1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G and OnePlus 9R specifications, focusing on their practical impact:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | OnePlus 9R | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 161 × 74.1 × 8.4 mm | OnePlus 9R is slightly taller (1.1 mm), but similar width & thickness; Negligible difference in overall handling. |
| Weight | 189g | 189g | Identical weight; Both phones will feel equally weighted in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Very similar screen sizes; Negligible difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity; Both provide a crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 407 | 402 | Virtually identical pixel density, no discernible difference in display sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast; expect similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; Expect similar responsiveness for gaming and daily tasks. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness data is missing; it is important to check reviews for comparison as this is a major factor in real-world visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Snapdragon 870 is significantly more powerful; Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the OnePlus 9R. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 821,600 | OnePlus 9R has over double the benchmark score, indicating much superior performance for intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 650 | Adreno 650 provides significantly better graphics performance; Expect smoother gameplay and higher frame rates on the OnePlus 9R. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Identical battery capacity; Both should offer similar battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging | OnePlus 9R charges much faster; Expect significantly quicker charging times. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | Samsung offers QC2.0 and AFC for fast charge compatibility |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.80 µm | 48MP, f/1.7, 1/2", Sony IMX586, 0.80 µm | Samsung has higher resolution and larger sensor, could potentially result in better low-light performance and more detail; OnePlus has a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.80 µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00 µm | Samsung has higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor, suggesting potentially better selfie quality in various conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12 µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.09", Sony IMX481, 1.00 µm | OnePlus has slightly higher resolution and larger sensor size on paper but difference is negligible. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung has a higher-resolution depth sensor which could result in slightly better bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 5MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar macro capabilities |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 120fps Slow-mo | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@240fps with HDR, EIS | OnePlus 9R offers more versatile video options, including 4K@60fps, HDR and higher slow-motion frame rates; both offer stabilization |
| DxOMark | N/A | N/A | Note: No DxOMark scores are available, therefore, camera quality should be researched through independent reviews. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, Ultra stable, Night Mode | OIS, EIS, PDAF, RAW, Continuous Shooting | Samsung has extra video stabilization and night mode while OnePlus has faster focusing and RAW image capture. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max version 14 | Android 10, Max version 13 | Samsung has a newer OS version and will likely receive more software updates than OnePlus. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | OnePlus 9R has newer WiFi 6 standard, offering potentially faster and more reliable connections, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | OnePlus 9R has newer Bluetooth for better power efficiency and more codec support for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | Standard GPS systems | Standard GPS systems, L1+L5, B1, E1+E5a | OnePlus 9R supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality, allowing for two active SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options; Choose based on individual storage needs. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | OnePlus 9R has more RAM, which allows for smoother multitasking and handling of demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose your storage option wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | OnePlus has better audio output due to stereo speakers with noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer a basic fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Hall, Geomagnetic, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | OnePlus 9R includes a compass while the A52 5G has Hall and geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Potentially better main camera: Higher resolution and a larger sensor which could lead to better images in some conditions.
- Better front-facing camera: Higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor for better selfies.
- Ultra Stable Video: Superior video stabilization features
- Night Mode: Optimized for low-light situations
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen for superior durability
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android, offering more software updates and security patches.
- QC2.0 and AFC: More compatibility for fast charge.
OnePlus 9R Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful performance: Snapdragon 870 chipset and superior GPU offer significantly better app loading, multitasking and gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging is much faster than the 25W on the Samsung, a huge convenience factor.
- Better Video capabilities: 4K@60fps recording, HDR and higher frame rate slow-motion.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 standards for potentially faster and more reliable wireless connectivity
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for more accurate location
- More RAM: Options for more RAM which may improve multitasking and future proofing
- Better Audio: Enhanced spatial audio with stereo speakers and noise cancellation.
- RAW Photo Capture: Offers more flexibility in post processing.
- PDAF: Faster focus.
Practical Implications:
- The Galaxy A52 5G is a well-rounded phone with a potentially better camera experience for everyday photography and selfies.
- The OnePlus 9R excels in performance, making it ideal for gaming, heavy multitasking, and users wanting the fastest possible experience.
- The Samsung has a better display protection.
- OnePlus 9R has faster charging, which can be a huge factor for those who are constantly on the go.
- The OnePlus 9R has better connectivity with latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
Trade-offs:
- Choosing the A52 5G means potentially sacrificing some performance and charging speed for a (potentially) better camera and a newer OS.
- Choosing the OnePlus 9R means sacrificing some camera features like Night Mode and Ultra-Stable Video and a screen with no confirmed protection for performance, speed and connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Casual photographers: Users who prioritize selfie and general photography quality and will appreciate the higher resolution main and selfie cameras, as well as OIS and Night Mode capabilities.
- Users who prefer Samsung ecosystem: Those already invested in Samsung ecosystem and prefer their software and interface.
- Users who prefer a newer OS: The phone comes with Android 11 and offers longer software support.
- Users who need better display protection: Offers Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Ideal Users for OnePlus 9R:
- Mobile gamers: Those who prioritize high performance for smooth gaming experiences.
- Power users: Those who heavily multitask and need fast performance.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who need their phone to charge as quickly as possible.
- Users looking for better connectivity: Users who need a modern Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standard.
- Users looking for versatile video: Those who need better options for video recording.
- Users who need better audio: Those who prioritize better audio quality via stereo speakers with noise cancellation.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Taking high-quality selfies for social media.
- Capturing everyday moments with a capable camera system.
- General usage for social media, browsing, and emails
- OnePlus 9R:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Editing videos or photos on the go.
- Fast multitasking for work or school.
- Streaming videos and music with better audio quality and connectivity
- Those who need a phone to charge quickly.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Without knowing specific pricing, the OnePlus 9R is likely to offer a better performance-to-value ratio with a more powerful chipset and significantly faster charging.
- The Samsung may offer a more balanced value depending on the price, by providing a more stable camera system and more software support.
4. Decision Framework
Here are 3 key questions to help buyers decide:
- What is your primary use case? Do you need top-tier performance for gaming, or is a good camera more important for your usage patterns?
- How important is fast charging? Is being able to fully charge your phone quickly a priority, or is standard charging acceptable?
- Are you looking for a specific Software experience? Do you prefer OneUI or OxygenOS, and would a newer OS be important for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer - Choose the OnePlus 9R for its superior performance, GPU, and faster charging.
- Scenario 2: Social Media Enthusiast & Casual Photographer - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its higher resolution selfie camera, (potentially) better main camera, and Ultra-Stable Video.
- Scenario 3: User on the go - Choose the OnePlus 9R due to its significantly faster charging.
- Scenario 4: Balanced User - The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G may offer a more balanced experience if the price is more competitive.
My Choice and Why!
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9R.
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a few compelling advantages, primarily in its camera specifications and newer software, the OnePlus 9R offers a more significant leap in overall performance and daily usability.
Here's my reasoning:
- Performance is King: The Snapdragon 870 is a far more powerful chipset than the Snapdragon 750G, and the higher AnTuTu score and better GPU benchmarks prove it. For someone like me who uses my phone for everything from gaming to productivity, this performance boost is essential.
- Fast Charging is a Game Changer: I value the convenience of faster charging. The 65W charging on the OnePlus 9R would make a huge difference in daily life, allowing me to quickly top up the battery.
- Future-Proofing: The higher RAM capacity, along with better connectivity options on the OnePlus, gives it a slight edge in future-proofing.
- Real-World Camera Trade-Offs: While the Samsung has a higher resolution camera on paper, the real-world differences aren't always as significant. The OnePlus 9R's camera system, along with RAW output, is also very capable. I don't need to prioritize night mode and ultra-stable video over other features.
- Better overall experience: The combination of fast performance, quick charging, better connectivity, and better audio on the OnePlus 9R provides a more enjoyable overall daily experience.
The OnePlus 9R seems like a more powerful and practical daily driver that matches my needs and usage habits better than the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
