Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | Huawei nova 8i is slightly taller; similar overall size and feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Virtually identical weight; both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Huawei nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, a minor difference for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2376 | Both offer sharp images; negligible real-world difference. |
| PPI | 407 | 391 | Similar pixel densities; both screens appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A52 5G offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Samsung A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, noticeably better experience for gamers and content scrollers. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is missing; cannot assess real-world impact on outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Samsung A52 5G offers superior performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 201,000 | Samsung A52 5G is significantly faster; smoother app loading, better game performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Samsung A52 5G's GPU will handle graphically intense games better. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" Sony IMX682 | 64MP, f/1.9 | Samsung A52 5G's slightly wider aperture could mean slightly better low-light performance and larger sensor size should also improve low-light and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A52 5G offers higher-resolution selfies with a smaller sensor size, but Huawei nova 8i has a wider aperture which might make a slight difference in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3L6 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung A52 5G provides higher-resolution ultra-wide shots, resulting in more detailed photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A52 5G should offer better bokeh effects thanks to higher resolution. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A52 5G takes higher-resolution close-up images with more detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p@60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A52 5G offers 4K recording, suitable for capturing higher-quality videos, both have electronic image stabilization for smoother video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K video, Manual Mode, Night Mode, Ultra stable video | PDAF, Continuous shooting | Samsung A52 5G has more features beneficial for serious photography such as OIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4300mAh | Samsung A52 5G offers a slightly larger battery, which may lead to marginally longer use time. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei nova 8i charges much faster; convenient for users with little downtime to charge. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None Listed | Samsung A52 5G has additional charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 10 | Samsung A52 5G runs a newer version of Android and will receive further updates to ensure software is up-to-date for longer. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | Samsung A52 5G offers higher storage option; more room for files and apps. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB | Samsung A52 5G offers up to 8 GB of RAM; better multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 mics | Huawei nova 8i has slightly better audio capture due to having dedicated microphones and noise cancellation. Samsung A52 5G benefits from wider audio immersion due to Dolby technology. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Huawei nova 8i offers a faster and more convenient fingerprint unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A52 5G has superior scratch and damage resistance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate offers a much better viewing experience with smoother animations, deeper blacks, and vibrant colors.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides significantly faster performance in daily use, gaming, and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Camera System: Offers better image and video recording capabilities across all lenses (main, ultrawide, selfie, macro, depth), including 4K video.
- More RAM & Storage: Options for higher RAM and storage configuration provide more room and smooth multitasking.
- Software Support: Runs a newer version of Android (11), and will receive updates to ensure software is up-to-date for longer.
- Screen protection: Has better protection through the use of Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging is a significant advantage, providing much faster charging speeds.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and possibly faster than basic fingerprint sensor.
- Audio: Has better audio capture due to having dedicated microphones and noise cancellation, and stereo speakers.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G trades faster charging for an overall better user experience in display, performance, and camera quality.
- The Huawei nova 8i trades higher performance, image quality and software support for faster charging, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and good audio quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is ideal for:
- Users who value visual experience: Those who watch videos, play games, or browse social media frequently will appreciate the smooth 120Hz AMOLED display.
- Gamers: The superior chipset and GPU will handle demanding games much better.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions, and require Optical Image Stabilisation for crisp photos and smooth video.
- Power users: Those who multi-task and require smooth performance will benefit from the better processor and extra RAM available.
- Users wanting long-term support: Those who want to stay up-to-date with Android updates.
Huawei nova 8i is ideal for:
- Users who need quick charging: If you often find yourself with low battery and limited time, the 66W fast charging is a game-changer.
- Users who dislike rear fingerprint sensors: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is faster and can be more convenient for some.
- Audio focused: User who prefer slightly better audio capture and audio separation.
- Budget-conscious consumers: If price is a primary concern and you can accept compromises in performance and display quality, the Nova 8i can still be a good value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? If vibrant colors and smooth animations are crucial, the Samsung A52 5G's AMOLED 120Hz display is superior.
- How often do you need to quickly charge your phone? If you're often on the go, the Huawei nova 8i's 66W fast charging could be a significant convenience.
- How important is gaming and performance? The Samsung A52 5G is noticeably faster in performance and more suitable for gaming.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer and content consumer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its superior display and processing power.
- Scenario 2: You value convenience and fast charging above all else: Choose the Huawei nova 8i for its significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 3: You want the best possible camera system: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for it's superior OIS, higher resolutions across all camera lenses and 4k video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: You want the most balanced device within these two options: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for it's balanced and overall better user experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
While the faster charging on the Huawei nova 8i is appealing, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a significantly better overall user experience that aligns with my priorities. The AMOLED 120Hz display is a huge upgrade, providing a more enjoyable visual experience. The stronger performance from the Snapdragon 750G makes the phone smoother for gaming and daily use, making it more suitable for power users. Additionally, the better camera system with OIS and 4K recording capabilities would be a more versatile and enjoyable tool to use. While the Huawei Nova 8i offers excellent value, the improvements in display, performance and camera make the Samsung A52 5G worth the extra investment.
