1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.6 × 73.2 × 7.8 mm | A52 5G is slightly wider and thicker, Nord CE 2 5G feels more slender in hand, especially noticeable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 173g | Nord CE 2 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Virtually identical size, minimal real-world difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and detailed image quality at this resolution. |
| PPI | 407 | 409 | Nearly identical pixel density; both displays are very sharp to the human eye |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness spec is missing, this is not a useful value. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 900 (6 nm) | Nord CE 2 5G has a slightly newer, more efficient chip resulting in marginally better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 424,800 | Nord CE 2 5G scores higher in benchmarks, indicating slightly faster loading times and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Nord CE 2's GPU should handle games and graphic-intensive tasks a bit better. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm | A52 5G has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. The slightly wider aperture on the Nord CE 2 5G allows slightly more light in. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | A52 5G offers higher resolution and a wider aperture for potentially better-detailed selfies in a wider range of lighting conditions. Nord CE 2 5G has larger pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G captures higher resolution wide-angle photos, resulting in better image quality on wide shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G offers higher resolution macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, EIS | Both offer similar video recording capabilities with EIS. Nord CE 2 5G offers 1080p@120 fps for smoother slow motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | Nord CE 2 5G charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse Charging | A52 5G offers compatibility with specific charging standards, while Nord CE 2 5G can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | A52 5G offers one more year of OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nord CE 2 5G offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Nord CE 2 5G has a newer, more efficient and feature-rich Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nord CE 2 5G has better location accuracy with the inclusion of QZSS support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM for using two phone numbers on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB | A52 5G has more storage options with a 256GB variant. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both offer similar RAM options for multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Noise cancellation microphone | A52 5G offers superior audio experience with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, while Nord CE 2 5G provides clearer calls with the noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensors for unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both have all the main sensors. A52 5G has a hall sensor and Nord CE 2 5G has a gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz offers a smoother user experience, especially for gaming and scrolling.
- More Versatile Camera System: Better selfie camera resolution and a dedicated depth sensor gives it an edge in photography.
- Better Audio Quality: Features Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus enhancing the audio experience.
- One Additional OS Update: Guaranteed one additional OS upgrade making it more future-proof.
- More Storage Options: A 256GB model option for users that need more storage.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Slightly Better Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 900 offers marginally better performance in benchmarks.
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More comfortable for long-term use, especially for one-handed operation.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth: Offers faster speeds, lower latency, and better compatibility with modern networks and devices.
- Better Location Accuracy: Supports QZSS for more accurate GPS tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 5G's larger sensor and depth camera give it a more versatile camera system, but the Nord CE 2 5G's slightly better performance might be preferred for gaming.
- The Nord CE 2 5G's faster charging is a major advantage, but the A52 5G's 120Hz refresh rate provides a better display experience.
- A52 5G has better audio and OS update guarantee while the Nord CE 2 5G offers better connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a smoother display experience.
- Photo enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system with a good selfie camera and depth sensor.
- Users who prefer better sound quality from their phone speakers.
- Users who prefer longer software support.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smoother animations.
- Social media users who often take and share photos/videos.
- Multimedia consumers that like to watch a lot of video.
- People who want a phone to be future-proof with longer OS support.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G:
Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize fast charging and need their phone ready to go at all times.
- Gamers looking for the best performance.
- Users that want a lighter, easier-to-handle phone.
- Users that require better Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
Specific Use Cases:
- Travelers or busy individuals who need a quick battery boost.
- Mobile gamers who need the maximum possible performance.
- People who use their phone for a lot of online browsing and video streaming.
- Anyone relying on accurate GPS for navigation.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is a smooth display? (120Hz vs 90Hz)
- How important is fast charging? (25W vs 65W)
- What do I value most in a phone's camera? (Versatility, selfie quality, or overall performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Smooth Gaming & Multimedia: If you primarily use your phone for gaming and watching videos, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G's 120Hz display and better sound quality might be more appealing.
Scenario 2: Fast Charging & Performance: If you are always on the go and need your phone charged quickly, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G's 65W charging speed makes it the better option.
Scenario 3: Photography Focused: The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is more versatile due to its higher-resolution selfie camera and dedicated depth sensor, this one is better for people who value more versatile photos.
Scenario 4: Balanced User: If you need a balance of overall performance, with good connectivity and faster charging speeds, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G would be a better fit.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 5G.
While I value a good display, the practical benefit of the Nord CE 2 5G's incredibly fast 65W charging outweighs the 120Hz refresh rate, especially with the added benefit of the slightly better overall performance from the Dimensity 900. As someone who is often out and about, the convenience of a quick charge is a major advantage. Additionally, the improved WiFi and Bluetooth standards provide a more modern and future-proof experience. The slightly lighter and thinner design would also make it more comfortable to hold for extended periods, further swaying my decision. Though the camera might not be as feature-rich, it is still more than adequate for my everyday use. The additional OS update of the A52 5G is nice, but the other advantages of the Nord CE 2 5G are more important to me.
