1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Moto G35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2024-09-25 | Motorola is significantly newer, likely with more recent software and potentially better long-term support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 166.3 × 76 × 7.8 mm | Motorola is taller and thinner; Samsung is more compact. |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Motorola offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp visuals; good for detailed images and text. |
| PPI | 407 | 392 | Both offer similar clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung provides more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast; better viewing experience in general. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Motorola has much higher outdoor visibility, making it more suitable for use in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Unisoc T760 (6 nm) | Motorola's chipset is newer and slightly more powerful, likely with improved efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 423,297 | Motorola has a slight edge in performance, better for gaming and intensive apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 | Different GPUs, impacting graphic performance. Specific performance will vary with application use. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Samsung captures more detailed images due to a higher-resolution and larger sensor; better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.45, | Samsung captures more detailed selfies with better low-light capabilities due to a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | 8MP, f/2.2, | Samsung captures wider scenes with more detail, suitable for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4, | None | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, | None | Samsung offers a dedicated camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K recording for high quality videos. Samsung has stabilization; Motorola doesn't for all options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola offers longer battery life, suitable for heavy users or long days away from a charger. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | Samsung charges faster, ideal for quick top-ups. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | Samsung has additional fast charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Motorola has the latest OS out of the box. Samsung is also able to update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar Wi-Fi support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+) | 5.0 (LE, A2DP, SBC, AAC) | Samsung has more Bluetooth features (ANT+ for fitness). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Motorola has better location accuracy due to QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola offers eSIM support for flexible carrier options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage configurations. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/8GB | Samsung has a slightly higher base RAM option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choose the storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Motorola provides better audio with stereo speakers and dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Motorola has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung is more resistant to scratches and drops due to higher quality glass protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola has an additional compass sensor; Samsung has hall and geomagnetic. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel offers significantly better contrast, color vibrancy, and deeper blacks, resulting in a more enjoyable visual experience.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution and larger sensor result in more detailed photos and better low-light performance.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for clearer, brighter selfies.
- Additional Cameras: Includes dedicated depth and macro lenses for enhanced portrait and close-up shots.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Better Screen Protection: Uses a higher grade of Gorilla Glass, offering more robust protection against scratches and drops.
- More Bluetooth Features: Supports ANT+ for fitness tracking.
- More Sensor Features: Has more sensors including hall and geomagnetic sensors.
- Digital image stabilization (OIS): Provides better stability during video recording, reducing blur.
Motorola Moto G35 Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched much later, likely providing a more modern software experience and potential for longer software support.
- Larger Display: Slightly larger screen is better for media consumption and multitasking.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly brighter screen makes it much more usable under direct sunlight.
- Better Performance: Slightly better benchmark scores indicate more power for demanding apps and gaming.
- Larger Battery: Offers longer battery life, ideal for users who need their phone to last all day.
- Latest Android OS: Ships with Android 14 out-of-the-box.
- Stereo Speakers and Dual Microphones: Better audio performance.
- More GPS systems: More accurate location due to additional QZSS.
- eSIM Support: Ability to use digital SIM cards for flexible carrier options.
- Side mounted fingerprint sensor: Offers a more practical and faster unlock experience.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung has an excellent display and camera setup but is older and has a smaller battery.
- The Motorola has longer battery life and better outdoor visibility, but sacrifices display quality and camera capabilities compared to the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing photos, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with detailed photos, good selfies, and a range of specialized shooting modes.
- Power Users: Who require fast charging for quick battery top-ups.
Gamers: The higher-grade screen offers an immersive experience when playing games.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and TV shows on the go.
- Taking high-quality photos for social media or personal use.
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- General daily use with a focus on visual experience.
Motorola Moto G35 is ideal for:
- Frequent Travelers: Users who need long-lasting battery life and reliable GPS for navigation.
- Outdoor Users: People who need a bright screen that is visible in direct sunlight.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a newer device with decent performance and battery life without breaking the bank.
Users that value practicality : Good battery, good screen, practical fingerprint location, and more convenient OS out-of-the-box.
Use Cases:
- Navigating with GPS, maps while travelling.
- Extended outdoor use without access to a charger.
- Daily tasks, browsing, and social media.
- Users looking for a practical phone without needing to worry about battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality (color, contrast)?
- If extremely important: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G (AMOLED).
- If less important but brightness is: Motorola Moto G35 (IPS LCD with 1000 nits).
- Do you prioritize camera quality or battery life?
- If camera quality is the priority: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
- If long battery life is the priority: Motorola Moto G35.
- How important is having a new device and the latest Android OS out of the box?
- If having the latest OS and a newer phone: Motorola Moto G35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption & Photography): If you are someone who mainly uses their phone for watching videos, editing photos and playing games, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the superior choice because of the better AMOLED display and versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2 (Outdoor Use & Long Battery Life): If you need a device for all-day use and outdoor visibility, with a good GPS functionality, the Motorola Moto G35 is better suited due to its longer battery life and higher display brightness.
- Scenario 3 (Value and practical use): If you are looking for a newer device with a good, practical user experience and a good performance at an affordable price, then the Motorola Moto G35 is better suited.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, despite its older launch date. My reasoning is as follows:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display is a significant advantage for my personal use cases, which involve a lot of media consumption and browsing. The vibrancy, contrast, and deep blacks make the viewing experience far more enjoyable than an IPS LCD screen.
- Camera Versatility: I value a good camera setup and the Samsung's main camera, along with the dedicated macro and depth sensors provides more flexibility in my photography.
- Practical Considerations: While the Motorola has a larger battery and brighter screen, I am generally within reach of a charger, and while a brighter screen is useful, I am not spending all my time in direct sunlight. I would rather have the AMOLED display quality.
While the Motorola Moto G35 is a compelling device with several advantages, especially in the battery and OS department, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G aligns more with my personal preferences and usage patterns. However, I also acknowledge that if I was someone who was frequently in an environment where a brighter screen or a longer lasting battery was a high priority, the Motorola G35 would be the better option.
