Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Asus Zenfone 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.4 mm | Zenfone 10 is significantly more compact, easier to handle with one hand and more pocketable. A52 5G is taller and wider. |
| Weight | 189g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 5.92" | A52 5G offers a larger screen for media consumption and more immersive experience. Zenfone 10 is smaller, more convenient for one-handed operation. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same crispness. |
| Pixel Density | 407 ppi | 445 ppi | Zenfone 10 has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 has vastly better outdoor visibility in bright conditions, whereas the brightness of A52 5G is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4nm) | Zenfone 10 has significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and more demanding gaming capabilities. A52 5G is noticeably slower, may experience lag in resource-intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 is much faster in performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | Zenfone 10 has a much more powerful GPU, resulting in significantly better graphics in gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A52 5G captures slightly higher resolution photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | A52 5G captures slightly more light in low-light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.56" | Zenfone 10 captures more light and detail due to larger sensor size. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | Sony IMX766 | Different sensors with varying capabilities. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Zenfone 10 offers bigger pixel size, better for low light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 32MP | Both have identical selfie camera resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.5 | A52 5G selfie camera is slightly better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/3.2" | A52 5G selfie camera has a slightly bigger sensor |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX616 | Omnivision OV32C | Different sensors with varying capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | A52 5G offers slightly bigger pixels on selfie camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP | Not Available | A52 5G offers ultrawide photos |
| Portrait Mode (depth) Lens | 5MP | Not Available | A52 5G offers dedicated portrait depth data. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | Not Available | A52 5G offers macro photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 13MP | Zenfone 10 combines ultrawide and macro functionality into a single lens. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS | Zenfone 10 supports much higher video resolution (8K) and HDR recording for higher-quality videos. |
| Slow Motion Video | 120fps | 480fps | Zenfone 10 supports better slow-motion video capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | A52 5G has a slightly larger battery; however, the practical impact will also depend on how the respective devices use their battery resources |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Zenfone 10 charges slightly faster. |
| Battery Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse wired charging, Non-removable | Zenfone 10 offers wireless charging and reverse wired charging, while A52 5G supports QC2.0 and AFC. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 ships with a more recent OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Zenfone 10 offers faster and more reliable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Zenfone 10 has a newer bluetooth version with better power efficiency and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 10 supports many more satellite systems for greater accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Both offer Dual SIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB | Zenfone 10 provides higher storage option. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 8GB or 16GB | Zenfone 10 offers more RAM for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Zenfone 10 offers a more premium audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 has a more conveniently located fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Zenfone 10 has a more comprehensive set of sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.5" display is better for media consumption, gaming, and anyone who prefers a bigger screen.
- Slightly larger Battery: 4500mAh might offer marginal benefits in longevity compared to the Zenfone 10 in some use scenarios.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: It includes a dedicated wide-angle, macro, and portrait lens, providing versatility in photography.
- Quadruple camera: More camera options
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides a vastly superior user experience in terms of app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 1100 nits display brightness ensures great visibility even under direct sunlight.
- Faster Refresh Rate: 144Hz display offers smoother animations than the 120Hz display of A52 5G
- Superior Video Recording: 8K recording provides high-quality video output for professional content creators, along with HDR support.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The Zenfone 10 supports 30W fast charging and 15W wireless charging for convenient power replenishment.
- Better Audio Quality: The Zenfone 10 offers Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers and noise cancelling microphones for better quality audio experience
- More Storage & RAM Options: Offers up to 512 GB storage and 16GB RAM for power users.
- More Up to Date Software: Ships with Android 13 compared to Android 11 on the A52 5G, it also has a higher upgrade path.
- Compact Design: Its smaller size and lighter weight makes it much more pocketable and easier for single hand use.
- Superior screen protection: Gorilla Glass Victus is much tougher than Gorilla Glass 5
- Advanced Sensors: Zenfone 10 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, including a compass for advanced location based apps and games.
- Better connectivity: The latest bluetooth and WiFi versions allow for faster more stable connectivity.
- Gimbal & PDAF: Better camera features for image stabilization and focusing.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers more camera versatility through its dedicated lenses, but the Zenfone 10 has a superior main sensor that performs better in low light.
- The Galaxy A52 5G has a larger display for media consumption but the Zenfone 10 is more compact, and therefore easier to carry around.
- The A52 5G comes with slightly larger battery but the difference may not be significant in real life use, with the Zenfone 10 offering faster charging and wireless charging features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a larger display for media consumption, casual gaming and everyday use.
- Those who desire a versatile camera system with dedicated ultrawide, macro, and portrait lenses.
- Users who prefer larger devices, but not too heavy.
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over raw performance, although this phone is older and not available new, it can be found in used markets.
- Users who do not use their phone heavily.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows.
- Casual social media browsing.
- Basic mobile gaming.
- Casual photography with a variety of lenses.
Asus Zenfone 10 Ideal User:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and running demanding apps.
- Users who need a high-quality camera with impressive low-light capabilities and 8K video.
- Users who prefer a compact and pocketable device without sacrificing performance.
- Users who value wireless charging and the latest connectivity standards.
- Users who appreciate superior audio and a more up to date operating system.
- Users who spend a lot of time outdoors and require a brighter display.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming and emulation.
- Video production and content creation.
- Extensive multitasking.
- Reliable performance in demanding professional and personal scenarios.
- Everyday use with long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and future-proofing, or is a larger display with more versatile cameras more important?
- Is compact size and one-handed use a priority, or do you prefer a bigger screen for media consumption?
- Are advanced features like wireless charging, superior audio, and faster connectivity crucial, or can you live without them?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Performance is King: If you're a power user or mobile gamer who needs the best performance, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the clear choice, offering top-tier processing, superior graphics, faster charging and better audio.
Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Photography on a Budget: If you watch lots of videos, prefer a larger display and want a more versatile set of cameras, and budget is a concern, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better value.
Scenario 3: Compact Powerhouse: If you want a small phone that still packs flagship-level performance, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the ideal choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 10. The raw performance increase with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the significantly better display with higher brightness and refresh rate, superior audio capabilities, and the inclusion of faster charging, wireless charging, superior video quality, compact design, more RAM and storage, and the latest connectivity standards make it a much more compelling option.
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a slightly larger display and versatile camera setup, the Zenfone 10's enhancements are far more substantial and provide a better user experience across the board. The Zenfone 10 is much more suitable for demanding use cases, is more feature packed and up to date with modern standards and technologies and would be my preference.
