1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Moto G85 is slightly taller and thinner, while A52 5G is wider and thicker. The Moto G85 is more pocketable and comfortable. |
| Weight | 189g | 171g | Moto G85 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Moto G85 has a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have identical resolutions. Sharpness will be very similar. |
| PPI | 407 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density, resulting in comparable clarity and sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. The differences are not significant for the average user. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience and better gaming performance. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 has significantly higher peak brightness, making it much more readable under bright sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Moto G85 has a newer, more efficient chipset which may translate to better performance and battery life. |
| Antutu Score | 384,853 | 475,000 | Moto G85 benchmarks higher, suggesting better overall performance for apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 | Both have similar graphics processing capabilities for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A52 5G captures slightly more detailed images in good lighting conditions. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Moto G85 captures slightly brighter images in low-light environments. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | A52 5G has a larger sensor, which generally translates to better light gathering and image quality |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 32MP | Both offer similar selfie detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | A52 5G has a slightly wider aperture for brighter selfies in lower light. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | A52 5G captures wider shots with higher detail |
| Portrait (Depth) Camera | 5MP | None | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A52 5G can capture close-up photos, which Moto G85 cannot. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@60fps | A52 5G offers higher resolution video recording for better quality. |
| Slow-Motion | 120fps | 30fps | A52 5G offers higher slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, Manual focus, Night Mode | Dual camera, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, RAW | A52 5G has a more versatile camera system with more shooting modes. Moto G85 has faster focusing and RAW capture capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 88 (Photo: 83, Video: 109) | Moto G85 has a reasonably good camera according to DxOMark, where A52 5G has no score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G85 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Moto G85 charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0 and AFC. | None | A52 5G offers a more flexible charging system. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- More versatile camera system: Features a quad-camera setup with dedicated macro and depth sensors, offering more creative flexibility.
- 4K Video Recording: Supports higher resolution video for better quality and editing capabilities.
- Wider Aperture Front Camera: Better low-light selfies.
- More Flexible Charging: Supports Quick Charge 2.0 and Adaptive Fast Charging
Practical Implications: The A52 5G is a better choice for users who prioritize camera versatility and high-quality video recording, as well as having more flexibility with charging.
Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:
- Higher Peak Brightness: Significantly better display visibility in bright sunlight.
- Better Performance: A newer chipset and higher AnTuTu score for smoother day to day and slightly more responsive gaming.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable to hold for longer periods of time and more pocketable.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker recharge times, which may be ideal for heavy usage or travel.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi: Better wireless standards.
Practical Implications: The Moto G85 is better for users who value outdoor visibility, performance, battery life, and convenience, and are not as concerned with camera versatility.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- A52 5G gives a more versatile camera system but is less ergonomic and has less battery and performance.
- Moto G85 has a more efficient chipset and a better screen, but lacks the extra camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy experimenting with different camera modes (macro, depth) and shooting 4K videos.
- Social Media Content Creators: Those who value a versatile camera for both photos and videos.
- Users who value flexibility with charging: Users who would prefer more supported charging standards.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed close-up shots of objects or nature using the macro lens.
- Recording high-resolution videos for vlogging or social media.
- Taking portrait shots with a dedicated depth sensor.
Motorola Moto G85 Ideal User:
- Outdoor Users: Individuals who frequently use their phone in bright daylight and need a very readable screen.
- Power Users: Those who need a device with long battery life for all-day use and fast charging.
- Gamers and Multitaskers: Users who want a more responsive device for demanding games and apps.
- Users who value the latest tech: Users who want the latest Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
Specific Use Cases:
- Using GPS for navigation under sunlight conditions.
- Playing games or using demanding apps while traveling.
- Long commutes or travel where battery life is a priority.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A52 5G is older, and its price has come down significantly making it a budget option. However, it is not a good value in 2024 when compared to the Moto G85.
- The Moto G85 is likely to be in the mid-range category and delivers exceptional value and all round performance when compared to the A52 5G.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera versatility to you? (Do you need macro/depth sensors and 4K video?)
- How important is outdoor visibility? (Will you use the phone under bright sunlight?)
- How important is battery life and charging speed? (Do you need all-day battery and quick recharge?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you mostly browse the web, use social media, and occasionally take pictures, the Motorola Moto G85 is the better choice due to its better display, performance, and battery.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If you need a versatile camera system for different photography types, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better choice for photography, but you may want to consider other modern options for better performance.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor User: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the Motorola Moto G85 is a better choice due to its higher peak brightness.
- Scenario 4: Mobile Gamer: If you play games on your phone, the Motorola Moto G85 is the better choice because of its higher performance.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Motorola Moto G85. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a more versatile camera on paper, the significantly better display brightness, superior performance, increased battery, and faster charging of the Moto G85 are more compelling for my daily use. I often use my phone outdoors, and the higher brightness display is a must. Additionally, the improvements in overall performance and battery life make the Moto G85 a more practical and modern choice in 2024. While I do value a good camera, I am not a professional photographer, and the main camera on the Moto G85 is sufficient for my needs, and the convenience of a more ergonomic device is a more important consideration for me than the macro and depth sensors. Therefore, I would take the better all-round performance and usability of the Moto G85 over the A52 5G.
