Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | A52 5G is taller and thicker; S23 FE is wider, might feel more substantial. |
| Weight | 189g | 209g | A52 5G is noticeably lighter, better for long holding times. S23 FE feels more premium due to weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference; both suitable for most content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Very similar sharpness; both offer crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 407 | 403 | Virtually identical pixel density; displays appear equally sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Brightness data is missing. Will be assessed when data is available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE has a significantly more powerful chipset; faster performance for apps and games, and future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE has drastically higher benchmark score; Expect much smoother user experience, especially during demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE has a much more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" | A52 5G has higher MP, but S23 FE has a larger sensor for better low-light performance, better quality. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 8MP, f/2.0 | S23 FE can optically zoom into subjects, better for portraits, and getting close to distant subjects without losing quality. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65" | A52 5G has higher MP, S23 FE has a slightly larger sensor that captures better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | N/A | A52 5G has an ultra-wide camera for wider shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated macro lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | S23 FE has wide angle + macro lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S23 FE captures much higher resolution and frame rate; better for video recording. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, OIS, EIS | Triple Camera, OIS, EIS, 8K Video, Optical zoom, Continuous autofocus, RAW, Dual Sight | S23 FE has a more advanced camera system with optical zoom, RAW support, more focus modes, better for more versatile content creation |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 127, Photo: 124, Video: 131 | S23 FE camera performance is rated by DXOMark; A52 5G camera is not. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging | 25W | 25W | Both support 25W fast charging; charging time is comparable. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless charging | S23 FE offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23 FE ships with a newer OS and will receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S23 FE supports a faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | S23 FE has a newer version with better features and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Similar storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB | S23 FE comes standard with more RAM, better for multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device allows additional storage. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | S23 FE has Stereo speakers and noise cancellation mic; better for immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have similar screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | S23 FE has an additional compass sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Ultra-Wide Camera: Offers more versatile shooting capabilities with a dedicated ultrawide lens.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Offers more versatility for different scenarios.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Camera System: Higher quality main sensor, telephoto lens, and enhanced video recording capabilities including 8k.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient 15W wireless charging support.
- Stereo Speakers: Provides a richer audio experience compared to the A52 5G.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer Android version and will receive longer software update support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 standards.
- DXOMark Tested Camera: S23 FE camera is tested and rated.
Trade-offs:
- The S23 FE is heavier and slightly wider, which might be a drawback for some users.
- The S23 FE does not have dedicated portrait, macro, or ultrawide cameras.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who prioritize a lighter phone with a good screen and a decent camera for general photography needs.
- Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing.
- Casual gaming.
- Everyday photography.
- Users needing a light and compact design.
- Users who need dedicated ultrawide or macro cameras.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for those seeking an affordable and reliable mid-range phone.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, advanced camera capabilities, a premium experience, and future-proofing.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding gaming.
- High-quality video recording.
- Photography with telephoto and zoom capabilities.
- Multi-tasking and productivity.
- Users who appreciate wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a high level of performance and premium features at a more accessible price than flagship models.
4. Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- Performance Needs: Do you require top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, or demanding apps, or is everyday use sufficient?
- Camera Priority: Do you value better low-light performance, telephoto zoom, or ultra high video quality, or are basic photography needs sufficient?
- Budget and Features: Are you looking for the best possible phone at a more accessible price, or are some features and high power more important than cost?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If budget is the primary concern and you only need basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance User): If you need great performance for gaming and multi-tasking with more advanced camera features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Camera Focused User): If high-quality mobile photography is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE's camera system with better low light, zoom and enhanced recording capabilities is superior to the A52 5G.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Here's why:
- Future-Proofing Performance: The vastly superior performance of the Exynos 2200 chipset means the S23 FE will remain fast and capable for longer, especially when I consider the updates the phone will receive. The A52 5G's chipset, while adequate, is already showing its age.
- Superior Camera System: As someone who values mobile photography and videography, the S23 FE's telephoto lens, larger sensor, and 8K video capabilities are a significant advantage. While the A52 has a wider variety of cameras, it is ultimately not as high quality.
- Better Software Support: I always prefer to have the most recent software, and knowing the S23 FE will get more updates in the future gives it a longer lifespan.
- Premium Features: The inclusion of wireless charging and stereo speakers are great convenience features for everyday use.
- DXOMark Tested Camera: The S23 FE has an officially tested camera, while the A52 does not.
While the A52 5G is lighter and has a dedicated macro lens and ultra-wide angle lens, these benefits are not as valuable to me as the significantly higher performance, upgraded camera system, and more advanced features of the S23 FE. The S23 FE provides a more substantial and versatile overall user experience, and the premium features of the S23 FE make it the better choice for me.
