1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | S22+ is slightly shorter, wider and thinner, making it feel more compact and premium; A52 5G may feel slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | A52 5G is slightly lighter, may be noticeable during long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both are very similar, minimal difference. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar resolution, negligible real world difference. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 393 PPI | Both displays are sharp; negligible real world difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Identical display tech, expect vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ significantly better outdoor visibility in direct sunlight. The A52 5G's 0 nit brightness is concerning, as it should not be zero. This might indicate incorrect data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S22+ offers significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance due to its more advanced chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 890,774 | S22+ has much higher performance, indicating better overall responsiveness and processing. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Xclipse 920 | S22+ has a more powerful GPU, ideal for graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S22+ charges significantly faster; less time waiting for a full charge. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, 15W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, Non-removable | S22+ offers more charging flexibility with wireless and reverse wireless charging, while also offering a bypass charging feature that is great for gamers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A52 5G has higher resolution, but S22+ may have better overall image quality. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.57" | S22+ slightly larger sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Main Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.00µm | S22+ has bigger individual pixels, capturing more light for better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 10MP | A52 5G has significantly higher selfie resolution, but S22+ may have better quality due to the larger pixel size on its sensor. |
| Selfie Pixel Size | 0.80µm | 1.22µm | S22+ has bigger individual pixels, capturing more light for better low-light performance on the selfie camera, despite lower resolution. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" | S22+ has telephoto lens for optical zoom, A52 5G lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm pixel | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.40µm pixel | S22+ might have better low-light wide-angle performance and dynamic range due to a larger pixel size. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has dedicated depth camera for portrait mode, which helps with bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has a macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S22+ offers much higher video resolution and frame rates, better for video creators. |
| Features | Quad, OIS, EIS | Triple, OIS | S22+ has advanced features like 8K video, optical zoom, and PDAF, offering greater versatility. A52 5G has digital image stabilization while S22+ has OIS for better video quality |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 125 | S22+ offers a great camera experience based on its DxOmark score |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 14) | Android 12 (max 16) | S22+ comes with a newer OS version and will receive longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S22+ has Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | S22+ offers better Bluetooth audio quality and more modern standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S22+ supports more satellite systems, leading to potentially more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | S22+ offers eSIM for better flexibility, A52 5G has a second nano sim slot. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8 GB | S22+ has more RAM for better multitasking, and offers a higher default value. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers | A52 has slightly better audio features, while the S22+ has basic stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both use the same basic fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ offers better scratch and drop resistance. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S22+ has added sensors: Compass and barometer, which add functionality for navigation and environmental data. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP vs 10MP for potentially more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers more flexibility for close-up shots and bokeh effects in portrait mode.
- Slightly Lighter: May be preferable for users wanting a lighter phone.
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus: Slight edge in audio features, offering enhanced spatial audio.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Exynos 2200 chipset provides much faster processing, better multitasking, and gaming capabilities.
- Much Brighter Display: 1750 nits vs 0 nits on the A52 5G (this 0 nits is concerning, as it is not likely, and might indicate incorrect data). Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 45W vs 25W results in significantly reduced charging times.
- Wireless and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers convenience and allows sharing charge with other devices.
- Superior Main Camera: Larger sensor, bigger pixel size, and telephoto lens for better low-light performance, zoom capabilities, and overall image quality.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Up to 8K at 24fps compared to 4K at 30fps on the A52 5G, with HDR support, and 1080p at 240 fps, while the A52 5G has 120fps slow motion.
- Newer Software: Comes with Android 12 and has potential for two additional updates compared to A52's maximum of Android 14.
- Faster Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 for better network performance.
- Better Bluetooth Standard: 5.2 vs 5.0, with more modern audio profiles supported.
- Advanced GPS: Supports additional satellite systems for higher location accuracy.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for superior scratch and drop resistance.
- Additional sensors: Compass and barometer for better navigation and environmental data.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 5G offers a higher-resolution selfie camera, a depth sensor for bokeh, and a macro camera. However, it lacks a telephoto lens and the processing power of the S22+.
- The S22+ lacks the macro and depth camera for portrait mode present in the A52 5G. It relies on computational algorithms for portrait effects. It compensates for this with its superior image quality, telephoto lens and larger pixel sizes.
- The A52 is slightly lighter, while the S22+ offers a better build, performance and display.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a good all-around experience and higher resolution selfie camera, macro, and depth camera.
- Use Cases: Casual users, social media users, students, and those who want a dependable camera for day-to-day use and higher resolution selfies. It is fine for general tasks and light gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for its price point. Its older hardware and lack of premium features are acceptable given its price.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who demand top-tier performance, a premium display, high-quality camera capabilities, wireless charging, and who prioritize future-proofing.
- Use Cases: Gamers, content creators, professional photographers and videographers, business users, and anyone who uses their phone heavily and needs it to be responsive and reliable. Good for outdoor use.
- Price-to-Value: More expensive, but the performance and feature set justify the higher price for the target user, especially its superior display, camera system, and faster processing.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you primarily use your phone for basic tasks, or do you need a device capable of demanding games, heavy multitasking, and video editing?
- Camera Priorities: Do you value a high-resolution selfie camera, depth camera for bokeh effect, and a macro camera? Or would you prefer superior overall image quality, zoom capabilities and telephoto lens and higher video resolution?
- Budget: Are you willing to pay a premium for cutting-edge performance and features, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly option that still performs well for basic tasks?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user: If you are a casual user who prioritizes a dependable experience and doesn't play a lot of games, or require many demanding features, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G provides a good balance between features and affordability.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Content Creation: If you plan to play graphics-intensive games, perform video editing, or prioritize camera performance, the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G with its superior chipset, display, camera and build quality is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Photographer: If camera is the most important factor for you while not wanting to spend a lot of money, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a better selfie camera and a few extra features (macro camera, depth sensor for bokeh effect). However, if your budget is a little more flexible, the S22+ offers superior overall image quality (including zoom) in the main camera and better low light performance and larger pixel sizes on its sensors.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User: If you use your phone outdoors a lot and need it to be readable under sunlight, the S22+ will be the better choice due to its much brighter screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G.
Here's why:
While the A52 5G offers a higher resolution selfie camera, a depth camera and a macro lens for its rear camera, the S22+ has a much better overall camera system that includes a telephoto lens, larger sensor sizes, and larger individual pixel sizes. These features offer better low light performance, better dynamic range, and superior zoom capabilities. The inclusion of 8K video also makes it a much better tool for photography and video creation.
The S22+ has a superior chipset, which results in much better performance across the board, including gaming, multitasking and app loading.
The screen is much brighter, which makes it much easier to read under sunlight.
Finally the S22+ has faster charging speeds and wireless charging, which are welcome additions.
While the A52 5G is a solid phone, and is a fine choice for more casual users with lower budgets, for my use case I prioritize top of the line performance and camera, so I would go for the S22+.
