Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Huawei nova Y90
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.3 x 74.7 x 8.4 mm | Huawei nova Y90 is slightly taller but shares similar width and thickness. The difference is likely noticeable but not drastically affecting portability |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is slightly lighter, which could be preferable for users with a preference for lighter devices. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Huawei nova Y90 offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Practically identical sharpness. Differences will be difficult to notice to the human eye. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 391 PPI | Both displays are sharp and clear, with minimal difference in pixel density noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A52 5G's AMOLED panel offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, better for media and content consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung A52 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides a smoother scrolling and animation experience, especially noticeable in gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No brightness information available, so no practical impact can be assessed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Samsung A52 5G's 750G chipset is significantly more powerful, offering better performance in gaming and multitasking, as well as 5G connectivity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 249,000 | Samsung A52 5G provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior performance for gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Samsung A52 5G's Adreno 619 offers superior graphics performance in gaming, better than Huawei's Adreno 610. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Huawei nova Y90 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, especially beneficial for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | Huawei nova Y90 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and providing faster refills. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable | Samsung A52 5G has additional charging technology support (QC2.0 and AFC). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.7µm | Samsung A52 5G captures higher resolution images and has bigger sensor, and bigger pixels which can be beneficial in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A52 5G has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera, resulting in more detailed self-portraits; but a slightly slower aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | Not Available | Samsung A52 5G includes a wide-angle lens, allowing for more versatile shots and group photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Available | Samsung A52 5G includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects, offering background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Available | Samsung A52 5G has a macro lens which allows for detailed close-up shots, which is ideal for capturing details of small subjects. |
| Secondary Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 has an extra sensor for specific functionalities, without it being explicitly specified. |
| Tertiary Camera | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Huawei nova Y90 has an extra sensor for specific functionalities, without it being explicitly specified. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A52 5G allows for 4K video recording and offers EIS for smoother videos. Huawei nova Y90 video capabilities are more basic. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Samsung A52 5G has video stabilization capabilities. |
| Slow Motion | Yes, 120fps | No, 30fps | Samsung A52 5G allows for higher frame rate slow motion video, resulting in smoother and clearer slow-motion effects. Huawei's slow-motion is not very effective. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android (version not specified) | Samsung A52 5G benefits from a known Android version and future updates, while Huawei’s OS info is not available. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both support similar WiFi standards, providing similar wireless performance in terms of signal strength and speed. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR | Samsung A52 5G has extra Bluetooth functionalities. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Huawei nova Y90 includes support for QZSS, offering potentially more accurate location tracking and navigation, especially in Asia. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones offer dual-SIM capabilities, allowing users to use two SIMs at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | Samsung A52 5G has a 256GB storage option for users with larger storage needs, while Huawei only offers 128GB. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations, which can provide more flexibility in multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, meaning that the user must choose the correct configuration from the outset. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic | Samsung A52 5G provides a better audio experience, beneficial for audio listening and media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei nova Y90 features a more modern fingerprint sensor placement which may be more convenient for certain users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A52 5G has better screen protection, enhancing durability and preventing screen damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung A52 5G includes Gyroscope and Hall and geomagnetic sensors which provide functionalities, like better motion tracking. Huawei nova Y90 includes compass, gravity and an ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate provides significantly better visual experience with vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and smoother animations.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset provides notably higher performance, making it better for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness, as well as 5G connectivity.
- Better Camera System: Offers higher resolution main and selfie cameras, a dedicated wide-angle lens, macro lens and depth sensors, and 4K video recording with EIS and 120fps slow-motion.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus support for superior audio quality.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection is a better option.
- More Storage Options: 256GB storage option and better connectivity features.
- More Reliable Software: Android 11 with future updates to 14.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides better battery life for extended usage.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging enables much quicker battery refills.
- More modern Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor which some users may find more practical.
- QZSS GPS Support: More accurate location tracking, especially in Asia.
- Newer device: Launched 4 months after the A52 5G.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G sacrifices battery size and charging speed for performance and camera quality.
- Huawei nova Y90 gives up performance, camera and screen quality for a better battery and charging speed.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption (Netflix, YouTube).
- Gamers who require smooth performance and graphical capabilities.
- Photography enthusiasts who want high-resolution images and versatile camera features.
- Users looking for a well-rounded experience with better software support.
- Users who want 5G connectivity.
- Users who appreciate a better build quality and audio.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming: Fast performance and smooth animations are beneficial for competitive gaming.
- Media consumption: Superior display quality enhances the viewing experience.
- Social media content creation: Higher resolution cameras and video quality allows better content creation.
- Daily driver: Offers a balance of performance, features, and software support.
Huawei nova Y90 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Users on a tighter budget who need an affordable phone with good general performance.
- Users who don't need high-end camera features or performance.
- Users with limited storage needs or who rely on cloud storage.
- Users who prioritize good location tracking, especially in Asia.
- Users who prefer a more modern fingerprint sensor on the side.
Use Cases:
- Heavy daily usage: Extended battery life means less need for frequent charging throughout the day.
- Basic photography: The camera is decent for everyday photos, but less capable for advanced photography or videography.
- Travel: Longer battery life and fast charging can be beneficial during travels.
- Practical usage: Good for everyday usage, calling and browsing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (Do you need the vibrancy of AMOLED and smooth 120Hz refresh?)
- How important is performance and camera quality? (Do you need strong processing power and advanced photography features?)
- How important is battery life and fast charging? (Do you prioritize battery over other features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the mobile gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its superior performance, higher refresh rate, and better display.
- For the content creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its better camera system and 4K video recording.
- For the power user needing long battery life: Choose the Huawei nova Y90 for its significantly larger battery and faster charging.
- For a user on a budget: Choose the Huawei nova Y90 due to its lower cost, with sacrifices in other categories.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the Huawei nova Y90 offers longer battery life and faster charging, the A52 5G provides a superior overall experience in the areas that matter most to me: the display quality with its AMOLED panel and 120Hz refresh rate, its powerful performance with the Snapdragon 750G and Adreno 619, and a more versatile camera system, and it also provides a better build with better screen protection. While the battery is smaller, I can manage with 25W fast charging. The combination of excellent visuals, a capable camera, and smoother performance for gaming and general usage makes the A52 5G the more compelling choice for my typical usage patterns.
