1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Realme 9i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.4 × 75.7 × 8.4 mm | Realme 9i is slightly taller; negligible difference in width & thickness. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Both feel similar in hand; virtually identical weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both offer similar viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical sharpness for everyday use. |
| PPI | 407 | 400 | Very similar pixel density; displays will look equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung feels smoother for scrolling and gaming; Realme still provides smooth experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness information is missing; cannot compare brightness levels. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Samsung offers faster processing, better graphics performance and 5G connectivity; Realme provides sufficient power for everyday tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 216,850 | Samsung offers significantly better overall performance, including faster app loading and gaming; Realme performance is adequate for day to day tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | Samsung will handle graphic-intensive tasks such as gaming better than Realme. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Samsung captures more detail, better low light performance due to a larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.1, 1/3.13" Sony IMX471 | Samsung provides higher resolution selfies, while Realme has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3L6 | None | Samsung offers ultra-wide perspective in photos, while Realme does not have this option. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung provides depth-of-field effects in photos, while Realme does not offer this feature. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Samsung provides higher resolution macro shots, but both are limited in detail compared to main sensors. |
| Black & White Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Realme has a dedicated sensor for black & white photography, which is not available on the A52 5G. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung records higher resolution videos, and provides video stabilization. Realme video recording is limited to 1080p@30fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme offers potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W, Li-Polymer | 33W, Li-Ion | Realme charges faster compared to Samsung. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Samsung has one additional Android version support over Realme, providing longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, A2DP, aptX, SBC, AAC | Both have Bluetooth 5.0; Samsung supports more features, while Realme supports higher quality codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones provide similar location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Samsung has higher capacity storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Samsung provides better multitasking performance, particularly with higher RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme offers a richer sound experience with Stereo Speakers, and better audio quality with Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-Mounted | Realme offers more advanced fingerprint sensor for convenience and speed. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung offers superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Samsung has a Gyroscope making it better for gaming, while Realme has a Compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel provides better colors, contrast, and viewing experience compared to IPS LCD.
- Stronger Performance: Significantly better processor and GPU allow for smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall performance.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated wide-angle lens, offer more versatility in photography.
- 4K Video Recording: Ability to record videos in 4K resolution.
- Software Support: Longer software update lifespan with guaranteed Android version updates up to 14.
- Additional Features: Optical image stabilization (OIS), more advanced Bluetooth features, and superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5.
Practical Implications:
- Better for media consumption, gaming, and demanding apps due to better display and performance.
- Provides more comprehensive photography options.
- Longer usability due to extended software support.
Realme 9i Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers slightly longer battery life due to a 500mAh bigger battery.
- Faster Charging: Supports 33W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Hi-Res Audio & Stereo Speakers: Better audio experience for music, videos, and gaming with Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers convenience for unlocking.
- Black & White Sensor: Allows for a different style of photography.
Practical Implications:
- Better suited for users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Provides superior audio experience for media consumption, and stereo speakers.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor feels more modern and convenient to unlock.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A52 5G: Slightly smaller battery capacity, slower charging, and may be more expensive.
- Realme 9i: Weaker performance, inferior display technology, and lacks the versatility of cameras and video recording options.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption and gaming.
- Those who need smooth multitasking and performance for demanding apps.
- Users who want versatile cameras for photography and 4K video recording.
- Those who prefer long-term software updates and support.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Watching movies and videos in high quality.
- Photography enthusiasts
- Professionals who need powerful phones for productivity tasks.
Realme 9i Ideal Users:
- Users who need long battery life and fast charging.
- Those who prioritize audio quality with stereo speakers for music and movies.
- Budget-conscious users who don't need top-tier performance.
- Users who are fine with a good-enough camera for everyday use.
Use Cases:
- Day-to-day usage with long hours away from a charger.
- Casual media consumption
- Users who primarily rely on social media apps.
- Users looking for an affordable phone with good battery and audio.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a higher overall value due to better performance, display, cameras, and longer software support.
- The Realme 9i provides a more affordable option that focuses on battery life and audio quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for the phone (gaming, media, photography, basic use)?
- Is display quality, camera versatility, performance, or battery life my top priority?
- What is my budget?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming and Media Enthusiasts - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its superior display, performance, and features.
- Scenario 2: Battery Life and Audio Lovers - Choose the Realme 9i for its long battery life and stereo speakers.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyers - The Realme 9i provides a more affordable option with its own strengths.
- Scenario 4: Camera Focused User - The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the superior option due to it's versatility.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the Realme 9i has a larger battery and faster charging, the superior AMOLED display, significantly better performance, much more versatile camera system with 4k recording capabilities, and longer software support of the A52 5G are worth the trade-off for me. I often watch videos, browse social media and use apps that require a good display. Also, I like having a good camera in my pocket and the versatility of the A52 5G’s camera setup is a big plus. The performance difference between the two is very noticeable in day to day use and gaming which makes the A52 5G the better option for me.
