1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | OnePlus 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160 × 74.2 × 8.7 mm | Very similar size; OnePlus 9 is slightly thicker, may feel slightly less comfortable in the hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Almost identical screen size; negligible difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide detailed viewing experience. |
| PPI | 407 | 402 | Almost identical pixel density; indistinguishable sharpness in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations; improved gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | OnePlus 9 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. Samsung A52 5G brightness is not listed, so comparison is limited. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | OnePlus 9 provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 880,900 | OnePlus 9 delivers substantially higher performance in demanding tasks and benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 | OnePlus 9 handles graphically intensive tasks and games much more effectively. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 48MP, f/1.79, 1/1.4" | A52 5G has higher resolution but OnePlus 9 has a larger sensor (better light capture). |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13" | A52 5G offers higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor, typically better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/1.56" | OnePlus 9 has significantly higher resolution and larger sensor, offering better wide angle photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | A52 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | A52 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close up photos. |
| Black & White Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus 9 has a dedicated black and white lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | OnePlus 9 is better for recording high-quality video; A52 5G includes EIS across all available resolutions, which is also included in the OnePlus 9. |
| Features | OIS, Quad Camera | 8K Video, Triple Camera, PDAF/CDAF, RAW 12 bits | A52 5G has OIS for smoother videos, and additional lens. OnePlus 9 is better for capturing high-end videos and has faster focus. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity; expect comparable battery life with similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | OnePlus 9 charges significantly faster; has the added benefit of wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | A52 5G is upgradeable to Android 14, while the OnePlus 9 is only upgradeable to 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6, MIMO | OnePlus 9 supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE, AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus 9 offers more advanced bluetooth codecs, better for higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1, B2), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus 9 supports more satellite systems for better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both offer Dual SIM functionality |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer identical internal storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | OnePlus 9 offers more RAM, better for multitasking and intensive applications. |
| Expandable | Not available | Not available | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation, 3 Mics | OnePlus 9 has advanced audio features like noise cancellation and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer the basic fingerprint sensor feature for security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer identical screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass | Both phones have similar sensor sets; Samsung A52 5G includes a Hall sensor for smart covers, OnePlus 9 includes a Compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Additional Cameras: Dedicated Macro and Depth sensors for creative shooting options.
- Better Front Facing Camera: Higher resolution and aperture for better selfie quality.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Better stability in videos and low light photos.
More Software Updates: Upgradeable to Android 14.
- Practical Implication: This makes the A52 5G more versatile for casual photography and allows users to take better self-portraits and capture detail in close-up shots. The OIS on the main camera contributes to higher quality photos in most conditions.
OnePlus 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Superior chipset and GPU for demanding applications and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Brighter Display: Better visibility in direct sunlight.
- Better main camera sensor and wider lens: Better detail capture and low-light performance.
- Superior Video Recording: Supports up to 8K video recording, higher-quality video output.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient way to charge your device.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and more robust Bluetooth codecs for better wireless connections.
- Better audio capture: Improved audio features like noise cancellation and stereo speakers.
More GPS satellite support: Increased accuracy and reliability of GPS.
- Practical Implication: The OnePlus 9 offers a smoother and more responsive experience overall, particularly in resource-intensive tasks. Faster charging allows for quick recharges during short intervals. The OnePlus 9 excels in media consumption and content creation.
Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility: The Samsung A52 5G offers more camera versatility for casual photographers, while the OnePlus 9 has superior main camera quality and video.
- Software Updates: OnePlus 9 only upgrades to Android 13 versus 14 on the Samsung A52 5G.
- Price: The OnePlus 9 will usually be more expensive, so the user must weigh up price-to-performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who enjoy taking photos and want versatile camera options.
- Budget Conscious Consumers: Users who are looking for a good phone with a balance of features, with price being a significant consideration.
- Users who want additional camera features and OIS: Better for close-up photos and stable video.
Users who prefer longer software support: The phone can be upgraded to Android 14.
- Use Cases: Everyday photography, social media sharing, casual gaming, and media consumption.
OnePlus 9 Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and smooth multitasking.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who enjoy demanding games.
- Content Creators: Users who record high-quality video.
- Users who prioritise display and connectivity: Better for outdoor use and higher speeds.
Users who prioritise sound: Better audio output and capture options.
- Use Cases: High-end gaming, 8K video recording, demanding applications, and heavy multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority, performance or camera versatility? (OnePlus 9 prioritizes performance; Samsung A52 5G is more versatile in terms of camera options)
- How important is video quality and wireless charging? (OnePlus 9 has superior video quality and wireless charging, a feature not present in the Samsung A52 5G).
- How important is software support? (Samsung A52 5G is upgradable to Android 14 whereas the OnePlus 9 can only be upgraded to 13)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User If the user is working with a budget, the Samsung A52 5G offers more value for money and will be sufficient for most casual users.
- Scenario 2: Gamer/Power User: For heavy gaming and other resource-intensive applications, the OnePlus 9 is clearly superior.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If camera versatility and optical stabilization are crucial, the A52 5G is a better option. However, if the user needs higher-quality photos and video from a primary sensor, the OnePlus 9 is a better choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 9. While I appreciate the camera versatility of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, my primary use case involves performance-heavy tasks such as running complex applications, some gaming, and watching video content. The OnePlus 9's superior chipset, GPU, RAM and faster charging, combined with its brighter display and high quality audio and video, make it a more suitable device for my needs. I also prefer the convenience of wireless charging and better connectivity. Although the Samsung has an extra year of software upgrades, I would prefer the performance benefits of the OnePlus 9. The OnePlus 9 is simply the better all round device for my use-case, the A52 5G could be a valid choice for users on a lower budget with differing requirements.
