1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | Nord 3 is slightly taller and thinner; minor difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 193.5g | Virtually identical weight; negligible difference in portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Nord 3 offers a slightly more immersive experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 3's screen is noticeably sharper with more detail, leading to better text and image clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 451 PPI | Nord 3 has a slightly sharper display, potentially noticeable with close inspection of text/images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations for a fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | Nord 3 is significantly better for outdoor use under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | Nord 3 offers dramatically faster performance, leading to quicker app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,103,441 | Nord 3 is significantly more powerful, showing its speed in demanding apps and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G710 MC10 | Nord 3 has a more powerful GPU for improved gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nord 3's larger battery likely provides longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | Nord 3 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | A52 5G has slightly older charging tech |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | A52 5G has higher MP, Nord 3 has larger sensor. The Nord 3 has better low light performance and dynamic range. |
| Front Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | A52 5G has higher MP, wider aperture and larger sensor, for better quality in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | A52 5G has higher resolution, Nord 3 has larger sensor. |
| Portrait Depth | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | A52 5G has better macro photo resolution |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Nord 3 offers more video recording options with 4K@60. |
| Features | Quad camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Night mode | Triple camera, OIS, PDAF | Both offer OIS, A52 5G offers ultra stable video and night mode, Nord 3 has PDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | Nord 3 has a more up-to-date operating system, and longer future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, dual band | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), dual band | Nord 3 has newer and faster WiFi for more stable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Nord 3 has a more modern Bluetooth, offering better power management and sound codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Nord 3 offers better location accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/16GB | Nord 3 offers more RAM, leading to better performance, particularly in multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Nord 3 offers a more immersive and high quality audio experience with stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have basic fingerprint scanners. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 5G has known screen protection, Nord 3 details are unknown |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity, SensorCore | Both offer the standard sensors, Nord 3 offers a couple more motion sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated sensor for portrait photos for depth effect.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera captures more detail for selfies.
- Night Mode: Dedicated mode for low-light photography.
- Ultra Stable Video: Offers electronic image stabilization for video recordings.
- Known Screen Protection: Utilizes Gorilla Glass 5 for increased screen durability.
Practical Implications: The A52 5G is slightly better for users who focus on selfies, portrait shots and require dedicated low light camera features. The known screen protection also adds peace of mind.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset offers a huge leap in performance for better gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Superior Display Brightness: 1450 nits brightness makes the Nord 3 much more usable in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging allows for incredibly quick battery top-ups, reducing downtime.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers more power for a longer usage time between charges.
- Modern Software: Ships with a newer version of Android.
- Improved Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Video Quality: 4k recording at 60FPS
- Improved connectivity: Wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more stable connections
- Larger RAM options: Up to 16GB of RAM.
- Better Primary Camera Sensor: The larger 1/1.56" sensor has better low light performance.
Practical Implications: The Nord 3 is better for users who prioritize speed, display quality under bright sunlight, fast charging, and those seeking a powerful phone for gaming and demanding apps.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Sacrifices performance for the advantage of a dedicated depth sensor and higher resolution selfie camera.
- Nord 3: Loses the dedicated depth sensor, lower MP front camera resolution, night mode, and an unknown screen protection for higher performance and a better display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G - Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: Those who value having a higher resolution front camera and a dedicated portrait lens.
- Users on a budget: The A52 5G is older and is likely to be more affordable, thus, suited to budget-conscious buyers.
- Users concerned about screen protection: The Gorilla Glass 5 protection may provide peace of mind for those prone to accidental drops.
- Users with no need for intensive gaming: The A52 5G performance is sufficient for day to day tasks.
Use Cases:
- Taking regular selfies and portrait photos for social media.
- Daily browsing, social media and casual mobile gaming.
- Users who do not require a bright display for outdoor use.
OnePlus Nord 3 - Ideal User:
- Power users: Users who need a fast, responsive phone for demanding tasks and applications.
- Mobile gamers: Benefit from the powerful chipset and high refresh rate display.
- Frequent travelers: Appreciate the fast charging, larger battery and bright screen for outdoor use.
- Multimedia consumers: Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio provide a superior audio experience.
- Users seeking future proofing: The newer software and more powerful hardware provide better future proofing.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and running demanding applications.
- Consuming multimedia, such as videos and music, in a variety of locations.
- Heavy social media use, video calls and multitasking
- Working outdoors or in bright environments.
Price-to-Value: The Nord 3 is significantly more powerful and has more features, likely at a higher price point than the A52 5G. The A52 5G, being older, will likely offer better value for those on a tighter budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for heavy gaming or running demanding apps, the Nord 3 is the better choice. If you do not use intensive applications, the A52 5G may be fine.
- How often do you use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight? The Nord 3 has superior brightness for visibility in daylight.
- What are your most used camera features? If selfie quality and portrait photos are key, the A52 5G has an advantage. If low light, or video quality is important, Nord 3 will perform better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If on a tight budget and not using the device for intensive tasks, the A52 5G provides decent value.
- Performance First: If performance is paramount for gaming or running heavy applications, the Nord 3 is clearly superior.
- Outdoor Visibility: For users spending a lot of time in bright environments, the Nord 3 is the better choice due to superior display brightness.
- Camera focused: If you take a lot of selfies, the A52 5G may be a better choice, otherwise, the Nord 3 may be the better overall camera.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has its merits, particularly in the selfie camera and portrait mode, the overall package of the Nord 3 is far more compelling. The massive performance difference provided by the Mediatek Dimensity 9000 chipset, combined with the significantly brighter display, faster charging, and better overall feature set makes it the superior phone in most use cases. I use my phone for many different tasks including gaming, consuming media, and work, and require good battery life, fast charging and a powerful processor. I also spend time outside and require the high brightness of the Nord 3 to see my phone clearly. The trade-off in selfie camera resolution is not as important to me as having a fluid and fast device.
