Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | Motorola is slightly taller, narrower, and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand. Samsung is slightly wider, making for a bigger footprint. |
| Weight | 189g | 170g | Motorola is 19g lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 5 (screen) | Gorilla Glass 3 (screen) | Samsung offers slightly better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Virtually identical screen size; negligible difference for everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 399 PPI | Similar sharpness; difficult to perceive a difference in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not specified; cannot be compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6nm) | MediaTek chipset is newer, leading to better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 522,375 | Motorola is significantly faster in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Different GPUs mean performance differences in graphics-intensive applications, Motorola has the edge here. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Samsung has higher resolution, Motorola has a larger sensor and pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.7µm | Samsung's wider aperture (f/2.2) allows more light, potentially better selfies in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm | Motorola has a much wider aperture (f/1.5) for better wide-angle low-light photos. |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", 0.9µm | Motorola has much higher resolution for macro shots, capturing more detail. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video capabilities with electronic image stabilization on both. |
| Features | OIS, EIS, 4K video, quad camera | OIS, EIS, triple camera | Samsung has a dedicated macro camera and portrait camera, while Motorola features a wider aperture wide-angle camera |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola has a larger battery, potentially lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Motorola's faster charging allows for quicker top-ups. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | 15W wireless, 5W reverse charging, non-removable | Motorola offers more versatile charging features including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Samsung offers a newer maximum OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Motorola supports newer Wi-Fi standard for faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Motorola has a slightly newer Bluetooth version for potentially better range and power efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Motorola offers eSIM support for greater flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer similar memory options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, a drawback for users needing lots of storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Motorola offers stereo speakers and better microphone setup for a more immersive audio experience, clearer calls, and better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Motorola has a more comprehensive sensor set, particularly for motion and environment tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset offers significantly higher benchmark scores and real-world performance compared to the Snapdragon 750G. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery and 30W fast charging allow for longer usage and quicker top-ups, a practical advantage for daily use.
- More Versatile Charging: 15W wireless and 5W reverse charging offer more convenient charging options.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and a triple microphone setup offer enhanced audio quality for media consumption and calls.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 provides faster and more reliable wireless connections, important for streaming and online gaming.
- Better Wide Angle Camera: The wide-angle aperture is much better at low light.
- Better Macro Camera: The macro camera has much higher resolution.
- eSIM Support: eSIM support offers flexibility for managing multiple phone numbers or travel SIMs, an advantage for those who need it.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: The dedicated depth sensor provides better portrait shots for users who take many portraits.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers slightly better scratch resistance compared to the Motorola's Gorilla Glass 3.
- More Recent Software Update: The Samsung has a more recent Android update compared to the Motorola.
- Additional Camera features: The Samsung has a dedicated macro camera and portrait camera, along with Ultra stable video, and night mode.
- Additional Bluetooth Features: Additional Bluetooth capabilities can prove useful for some users.
Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge sacrifices a dedicated depth camera sensor, which the Galaxy A52 5G offers.
- The Samsung has an older chipset, meaning lower performance for demanding tasks.
- The Motorola has a slightly larger screen and may not be as comfortable for those with smaller hands.
- Neither phone offers expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera setup, including a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode and a variety of camera features.
- General Users: Those who prioritize overall balance in a smartphone and seek an experience that provides a good camera and decent display.
- Users Who Value More Software Updates: Users who prefer to have the most up to date OS updates.
- Users Who Value Bluetooth Features: Some specific users may find the added bluetooth features of the Samsung to be more useful.
Use Cases:
- Daily photography, especially portrait mode.
- Social media browsing, and content consumption.
- General use of a phone.
Motorola Edge (2022) Ideal User:
- Power Users: Users who need smooth and responsive performance, with a focus on gaming, multitasking, and app performance.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who prioritize high-quality audio and video for consuming media on the go.
- Travelers: Those who value the versatility of eSIM, fast charging, and reliable Wi-Fi connections.
- Users who prioritize a better low-light camera: Users who prefer great low light photos with their wide-angle camera.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Frequent video and music streaming.
- Travel requiring eSIM and reliable connectivity.
- Low light photography
Price-to-Value:
The Motorola Edge (2022) offers a clear advantage in performance and battery, and is the better choice for those who value those characteristics, assuming the price difference is not significant.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is peak performance? If heavy gaming and multitasking are key, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear winner.
- How much does battery life matter? If extended battery life and more versatile charging options are important, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the better choice.
- What is the budget constraint? If the price difference is negligible, the Motorola Edge 2022 offers more value.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user focused on a general good experience and takes a lot of portraits: The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a good, general user experience and a more versatile camera setup with a depth sensor for portraits.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or power user: The Motorola Edge (2022) is the preferred option due to its significantly better performance and battery life.
- Scenario 3: Frequent traveler: The Motorola Edge (2022)'s eSIM support, faster charging, and superior Wi-Fi offer more flexibility and convenience on the go.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Motorola Edge (2022). The significantly better performance, larger battery with faster charging, and superior audio features are more important to me than having a dedicated depth camera. While I appreciate the Samsung's slightly better build and better max OS, the Motorola offers a more modern and powerful experience in nearly all aspects that I value. The slightly better wide angle camera and macro camera are the tipping points for me. The price difference should not be significant.
