1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Realme C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.6 × 76.1 × 7.6 mm | Realme C65 is taller and thinner; A52 5G is slightly more compact. The difference is noticeable in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 185g | Negligible difference, both feel similarly weighted. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme C65 has a slightly larger screen for a more immersive experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | A52 5G has significantly sharper text and images due to higher resolution. |
| PPI | 407 | 264 | A52 5G will have noticeably crisper details and smoother curves. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52 5G offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors; better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have an identical peak brightness but this value is not real so real-world performance can vary widely, requiring further testing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | A52 5G's chipset is more powerful for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 225,154 | A52 5G is notably faster for app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A52 5G has a more capable GPU for graphically intensive applications and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C65 has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C65 charges faster. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC. | Non-removable | A52 5G has additional charging technology (QC2.0, AFC). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | A52 5G has a larger sensor and higher resolution, resulting in better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 8MP, f/2.0 | A52 5G has higher resolution; Realme C65 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6, 1.12µm | Not Available | A52 5G has an additional wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm | A52 5G has higher resolution for depth sensing. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | A52 5G has an additional macro camera. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 5G can record in 4K, offering higher quality video. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, Quadruple Camera, etc. | Dual Camera, PDAF, etc. | A52 5G has OIS, 4K recording, and a versatile quad-camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme C65 is on a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n | A52 5G supports a newer WiFi standard with extra features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID | Both have similar Bluetooth functionality, A52 5G supports ANT+. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme C65 has wider support for satellite navigation, potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB / 256 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Same internal storage options available. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 6 GB / 8 GB | Same RAM options available. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic Audio Features | A52 5G has a better audio experience with Dolby features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C65 has a slightly more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 5G has verified screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | A52 5G has additional sensors like Gyroscope while Realme C65 has a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution and 120Hz refresh rate provides a more vibrant and smoother visual experience.
- More Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 750G chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wide-angle, and macro lens provide greater versatility and quality, especially in low light. 4K video recording is a significant plus.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos provides better sound quality, ideal for media consumption.
- Verified Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides added peace of mind against scratches.
Realme C65 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 500mAh extra capacity, potentially offering longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 45W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 out of the box, offering the latest software features.
- More Precise GPS: Added QZSS support for better location accuracy.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Convenient and often more reliable than in-display sensors.
- Slightly Slimmer Design: May feel better in hand due to thickness.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Older chipset means likely fewer future software updates, smaller battery, slower charging, no expandable storage.
- Realme C65: Lower screen resolution, IPS LCD panel, weaker performance, basic camera system and no expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, movies, and enjoy browsing.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who want to play games with decent performance without breaking the bank.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Casual users who want good image quality and a versatile camera.
- Users who value display quality: Prioritizing high-resolution, vibrant colours, and smooth refresh rates.
- Users who prefer an established brand: Those who favor brand recognition and ecosystem.
Realme C65 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a good enough smartphone for basic daily tasks without overspending.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who prioritize longer battery life and fast charging.
- New Software Preference: Users who want the latest Android features from the get go.
- Users who value practicality: They want a device that just works and will last for the day.
- Users who dislike over the top features: User who want something simpler and more basic.
Specific Use Cases:
- A52 5G: Watching movies on the go, playing graphically demanding mobile games, taking photos and videos at social gatherings, navigating with high-resolution maps.
- Realme C65: Daily social media browsing, basic mobile gaming, prolonged usage on a single charge, quick top-up on the go, using navigation applications.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use for the phone? (Media consumption, gaming, daily tasks, photography)
- How important are display quality and camera performance? (High priority, moderate, or not important)
- Is battery life or charging speed more critical? (All day battery or quicker charging)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media lover and casual gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its superior display and better performance.
- Scenario 2: Budget conscious user who values battery life: Choose the Realme C65 for its larger battery and fast charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its versatile quad-camera system and 4K video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 4: User seeking a reliable daily driver with the latest software: Choose the Realme C65 for its more modern OS.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
While the Realme C65 offers a larger battery and faster charging, the A52 5G excels in areas that are more crucial to my daily usage: display quality and performance. As someone who consumes a lot of media and occasionally plays mobile games, the vibrant AMOLED display with its 120Hz refresh rate, combined with the noticeably better chipset, would give me a more enjoyable experience overall. The camera versatility, with its dedicated lenses and 4k video recording is another strong point.
The slightly smaller battery and slower charging are a compromise I am willing to make for a better display, camera and user experience. While the A52 5G is an older model, the benefits it provides are more valuable to me than the Realme C65's advantages.
