1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm, 177g | S21 FE is slightly more compact and lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged one-handed use. A52 5G is marginally larger and heavier. |
| Build | Plastic Back | Plastic Back | Both phones use plastic backs which is more durable but less premium than glass. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible size difference, both offer immersive viewing, slightly larger on A52 5G. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. The slight difference isn't noticeable in everyday use. |
| PPI | 407 | 403 | Pixel density is virtually identical, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE has much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Snapdragon 888 (5nm) | S21 FE offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 923,836 | S21 FE demonstrates significantly higher performance, suitable for intensive tasks, gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE has a more powerful GPU, providing a superior gaming experience. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery life, suitable for a full day of moderate use. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both support 25W fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Charging Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse wireless, Non-removable, No charger in-box | S21 FE supports wireless and reverse charging, and comes without an in-box charger while A52 5G doesn't support wireless charging but has QC2.0 and AFC. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | A52 5G has a higher megapixel count, but the S21 FE has larger pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S21 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Ultra-Wide | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm (Combined with macro) | A52 5G has a dedicated Ultra-wide sensor while S21 FE has a wide angle + Macro camera instead. The sensor sizes are very similar. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Both offer similar selfie camera performance. |
| Portrait | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Available | A52 5G offers a dedicated depth sensor while S21 FE uses its telephoto lens for portrait. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not Available | A52 5G has dedicated macro lens, while S21 FE uses a combined wide angle + macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@240fps | S21 FE offers higher video recording resolution, fps, and better slow-motion capabilities, suitable for video enthusiasts. |
| DXOMark Scores | Not Available | Mobile 117, Selfie 127 | S21 FE scores better in camera tests compared to A52 5G (not tested) |
| Features | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video | Triple camera, Optical zoom, RAW | S21 FE has a telephoto lens that allows better zoom capabilities and features like continuous autofocus and RAW image capture. A52 5G has a quad camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 12, Upgradable to 16 | S21 FE ships with a newer OS and will receive more OS updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 FE supports newer Wi-Fi standards, offering faster and more reliable connections, especially in congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | S21 FE has more Bluetooth profiles than A52 5G, ensuring wider compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS functionality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have identical storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have identical RAM options. |
| Expandable | Not Available | Not Available | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | S21 FE offers enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use the same basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 FE offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S21 FE provides more sensors, adding an electronic compass and barometer which are useful for more specific applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Offers more versatile photography with dedicated macro and depth sensors for close-up shots and better portrait effects
- Slightly Larger Display: A marginally larger display for a more immersive viewing experience (6.5 inches vs 6.4 inches).
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides significantly higher processing power, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experiences.
- Significantly Brighter Display: With 1300 nits of brightness, it offers much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight, this is a significant advantage for outdoor use.
- Advanced Camera Features: Includes a dedicated telephoto lens for superior optical zoom, along with features like continuous autofocus, phase detection autofocus, and RAW image capture, providing a better camera experience overall.
- Better Video Recording: Offers higher video quality, with 4K recording at 60fps and better slow-motion capabilities.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Supports wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, adding convenience.
- Stereo Speakers: Delivers better audio quality for media consumption.
- Newer Android OS: Ships with a newer OS and has a longer update life.
- Better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus.
- More Sensors: Includes an electronic compass and barometer.
Trade-offs:
- S21 FE: Lacks dedicated macro and depth cameras, which some users may prefer and has no in-box charger.
- A52 5G: Lower performance, lower screen brightness, basic audio, and older operating system.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a capable phone at a more affordable price point, prioritizing a larger display and a versatile camera system, with dedicated macro and depth sensors.
- Casual Photographers: Users who prefer a more versatile camera setup with a higher megapixel count and dedicated macro and depth sensors for creative shooting.
- General Use: Users who prioritize battery life for everyday tasks without heavy performance demands.
Use Cases:
- Social media browsing, casual gaming, watching videos, and general productivity tasks.
- Taking detailed macro photos or portrait shots using the dedicated lenses.
- Users who prefer a phone with a slightly bigger screen.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Ideal Users:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize fast performance, seamless multitasking, and high-end gaming capabilities.
- Frequent Content Creators: Those who need a camera with excellent video recording, zoom capabilities, and superior low-light performance.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and need high screen brightness.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who desire features such as wireless charging, stereo speakers, and the latest software.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, content creation, video editing, and multitasking with demanding apps.
- Taking photos and videos in various conditions, including low-light environments and using zoom.
- Outdoor usage, particularly under direct sunlight.
- Listening to media with better quality due to stereo speakers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize top-tier processing power for gaming and intensive multitasking, or is general daily performance sufficient?
- Camera Preference: Do you prefer a versatile multi-lens system with a macro and depth sensors or higher image quality with better zoom capabilities and better low light performance with RAW image capture?
- Usage Environment: Will you primarily use the phone indoors, or do you need excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User who wants to take photos: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. It provides a great screen, decent performance, and a versatile camera system at a lower price point.
Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its superior processing power, better video features, and higher screen brightness make it ideal for gaming, creating video content and general use under sunlight.
Scenario 3: General User who wants the best quality and latest software: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. It's a newer phone that has a better chipset, better video recording, and more features such as wireless charging, stereo speakers, and a newer OS.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
While the A52 5G has a slightly bigger display and offers dedicated macro and depth lenses, the S21 FE offers more value with its superior performance thanks to the Snapdragon 888 chipset, which is a significant advantage for smoother and faster usage, especially in multitasking and gaming. The higher screen brightness and significantly improved camera performance, video recording capabilities, combined with better audio via stereo speakers, and wireless charging all make it more appealing for me and a better overall experience. The updated software also provides peace of mind knowing the phone will have more updates. Though it lacks a dedicated macro lens, the improved quality overall makes it the better choice for me.
