1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | A35 is slightly taller and wider, A52 5G is marginally thicker. A35 might feel slightly less comfortable in small hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 209g | A52 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended one-handed use. |
| Build Quality | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has superior screen protection, offering better resistance against scratches and drops. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference. Both offer a large display for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness. Difference is not noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 407 | 390 | Negligible difference in pixel density; both are sharp enough for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones offer identical peak brightness, however this specification is missing for both phones, its impossible to determine its practical impact. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A35's chipset is newer and more efficient, leading to faster app loading and smoother overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 578,500 | A35 has significantly better performance, resulting in a smoother user experience, especially during gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35's GPU will likely handle graphically intensive tasks better than the A52 5G. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Rear Camera (Main) | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8 | A52 5G's higher resolution and larger sensor should capture slightly more detailed images and perform marginally better in low light, however A35 has been shown to have better image quality in real life settings. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 13MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G captures much more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A52 5G will capture wider shots with greater detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, A35 relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Both have a similar macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Similar video recording capabilities; both offer EIS for stable footage. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 240 fps | A35 offers higher slow motion frame rate. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 104 (Photo: 107, Video: 110) | A35 has better rated camera performance overall. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Manual focus, OIS, etc. | Triple camera, OIS, 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, etc. | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor, but A35 has more advanced processing features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has a larger battery, likely offering better battery life for extended usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support similar fast charging speeds. |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | Negligible difference for most users. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None listed | A52 5G supports additional charging protocols. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: More comfortable for one-handed use and longer periods.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a slightly better portrait mode using dedicated hardware.
- Wider Angle Lens: Capture wider shots with more detail.
- Additional Charging Protocols: Includes QC2.0 and AFC charging technologies.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The newer Exynos chipset offers significantly better processing power.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides higher protection.
- Larger Battery: Provides better battery life, allowing for longer usage times.
- Improved Main Camera Quality: Despite having lower resolution, the A35's main camera has been shown to capture better quality photos than the A52 5G.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers better connectivity with newer Bluetooth devices.
- Advanced Camera Features: Include 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR.
- Hi-Res Audio & Stereo Speakers: The A35 has better audio experience.
- Newer OS: Comes with a more up to date operating system, with a guarantee of further updates.
- Faster Slow Motion: The A35 has a higher slow motion frame rate (240fps).
- Improved GPS: The A35 supports additional GPS systems.
- Modern Wifi: Supports newer WiFi 6 standard for faster speeds and better performance.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Sacrifices processing power and battery for a lighter design, better selfies and a dedicated depth sensor.
- A35: Sacrifices a slightly more detail in selfies for significantly better performance, battery life, and a more modern device with a better rated main camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Those who prefer a lighter phone, take a lot of detailed selfies, and prefer a dedicated depth sensor.
- Use Cases:
- Casual social media users who value good-looking selfies.
- Users who frequently use their phone one-handed for browsing and messaging.
- Users that are on a tight budget but value the benefits the extra cameras bring.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User: Power users who prioritize performance, battery life, and better quality main camera.
- Use Cases:
- Gamers and multi-taskers who need a device that can handle demanding tasks.
- Users who watch a lot of videos, as the A35 has better audio and video quality.
- Users who value the longevity of software support and newer features.
- Users who want a better experience all round.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is overall performance and speed? If you need a fast, smooth experience, A35 is the better option.
- Do you prioritize battery life over a lighter device? A35 has a bigger battery for longer usage, A52 5G is lighter and more comfortable to use.
- How much do you value selfies and portrait photos? If you want better selfies and portrait mode, go for the A52 5G. However, the main camera is rated better on the A35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user who prioritizes a lighter phone and detailed selfies: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G.
- User who needs smooth performance and long battery life, and takes more photos with the main camera: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35.
- User who wants the most up to date OS and features with a good all-round experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35.
My Choice and Explanation
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A35. While the A52 5G has some advantages like a lighter build, higher resolution selfie camera, and a dedicated depth sensor, the A35 offers a superior overall experience with its significantly better performance, larger battery, more modern feature set, better screen protection and better main camera.
The improvements in performance and battery life are substantial enough to outweigh the selfie camera and portrait lens advantages of the A52 5G. The A35's newer chipset and larger battery make it a more capable device for gaming, multitasking, and everyday use. The improved screen protection provides more peace of mind. While the higher-resolution selfie camera of the A52 5G might be enticing to some, I believe the A35's better overall camera experience, combined with its many other advantages make it a better device in general.
Also, considering the long-term use, the A35's newer software and support for updated features make it a better option for longevity. The A35 has a higher rating for its camera, so the real world difference in the quality of photos is likely to be higher in the A35 despite the lower resolution.
