1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Nokia C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | Nokia C31 is noticeably larger, may be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 200g | Samsung A52 5G is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | Nokia C31 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung A52 5G has a significantly sharper display, better for text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 260 | Samsung A52 5G has noticeably clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A52 5G offers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and more efficient for dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Samsung A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, however we are missing the actual value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Samsung A52 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 109,200 | Samsung A52 5G offers a much smoother and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | IMG8322 | Samsung A52 5G is better for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5050mAh | Nokia C31 has larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Samsung A52 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC. | Non-removable | Samsung A52 5G has faster charging technologies. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 13MP | Samsung A52 5G captures significantly more detailed images with higher clarity. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 5MP | Samsung A52 5G takes significantly sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 13MP | Not Available | Samsung A52 5G offers versatile wide-angle photos |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP | 2MP | Samsung A52 5G has better bokeh effects and sharper portraits. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP | 2MP | Samsung A52 5G captures higher quality macro photos. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A52 5G offers higher quality video and better stabilization. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Samsung A52 5G offers smoother video recording, less shaking and blur. |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 120 fps | No, 30 fps | Samsung A52 5G captures slow-motion videos with more frames per second. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K video, night mode, etc. | PDAF, front flash etc. | Samsung A52 5G includes more advanced features for improved photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Nokia C31 has a slightly newer OS out of the box, but Samsung is upgradable to 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n | Samsung A52 5G supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 | Samsung A52 5G has a newer Bluetooth for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Samsung A52 5G has more navigation options including Beidou, but Nokia has SUPL. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Samsung A52 5G offers more storage capacity. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB | Samsung A52 5G has significantly more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic audio features | Samsung A52 5G provides a higher quality listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide biometric security using a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A52 5G has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung A52 5G has more sensors for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers significantly better visual experience (sharper, more vibrant, smoother).
- Significantly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 750G chipset with a much higher AnTuTu score delivers smoother and faster performance in all tasks including gaming, loading apps and multitasking.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main, selfie, wide angle, macro, and portrait cameras, along with 4K video recording and OIS provide superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging greatly reduces charging time.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus offer enhanced spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience.
- More Advanced Features: Includes features such as optical image stabilization, a wide-angle lens, and Gyroscope, not present in the Nokia C31.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers enhanced durability.
- More RAM and storage: Samsung provides more options with up to 8GB of ram and 256GB of internal storage.
- Better Connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions.
Nokia C31 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5050mAh battery may provide longer battery life.
- Slightly Larger Display: 6.75" display is a bit larger than the Samsung A52 5G's, however this comes with the trade-off of being a lower resolution.
- Newer OS out of box: Comes with Android 12 out of box.
- Lower price: The C31 is often in a lower price range than the A52 5G.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G trades a slightly smaller display and potential battery life for a much more powerful, higher quality experience.
- The Nokia C31 provides a larger battery, but with trade-offs in display quality, processing power and camera capabilities.
- The Nokia C31 is a newer model, but the A52 5G is still a very capable phone, especially if it can be purchased at a lower price.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who prioritize performance, multitasking, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want versatile and high-quality cameras, including 4K video.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a high-quality display for watching videos, browsing, and gaming with better colors and refresh rate.
- Users who use their phone often: 25W charging combined with the powerful chipset and screen make this phone ideal for someone who is constantly on the move.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile Gaming: Smoother gameplay due to a better GPU and display.
- Photography and Videography: Capturing high-quality photos and 4K videos for social media, vlogging, or personal memories.
- Productivity: Smoother multitasking between apps for work or school.
- Media Consumption: Watching high-quality videos and movies with an enhanced viewing experience.
Nokia C31 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable smartphone that prioritizes battery life.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who prioritize basic functionality like calling, texting and browsing.
- Users with Low Usage: Those who prioritize basic tasks and battery life over all other features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long Phone Calls: Extended talk time on a single charge.
- Basic Everyday Tasks: Simple browsing, messaging, and social media.
- Emergency/Backup Phone: Long battery life and reliable basic functionality.
- Users who need a large display size without needing a high resolution.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- If the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is available for a similar price to the Nokia C31, it offers significantly better value due to its superior overall performance and features.
- The Nokia C31 is only the better value if the price difference is substantial and users specifically prioritize battery life over everything else.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget, the Nokia C31 may be the only choice.
- What are your main uses for the phone? If you need high performance for gaming and media, the A52 is the better choice.
- How important is battery life vs. performance and quality? If you need extended battery life above all, Nokia is the better choice. If you need higher overall quality and capabilities the A52 is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Quality User - If you value smooth performance, high-quality display, excellent camera, and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Battery Life User - If you prioritize a larger battery and budget-friendly price over performance and camera quality, and don't mind a lower resolution screen, the Nokia C31 could be suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User - If you're willing to spend a little more for a balanced phone with good performance and features, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better choice, as it provides more quality of life features, whilst still being a good all-rounder.
Personal Choice
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the Nokia C31 has the advantage of a larger battery, the A52 5G offers a superior experience in almost every other aspect, particularly in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed. As a daily driver, the A52 5G's advantages in these areas outweigh the Nokia C31's battery advantage. The AMOLED display, coupled with the 120Hz refresh rate, provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience, and the significantly faster chipset is crucial for my workflow, gaming and media usage. In addition to this, the improved camera capabilities make it a better choice for creating content. While the A52 might not offer the same level of battery life, 25W fast charging helps to alleviate this concern, and given that most people have access to a charging source throughout the day, the battery life tradeoff is insignificant when weighed against the benefits of the A52 5G. While it may cost slightly more, the value and overall user experience offered by the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is superior and is worth the investment in my opinion.
