Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Motorola Edge 30 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2022-03-04 | Motorola is newer, potentially longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm | Motorola is slightly larger and thicker, may feel less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | Samsung is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Motorola offers slightly more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer a sharp Full HD+ viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 393 PPI | Both offer very similar sharpness, differences are negligible |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not provided for either phone - could impact outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Motorola offers significantly faster performance, better for gaming and heavy tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,061,400 | Motorola will feel much faster and more responsive in daily use. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Motorola offers superior graphics processing, especially for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | Motorola has larger pixels for better low-light performance. Samsung has higher megapixel count, but image processing matters more. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.61µm | Motorola has higher resolution but smaller pixels; final image quality depends on post processing. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 50MP Wide Angle + Macro, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Motorola offers a wide angle camera with macro capability. Samsung has dedicated wide and macro lenses. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung offers potentially better depth effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not a dedicated lens, integrated with the wide angle. | Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@30fps with EIS | Motorola captures higher resolution video and provides more advanced slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 101 Mobile (107 Photo, 102 Video) | Motorola has a tested good camera overall. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | Motorola has a slightly larger battery that might translate to slightly longer runtime. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 68W Fast Charging | Motorola charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Wireless Charging | No | 15W | Motorola offers convenient wireless charging option. |
| Reverse Charging | No | 5W | Motorola can act as a portable power bank for small devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Samsung has more guaranteed OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Motorola offers faster and more efficient WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Motorola supports a newer version of Bluetooth with better audio codec support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Motorola offers up to 512GB storage. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Motorola offers more RAM, especially beneficial for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports external storage via SD Card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Motorola has better audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-Mounted | Motorola offers more convenient placement and faster access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung has better scratch protection for the screen. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Potentially longer software support: Offers more promised Android OS updates which can be very important for long term use.
- Better screen protection: Gorilla Glass 5 offers superior scratch resistance.
- More camera lenses: Dedicated macro and depth sensors compared to Motorola's integrated approach.
Practical Implications: The A52 5G might appeal to users who value long-term software support, enhanced screen protection, and dedicated camera sensors even though its performance is not as good.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro Advantages:
- Superior performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly faster processing power.
- Higher refresh rate: 144Hz display provides smoother visuals.
- Faster charging: 68W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Wireless charging and reverse charging: Greater convenience for users with multiple devices.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Up to 12GB RAM and 512GB storage are great for power users.
- More advanced audio: Stereo speakers for better audio quality
- Newer connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster data transfer.
Practical Implications: The Edge 30 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize speed, smoother visuals, fast charging, better overall audio and advanced connectivity.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Motorola Edge 30 Pro sacrifices some screen protection with Gorilla Glass 3.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G sacrifices performance and battery features for better screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a reliable phone with a good display and camera, with software longevity.
- Casual users: Primarily use their phones for social media, web browsing, and casual photography.
- Users who value long term software updates.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and content consumption.
- Casual photography with the dedicated lenses.
- General productivity tasks like email, messaging and light document editing.
Ideal User for Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Performance enthusiasts: Gamers, power users, and those who demand fast and responsive experiences.
- Users who consume a lot of media: Those who appreciate smooth visuals and good audio quality.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who need to charge their phones quickly.
Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming and resource-intensive apps.
- High-quality video playback and consumption.
- Multitasking with many apps open simultaneously.
- Photography and videography using its powerful main camera and 8K recording.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is typically priced lower and offers a good value proposition for budget-conscious consumers who are not focused on performance.
- The Motorola Edge 30 Pro offers significantly better performance and features but comes at a higher price point. It offers better price-to-performance ratio for demanding users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance? Do you need top-tier speed, or is a decent everyday experience sufficient?
- How much do you care about advanced features like wireless charging and fast charging?
- Do you prioritize dedicated camera lenses, or is overall image quality more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If budget is the main concern and you value reliable performance, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a great option.
- Power Users: If you are a gamer or power user who needs the best possible performance, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is the better choice.
- Balanced Use: If you need solid performance with a good screen, the Samsung might be okay. The Motorola is still the better performer.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Motorola Edge 30 Pro.
My Reasoning:
While both phones have their strengths, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro simply offers a more compelling package for my personal needs and preferences. Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset offers a drastic performance difference over the Snapdragon 750G. This is crucial for smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more enjoyable experience when playing demanding games. I value responsiveness and speed, and the Motorola clearly wins here.
- Faster Charging: 68W fast charging is a significant upgrade over the A52 5G's 25W charging. I hate waiting for my phone to charge, and the Edge 30 Pro can top up much faster, which is a big convenience for me. Additionally, the presence of 15W wireless charging adds an extra layer of convenience for charging at home or in the office.
- Enhanced Display and Audio: While both phones have good displays, the 144Hz refresh rate on the Edge 30 Pro provides a noticeably smoother user experience. The addition of stereo speakers also improves the audio quality for media consumption and music playback.
- Better Overall Camera Experience: Although the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a higher megapixel main camera, the Edge 30 Pro's sensor with bigger pixels and the tested DXOMark scores suggest that it will perform better in real-world scenarios, especially in lower light. The 8K video recording and high frame rate slow-motion are additional benefits for capturing moments.
- More RAM and Storage: I find 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage to be restrictive in many cases, so I like the Edge 30 Pro's flexibility in RAM and storage. I like knowing that if needed, there is an option to buy a variant with more storage.
- Modern connectivity and security: The newer Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and side-mounted fingerprint sensor of the Edge 30 Pro offer a more modern and refined user experience than the A52 5G, ensuring that I can stay connected and use my phone conveniently.
The slight reduction in screen scratch resistance (Gorilla Glass 3 vs Gorilla Glass 5) is a trade-off I'm willing to make for the overall benefits of the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. Ultimately, I prioritize performance, speed, and overall convenience. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a capable phone, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro better caters to my use cases and needs as someone who wants a very performant and modern smartphone.
