Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A23
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | A23 is slightly taller and wider; A52 5G is more compact, potentially easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | A52 5G is lighter, might feel less tiring to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference, both offer ample screen real estate for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Virtually identical sharpness, no noticeable difference in daily use. |
| PPI | 407 | 400 | Similar pixel density, both provide sharp visuals for the typical user. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A52 5G's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52 5G has smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming and social media. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No practical difference, though peak brightness cannot be determined from the data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A52 5G's chipset is generally faster and supports 5G, offering better overall performance and future proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 401,000 | Very similar performance scores for daily use. The 4% difference is unlikely to be noticed day to day. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 | A52 5G has a more powerful GPU, better for graphic intensive tasks, gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A23 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both support the same charging speed; A52 5G has a Li-Polymer battery which tends to have a longer lifespan. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 & AFC | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A52 5G supports Quick Charge and Adaptive Fast Charging, while A23 can bypass battery while plugged in to reduce heat |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | A52 5G captures more detail and performs better in low light due to its higher resolution and larger sensor size. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G produces much sharper and detailed selfies, especially in good lighting conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" Samsung S5K3L6 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G's wide angle captures significantly more detail and offers better overall image quality. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G has a higher-resolution depth sensor, potentially resulting in better portrait mode performance. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 5G's macro lens captures more detailed close-up shots due to higher resolution. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 5G offers higher video resolution for more detailed and cinematic footage, along with smooth 60 fps recording. |
| Features | OIS, 4K Video, Night Mode etc. | OIS, PDAF etc. | A52 5G includes 4K, and Night Mode for enhanced video capture, while the A23 offers Phase Detection Autofocus for improved focus speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max: 14 | Android 12, Max: 14 | Both phones will receive up to Android 14; A23 starts with a more recent OS version, though both have an equal max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Display | 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct | A52 5G supports Dual Band Wi-Fi and Display for more versatile connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, ANT+ | 5.1 LE, APT-x | A23 uses a newer version, with more features for better Bluetooth performance and improved battery consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 supports QZSS for improved GPS location services in specific regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer the same Dual Sim Dual Standby functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB / 256 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB | A52 5G offers up to double the internal storage for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 6 GB / 8 GB | 4 GB / 6 GB | A52 5G can have more RAM providing smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, making internal storage more critical. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic audio features | A52 5G offers better immersive audio experiences for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 offers a faster fingerprint unlock through a side-mounted sensor; Both offer biometric security |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer identical screen protection from scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors for advanced features and accurate navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better visual experience, especially for media and gaming.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors across the board (main, selfie, wide-angle, macro) result in significantly better photos and videos. 4k video recording is also a key plus.
- Faster Performance: Snapdragon 750G 5G chipset offers better overall speed and supports 5G connectivity for faster mobile data.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support provides a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- More Storage/RAM: Available with more internal storage and RAM options for better multitasking and storing more media.
Practical Implications: The A52 5G is better for users who value a premium viewing experience, high-quality photos and videos, and faster performance for gaming and multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a bigger battery for potentially longer usage between charges.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers a more stable connection, better efficiency and more features than 5.0.
- More Sensors: Includes additional sensors like Barometer and Ultrasonic proximity sensor, which may enhance functionality in some scenarios.
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with Android 12 out of the box.
Practical Implications: The A23 is better for users who prioritize battery life, and more advanced sensors, while still providing a usable experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Loses out on a larger battery, and the most recent Bluetooth version.
- A23: Sacrifices display quality, camera performance and overall processing power for better battery and sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Media Consumers: Individuals who frequently watch videos, movies, and other visual content will appreciate the AMOLED display and smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who prioritize camera quality for capturing photos and videos.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who play mobile games and benefit from the faster processor, better GPU, and smoother refresh rate.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask frequently and require higher RAM and faster performance.
- Users wanting a slightly more compact smartphone : Those who value slightly smaller dimensions.
Specific Use Cases: Streaming high-resolution videos, taking high-quality photos, playing graphic-intensive games, and multitasking between demanding apps.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A23:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize battery life and a good overall experience without requiring top-tier features.
- Users who want good battery life: Individuals who need a smartphone that will last through the day and can't afford to plug in often.
- Users who want the latest Bluetooth tech: Individuals who value the latest tech and improved audio functionality.
- Users who value additional sensors : Individuals who might find a use case for a barometer or compass sensor.
Specific Use Cases: Day-to-day tasks like browsing social media, making calls, light gaming, and extended use without frequent charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and camera performance? If these are high priorities, the A52 5G is the better choice.
- How much emphasis is placed on battery life? If battery life is a top priority, the A23 might be more suitable.
- What are the primary uses for the phone? Gaming, video, and photography favour the A52 5G; whereas light usage with battery life priority favours the A23.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent Traveler and Content Creator
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, due to its superior camera quality and video recording features and better performance.
- Scenario 2: Daily Commuter and Casual User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A23 due to its longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User with Focus on Daily Reliability
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A23 due to the fact that it is newer, features better battery and a good overall experience.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
While the A23 has a larger battery and a newer Bluetooth version, the A52 5G's overall package offers a much better user experience for my typical usage. The superior display quality is a noticeable improvement for media consumption, and the camera's performance is significantly better for capturing high-quality photos and videos. The faster processor and increased RAM would ensure smoother multitasking, which I find essential. Although the battery isn't as large, the trade-off in other areas is well worth it.
