Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Realme 9 Pro+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.2 × 73.3 × 8 mm | A52 5G is slightly wider and thicker, might feel slightly less comfortable in hand for some. |
| Weight | 189g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is slightly lighter, making it a bit more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Very similar screen sizes. A52 5G has a slightly larger display, but the difference is minor. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution, meaning sharpness will be virtually the same. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 411 PPI | Very close pixel density, negligible difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical AMOLED technology providing vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate, noticeable during gaming or rapid scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not known, so cannot assess visibility in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Dimensity 920 (6nm) | Realme 9 Pro+ has a more powerful and efficient chipset, which translates to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 496,970 | Realme 9 Pro+ shows significantly better benchmark performance, indicating smoother experience for gaming and heavy apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Realme 9 Pro+ GPU is more capable, handling graphic-intensive tasks and gaming more smoothly. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 60W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster, significantly reducing charging time. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC. | Non-removable | A52 5G has additional QuickCharge compatibility, which can be useful if you have compatible chargers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", IMX766 | A52 5G has a higher megapixel count, but the Realme 9 Pro+ has a larger sensor, which helps capture better low-light photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | A52 5G takes higher resolution selfies with a wider aperture for potentially better low light. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", S5K3L6 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX355 | A52 5G has higher resolution wide angle camera while Realme 9 Pro+ has a slightly larger sensor on its wide angle. |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots, while Realme 9 Pro+ lacks this, relying on software. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GC02M1 | A52 5G has a higher-resolution macro camera. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS), Slow-mo 120fps | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@120fps (EIS), 1080@480fps (EIS), 720p@960fps (EIS), Slow-mo 960fps | Both record good video but Realme 9 Pro+ has more versatile and powerful slow motion features. |
| Features | Quadruple Camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, etc. | Triple camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, RAW, Continuous shooting. | A52 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor while Realme 9 Pro+ has raw photo capabilities and continuous shooting features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 14) | Android 12 (Up to 13) | Realme 9 Pro+ comes with a newer version of Android out of the box but will have less future OS upgrades. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Realme 9 Pro+ supports Wi-Fi 6, providing faster and more reliable wireless connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme 9 Pro+ supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to more accurate positioning in certain locations. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones support dual SIM usage for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both phones have equivalent RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Realme 9 Pro+ offers more comprehensive audio capabilities with Hi-Res, stereo speakers and a noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both phones feature a standard fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones use Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 9 Pro+ has additional heart rate sensor. Samsung A52 5G has Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Slightly smoother display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid experience than the 90Hz display of the Realme 9 Pro+.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: 32MP for more detailed selfies, beneficial for social media or video calls.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Dedicated portrait lens for better portrait shots
- Wider Aperture on selfie camera: F/2.2 will help capture better images in low light conditions.
- Hall Sensor: Can be useful for detecting when the phone is covered.
- More future OS updates: Has the capability to update to Android 14
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- More powerful chipset: Dimensity 920 offers better performance in gaming and demanding apps.
- Faster charging: 60W charging significantly reduces downtime, a great time-saver.
- Superior main camera sensor: The larger Sony IMX766 sensor captures better low-light images.
- More Versatile Video: Better slow-motion capabilities.
- Newer Bluetooth: 5.2 Bluetooth standard, has better range and stability and supports more audio codecs.
- Newer WiFi: Wi-Fi 6 offers faster and more stable connections.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res, stereo speakers and noise cancellation, better overall experience.
- Heart rate sensor: Can be used to measure your pulse.
- RAW Photo capture and continuous shooting: For those who like to edit their pictures.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A52 5G sacrifices some performance and charging speed for a slightly smoother display and better selfie camera.
- The Realme 9 Pro+ excels in performance and charging, but its display is slightly less smooth.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is ideal for:
- Casual users: Those who want a smooth and pleasant experience with good multimedia capabilities.
- Social media enthusiasts: Its high-resolution selfie camera is excellent for capturing detailed photos.
- Users who prioritize display quality: The 120Hz refresh rate makes everyday use smoother.
- Users who value software support: Offers an additional OS update.
Realme 9 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Gamers: The more powerful chipset provides better gaming performance.
- Power users: Those who need fast charging and good battery life.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Larger main camera sensor and RAW photo capabilities are useful for better photography.
- Users who value audio: The superior audio features make it great for media consumption.
- Users who prefer the latest tech: It has newer Bluetooth and WiFi standards.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A52 5G: Social media browsing, video streaming, casual gaming, video calls.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Intensive gaming, mobile photography, fast charging, listening to music and media consumption.
Price-to-Value:
- The Realme 9 Pro+ generally offers a better price-to-performance ratio considering its superior processor and charging speeds.
- The A52 5G offers a great experience for general users and may be preferred by those who prioritize certain features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize smooth animations or performance? (A52 5G for smoother display, Realme 9 Pro+ for better performance)
- How important is fast charging for your daily routine? (Realme 9 Pro+ charges much faster)
- What are your primary uses? (Social media and casual use vs. gaming and intensive tasks)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you mostly browse, watch videos, and take occasional photos, the Samsung A52 5G might be better.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer: If you game frequently, the Realme 9 Pro+ offers superior performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you love mobile photography, the Realme 9 Pro+ with its better main sensor is a better choice.
- Scenario 4: Audio Lover: If you consume media and listen to music frequently the Realme 9 Pro+ offers better audio.
- Scenario 5: Speed is Key: If quick charging is paramount, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear winner.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Realme 9 Pro+.
Reasoning:
The Realme 9 Pro+ provides a better balance of features, offering a superior chipset, faster charging, a better main camera sensor, superior audio features, and newer connectivity standards. While I appreciate the slightly smoother display of the A52 5G, the increased performance and drastically faster charging of the Realme 9 Pro+ are more important to me. The improved main camera and video features are also a big plus as I enjoy taking photos and videos. Furthermore, the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensures that the phone is future-proofed to some extent. While the slightly smaller battery of the Realme 9 Pro+ is identical to the A52 5G, the 60W charging is a great benefit.
