Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Realme C31
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.7 × 76.1 × 8.4 mm | Realme C31 is slightly taller; both have similar width and thickness; A52 5G might be slightly easier to handle for small hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | A52 5G is lighter, could be more comfortable for extended holding, 8g isn't likely to be dramatically noticeable |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A52 5G offers a significantly sharper display, better for reading, video, and detailed images |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 270 PPI | A52 5G's higher PPI results in clearer text, smoother graphics, less pixelation |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52 5G has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles; more vibrant and generally more enjoyable display experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | A52 5G has smoother scrolling and animations, better for gaming and UI navigation |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones share the same 0 nit brightness; Without a brightness reading, it is impossible to evaluate in real-world conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | A52 5G's chipset is significantly faster, leading to better app performance, multitasking, and gaming. More modern architecture for power efficiency and overall better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 224,223 | A52 5G is much faster in day-to-day use; noticeable difference in load times and smooth app usage |
| GPU | Adreno 619 (Qualcomm Adreno 619) | Mali-G57 (Mali-G57 MP1) | A52 5G's GPU is better for gaming; allows for smoother graphics and can play more demanding games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C31 has a larger battery, likely longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | A52 5G charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable | A52 5G supports faster charging standards like Quick Charge 2.0 and Adaptive Fast Charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" Sony IMX682 | 13MP, f/2.2, Unknown | A52 5G captures much more detail and performs better in low light. wider aperture means better low light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 5MP, f/2.2, Unknown | A52 5G provides much better selfie quality, more detail and dynamic range. |
| Wide Angle lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3L6 | N/A | A52 5G allows for wider shots which is great for landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portraits |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | A52 5G has a higher resolution for macro shots. |
| Black & White | N/A | 2MP, f/2.8, Unknown | Realme C31 offers a dedicated B&W camera |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps, no EIS | A52 5G records much higher quality and more stable video using EIS; more versatile for capturing video for social media and beyond. |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Not Available | Unable to provide comparative insight into image quality without DXOMark scores |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K Video, Night Mode, etc. | PDAF, CDAF, etc. | A52 5G has superior camera features like optical stabilization (OIS), 4k video recording, manual focus and Night Mode, which improve picture clarity and low-light photography, while C31 has features like Phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF) which enhance focus speed and accuracy. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, no upgrade listed | A52 5G has guaranteed upgrade to android 14, offering newer features and more modern look and feel |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, etc | 802.11n, Wi-Fi Hotspot | A52 5G has faster and more stable Wi-Fi with dual-band and newer protocols. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, ANT+, etc | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Both have similar bluetooth capabilities, but A52 5G offers ANT+ which can be used for fitness devices |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc | Both have the same GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones allow usage of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/64GB | A52 5G has significantly more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 3/4GB | A52 5G has more RAM, leading to better multitasking and app switching, especially for the 8GB model. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows adding external storage, so you need to choose the right internal storage when buying |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic Audio Features | A52 5G has a richer and more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Realme C31 has a more convenient and generally faster fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 5G has better screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A52 5G includes additional biometric sensors like Fingerprint, Hall. Realme C31 includes Compass, A52 5G offers more comprehensive sensor suite, but most users will not notice this in day to day use. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides much better performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution cameras with additional features like OIS and 4K recording lead to superior image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is significantly faster than 10W.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher storage capacity and RAM options allow for more apps and smoother multitasking.
- Better Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos result in a richer audio experience.
- Future Proofing: Android upgrades until version 14
Practical Implications: The A52 5G is a more premium experience, ideal for media consumption, gaming, and photography.
Realme C31 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery likely provides longer battery life.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Potentially faster and more convenient for some users.
- Black & White Camera: The dedicated B&W camera offers unique creative options.
- Budget-Friendly: Likely to be a much more affordable option.
Practical Implications: The Realme C31 is a budget-friendly device that prioritizes battery life and offers a few unique features.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Higher price, potentially shorter battery life.
- Realme C31: Lower screen quality, slower performance, less capable camera, and basic features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is Ideal For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy watching videos, movies, and browsing content will benefit from the superior display.
- Gamers: Those who enjoy mobile gaming will appreciate the powerful processor and smooth graphics of the Adreno 619 GPU, combined with the 120Hz display.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who take a lot of photos and videos will appreciate the higher quality camera system and features like OIS, night mode, and 4k recording
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily, use demanding apps and want smooth performance from their device.
Realme C31 is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a basic smartphone at an affordable price.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day and don't mind the slower performance and lower quality display.
- Basic Use Cases: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and social media and do not need high-end features.
- First-time Smartphone Buyers: Suitable as an affordable entry-level smartphone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Realme C31 is more affordable. If you are willing to pay more for better features, consider the A52 5G
- How important is display quality, camera, and performance? If these are crucial, the A52 5G is a clear winner. If you value battery above all else, the C31 is better
- What are your primary uses? If for general use (calls, texts), the Realme C31 can suffice. If you use your smartphone for gaming, photos, and media, then the A52 5G is a more viable option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Media Consumer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its superior display, performance, and gaming capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Realme C31 for its affordable price and good battery life
- Scenario 3: Casual User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G if you want a more enjoyable experience, or the Realme C31 if you only need basics.
- Scenario 4: Photography Focused: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its much better camera setup.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the Realme C31 has a larger battery and is more budget friendly, the A52 5G offers a far more compelling overall experience. The significantly better display with AMOLED technology and 120Hz refresh rate is a huge advantage for my typical daily usage, which includes browsing, watching videos, and playing casual games. The vastly superior performance of the Snapdragon 750G chipset means that the phone would remain smooth and responsive for years to come, and makes it better for multitasking, handling demanding apps, and future Android OS upgrades. Also, the camera quality of the A52 5G is way more compelling due to the OIS, 4K video, and overall superior sensors. Although the Realme C31 has a larger battery, the benefits of the A52 5G's superior feature set outweigh this. For me, the superior quality of the screen, camera, performance and additional features provided by the A52 5G justify the extra cost.
