1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Huawei Mate 50 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.1 × 75.5 × 8.5 mm | Huawei is slightly taller and wider, might feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 205g | Samsung is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Huawei offers slightly more screen real estate for media and productivity. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1212x2616 | Huawei has sharper visuals with more detail, better for reading and viewing high-res content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 428 | Huawei provides slightly crisper images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar high-quality displays with deep blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare, both peak at 0 nits |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Huawei offers significantly faster processing, better for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,022,043 | Huawei provides drastically better performance, smoother app launching, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Huawei has significantly better graphics for smoother gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4700mAh | Huawei's slightly larger battery may provide a bit more usage time. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging, 50W Wireless Charging | Huawei charges much faster, both wired and wirelessly. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC. | Reverse charging, Non-removable, 50W wireless charging, 7.5W wireless reverse charging | Huawei provides more convenient charging options, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Samsung has higher resolution, may result in slightly more detailed photos in ideal lighting |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.4 | Huawei performs better in low light, allowing more light to reach the sensor. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.56" | Huawei has a slightly larger sensor, better light capture, better image quality in low light. |
| Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Huawei’s larger pixels capture more light, leading to better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 32MP | 13MP | Samsung captures more detailed selfies in good lighting. |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung has slightly better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP f/3.5 | Huawei provides optical zoom capabilities for closer shots without quality loss. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.2 | Similar wide-angle capabilities, slight difference in resolution |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung can take depth-sensing photos, creating bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung can take close-up shots of small objects. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS and advanced slow motion modes | Huawei has more video features, including HDR and advanced slow motion recording |
| DxOMark | N/A | Mobile (149), Selfie (145) | Huawei camera is highly rated for both photos and videos. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, EIS, etc. | Triple camera, OIS, EIS, Laser AF, etc. | Huawei has advanced autofocus and more camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Unknown | Samsung offers a clearer upgrade path and features Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Huawei offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.2 | Huawei has a more modern and efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Huawei has a more comprehensive set of satellite positioning systems for better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/512GB | Huawei offers more storage capacity for media and apps |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | Huawei consistently offers better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expandable storage options for either phone |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers | Samsung offers better quality audio experience with Dolby features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both devices offer similar fingerprint based security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung offers superior screen protection against scratches and damages. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Huawei has more sensors, including a barometer for additional environmental readings |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Confirmed Android OS & Updates: Clear upgrade path and familiar OS experience.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Enhanced audio with better spatial sound.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Lenses: More versatile camera system with additional shooting modes.
- Known Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides superior screen protection.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper and more detailed display.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and much faster charging.
- Advanced Camera: Better low-light performance, more versatile video, and telephoto zoom.
- More Comprehensive GPS: Better accuracy with multiple satellite systems.
- More Storage: Offers up to 512GB of storage
- Modern Connectivity: Includes Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A52 5G: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for a lighter, more affordable device with broader feature range (portrait, macro lenses)
- Huawei Mate 50 Pro: Lacks a dedicated portrait or macro lens and has no announced max android version.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Everyday users who prioritize affordability, comfort, and a versatile camera system.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, social media browsing, media consumption, everyday tasks, and users who are comfortable with older chipset technology
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for the price with its balanced feature set.
Huawei Mate 50 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, camera quality, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography, video recording, productivity tasks, and users who desire the highest technical specifications
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with flagship performance, camera, and battery capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Casual user vs. power user)
- How important is battery life and charging speed? (Priority for fast charging or longer lasting device)
- Do you prefer camera versatility or high-end performance? (Priority for different use cases)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you are a casual user seeking a reliable phone for everyday tasks and some photography, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Power User with Demanding Tasks: If you need top-tier performance, a high-end camera, and fast charging, and you prioritize performance above budget, the Huawei Mate 50 Pro is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you value versatile photography including macro and portrait and don't require flagship level performance, the Samsung A52 may be a better choice. If you prefer higher image quality with zoom and low light, the Mate 50 Pro would be better.
What I would choose and why!
Given the detailed comparison, I would personally choose the Huawei Mate 50 Pro. Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As a tech enthusiast and power user, the significantly superior performance of the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 is a major draw. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a better gaming experience.
- Camera Quality: The Mate 50 Pro's camera excels in low light and offers a dedicated telephoto lens, which aligns with my photography interests. The higher DxOMark scores also confirm its superior imaging capabilities.
- Charging Speed and Battery: The 66W fast charging and 50W wireless charging are incredibly convenient for my fast-paced lifestyle. The slightly larger battery is also a plus.
- Modern Connectivity: The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures future-proofing and better performance in network-heavy environments.
- Acceptable Trade-offs: While the lack of a dedicated macro and portrait lens is noticeable, the overall gains in performance, camera quality, and battery capabilities outweigh these limitations for my personal use.
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a solid phone for everyday users, the Mate 50 Pro simply offers a more compelling experience for those who prioritize performance and cutting-edge technology. The lack of a guaranteed Android update is concerning, but the technical advancements make the Mate 50 Pro my preferred choice.
