120Hz display (better for gaming/media)
✔ Bigger battery (5000mAh vs. 4500mAh)
✔ Better selfie camera (32MP vs. 16MP)
Trade-Offs
- Gaming? M52 wins (120Hz + faster chipset).
- Battery life? M52 lasts longer, but Nord CE charges quicker.
- Camera versatility? M52 has more useful secondary lenses.
- Software? OnePlus has cleaner software, but Samsung offers more features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Best for OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Power users needing RAM (12GB variant for multitasking).
- Fast-charging fans (30W vs. 25W).
- Bluetooth audio enthusiasts (LDAC/AAC support).
Best for Samsung Galaxy M52 5G:
- Gamers & media consumers (120Hz + bigger screen).
- Long-battery-life seekers (5000mAh).
- Selfie & versatile camera lovers (32MP front cam + macro).
4. Buying Decision Framework
Ask Yourself:
- Do I prioritize speed & gaming? → M52 5G.
- Do I need fast charging & better RAM options? → Nord CE 5G.
- Do I care about camera versatility? → M52 5G (better ultrawide/macro).
Scenario Recommendations:
- Student/media consumer? M52 (bigger battery, better display).
- Multitasker/light gamer? Nord CE (faster charging, more RAM).
Final Choice: Samsung Galaxy M52 5G
While the Nord CE 5G has better charging speeds and Bluetooth audio, the M52’s superior performance, 120Hz display, larger battery, and better selfie camera make it the more balanced choice for most users. If you’re a gamer, media lover, or camera enthusiast, the M52 is the clear winner. The Nord CE is best if fast charging and RAM are critical for you.
My pick? Samsung Galaxy M52 5G—it’s the better all-rounder. 🚀
