Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm | S22 Ultra is noticeably larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; A52 is more compact and pocketable |
| Weight | 189g | 228g | A52 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use; S22 Ultra feels more substantial, which can be a premium feel but also more tiring |
| Build | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Screen) | S22 Ultra offers superior protection against scratches and drops, while the A52's screen protection is less robust |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S22 Ultra has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3088 | S22 Ultra has significantly sharper display, noticeable for text and high-resolution images |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 500 | S22 Ultra provides crisper, more detailed visuals |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; No difference in display quality here |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S22 Ultra is dramatically brighter, offering superior outdoor visibility in bright sunlight |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) - Europe | S22 Ultra's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient for demanding tasks and gaming. Note that there may be differences in performance depending on region as some regions receive a Snapdragon chipset instead of an Exynos chipset |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,023,311 | S22 Ultra offers significantly faster performance, superior app loading times, smoother multitasking and better gaming experiences |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Xclipse 920 - Europe | S22 Ultra's GPU is much more powerful, providing superior gaming performance |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33" sensor | S22 Ultra captures much more detailed images, especially in good lighting and has slightly better low light performance due to sensor size. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.52" sensor + 12MP, f/4.9, 1/3.52" sensor | S22 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities, for higher quality zoomed shots |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" sensor | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | S22 Ultra captures a slightly wider field of view with better low light performance due to the larger sensor size |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 40MP, f/2.2 | S22 Ultra offers more detail in selfies |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G offers dedicated macro lens for close-up photography, a feature absent on the S22 Ultra |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode which may give more accurate bokeh but will depend on software implementation |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S22 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording capabilities |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | Main score: 131, Photo: 127, Video: 131 | S22 Ultra has high scores, indicating better camera performance than an untested A52 5G |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not Tested | Main score: 135, Photo: 130, Video: 144 | S22 Ultra has high scores, indicating better selfie performance than an untested A52 5G |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | S22 Ultra provides more versatility and manual control for demanding users; S22 Ultra offers additional optical zoom for long distance shots |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | S22 Ultra has larger capacity, offering potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S22 Ultra charges significantly faster, allowing quicker top-ups |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | S22 Ultra provides advanced battery management options, including wireless and reverse wireless charging. The A52 5G has older charging standards |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and easier to carry in a pocket.
- Dedicated Macro Lens & Depth Sensor: Provides specific lenses for close-up and portrait photography which some users may find beneficial
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable, making it a budget-friendlier option.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Faster chipset and GPU deliver smoother multitasking and gaming experiences.
- Higher Resolution, Brighter Display: Offers a sharper, more vibrant, and more visible display, especially outdoors.
- Much Better Camera System: Includes telephoto lenses for optical zoom, superior main and selfie cameras with better detail, and 8K video recording.
- Larger Battery with Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and quicker charging times.
- Advanced Features: Includes wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and more robust connectivity options (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, newer Bluetooth, eSIM support).
- Premium Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus+.
Trade-offs:
- S22 Ultra: Larger, heavier, and more expensive.
- A52 5G: Noticeably slower, lower-resolution display, less advanced camera system, and smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users, those who prioritize comfort and portability, and casual smartphone users.
- Use Cases: Everyday tasks, social media, web browsing, light gaming, and taking casual photos and videos.
- Strengths: Good all-rounder at a lower price point, comfortable to hold, with a usable camera system.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G:
- Ideal Users: Power users, photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and professionals who need top performance and advanced features.
- Use Cases: Heavy multitasking, demanding games, professional-grade photography and video, content creation, business use, and long-term reliability.
- Strengths: Exceptional performance, pro-grade camera system, and premium features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and heavy multitasking, or are your needs more basic?
- Camera Requirements: How important is photography and videography for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious Casual User): If your main priority is an affordable smartphone for everyday use, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a good fit.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Media Enthusiast): If you are a heavy gamer, consume a lot of media, or frequently work on your phone, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focused): If you prioritize taking high-quality photos and videos, especially with zoom capabilities, then the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is the better option.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. While it is significantly more expensive and larger, the performance difference is stark. The Snapdragon 750G in the A52 5G is an acceptable mid-range chip but the Exynos 2200 in the S22 Ultra is significantly more performant with a far more capable GPU, and also more future proof. I also find the improved display brightness of the S22 Ultra very important for visibility outdoors, where I often find myself. While the A52 5G's camera is competent, I would much prefer the versatility and quality of the S22 Ultra with its impressive zoom capabilities, better sensor size, and advanced video features, especially with the higher resolutions. As a heavy user who values performance, a premium display, and advanced camera features, the S22 Ultra aligns better with my needs, despite the higher cost. The advantages in raw power, camera quality, and screen brightness make the premium price worth it for my use case.
