1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Flip4 offers a unique, pocketable design when folded; A52 5G is a traditional slab. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 165.2 x 71.9 x 6.9 mm | Flip4 is slightly taller and narrower, A52 5G is slightly thicker; A52 5G has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 189g | 187g | Negligible weight difference; Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Z Flip4 offers a slightly larger screen for immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Z Flip4 has moderately higher pixel count; Both provide crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 407 | 426 | Very similar pixel density; Both offer sharp visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Missing | A52 5G has an AMOLED display for superior color, contrast, and power efficiency for dark themes. Z Flip4 display technology is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Z Flip4 is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor use under sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Flip4 has a much more powerful and efficient chip, leading to faster apps and better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,050,371 | Z Flip4 provides a dramatically better performance with more than twice the score, suitable for gaming and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Z Flip4 has a newer and more powerful GPU, leading to better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 3700 mAh | A52 5G has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, reverse wireless | Both offer 25W fast charging, Z Flip4 also has the advantage of wireless charging and reverse charging for versatility. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm), Sony IMX682 | 12.2MP (f/1.8, 1/2.55", 1.4µm), Sony IMX563 | A52 5G has a higher resolution sensor, but Z Flip4 has a larger pixel size, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm), Sony IMX616 | 10MP (f/2.4, 1/3.2", 1.22µm), Sony IMX374 | A52 5G has higher resolution, Z Flip4 has larger pixel size, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Lens | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm), Samsung S5K3L6 | 13MP (1/3.06", 1.12µm), Sony IMX258 | Very similar; Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 has a slightly bigger sensor. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | Missing | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, Z Flip4 does not. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | Missing | A52 5G has a dedicated macro lens, Z Flip4 does not. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/EIS, slow-mo 120fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps w/HDR, slow-mo 960fps | Z Flip4 has advanced HDR recording and higher frame rate slow-motion, otherwise similar basic recording capability. |
| DxOMark Score | Missing | 112 (Mobile), 125 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Z Flip4 has a confirmed camera performance rating, A52 5G's rating is unavailable. |
| Features | Quadruple, Digital IS, OIS, Ultra stable, Manual Focus, Night mode | Dual, OIS, Tracking AF, PDAF, Continuous Shooting, | A52 5G has more lens options; Z Flip4 offers advanced autofocus tracking. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Z Flip4 starts with a slightly newer version of Android. Both have same max supported versions. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Dual Band, Wi-Fi MIMO | Z Flip4 has newer Wi-Fi technology, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE, ANT+ | 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, APT-x, ANT+ | Z Flip4 has a newer version and supports more codecs, offering better audio compatibility, advanced Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Z Flip4 has more accurate GPS through newer protocols |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Z Flip4 has eSIM support for digital carrier switching flexibility. A52 supports using two SIM cards at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB / 256GB | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB | Z Flip4 has a 512GB storage option for power users, A52 5G is limited to 256GB max. |
| RAM | 6GB / 8GB | 8GB | Z Flip4 provides 8GB standard, A52 5G offers either 6GB or 8GB variants. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, limiting the amount of stored data. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers | A52 5G has a slight edge in audio quality enhancements using Dolby codecs, Z Flip4 has basic Stereo speaker functionality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Z Flip4 offers a more convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Z Flip4 has superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Z Flip4 has additional compass and barometer sensors, making it more suited for certain apps, advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life due to its larger 4500mAh capacity.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Provides more versatility for photography with dedicated portrait mode and macro lenses.
- Superior Audio Enhancements: Includes Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus for a more immersive audio experience.
- More affordable likely provides a better price/value for some users
- Standard Form Factor: Will be more familiar to users that don't like the foldable format.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Highly pocketable and offers a unique user experience.
- Far Superior Performance: Features a significantly more powerful Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, resulting in much faster performance and better gaming capabilities.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Offers 1200 nits of peak brightness, providing significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Screen Protection: Features Gorilla Glass Victus, offering improved scratch and impact resistance.
- Advanced Connectivity: Includes newer Wi-Fi 6 standard and more Bluetooth codecs.
- More Camera Functionality: Features HDR video recording at higher frame rates, better autofocus tracking for video, and faster slow motion.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: provides more battery convenience
- More Flexible Storage: Offers a 512GB option
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Lacks the high-end performance, foldable design, and superior display brightness of the Z Flip4.
- Z Flip4: Has a smaller battery and lacks dedicated depth and macro cameras compared to the A52 5G. Is much more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and a versatile camera system with dedicated depth and macro lenses.
- Users on a tighter budget who want a reliable phone with a good display and decent performance.
- Those who prefer a more standard, traditional form factor.
- Users who value audio quality improvements through Dolby enhancements.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use with good battery life, casual gaming, and versatile photography.
- Users who need a phone for consistent, all day work and travel without needing to recharge.
- Social media users that may prefer an enhanced selfie cam.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance, a unique design, and a brighter display.
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and a premium experience with the foldable design.
- Users who value high-quality video recording and advanced camera features.
- Those who need the best performance for intensive tasks and gaming.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, content creation, multi-tasking, and premium visual experiences.
- Users who want a highly portable phone that is compact when folded.
- Users that want wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Those looking for an eye-catching design with the latest performance features.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A52 5G offers good value at a more affordable price point.
- The Z Flip4 offers a premium experience at a higher price, potentially the latest in smartphone tech at a cost.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on your phone?
- Usage: What will you primarily use your phone for (e.g., gaming, photography, daily tasks)?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard phone or are you interested in a foldable device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-conscious & Versatile Photography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for better battery life, a versatile camera system, and a lower price point.
- Performance & High-End Experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 for top-tier performance, a premium design, and a brighter display, and improved camera features.
- Unique Design & Portability: Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 for a foldable design, pocketability and an innovative experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. While I acknowledge that the Galaxy A52 5G provides a more versatile camera system, more basic audio features and better battery life, the Z Flip4 offers a far superior overall experience for me. The reasons for this are:
Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset in the Z Flip4 is a significant upgrade, providing a much smoother and faster experience for demanding tasks, gaming, and daily use.
Display Quality: I value a bright display and the 1200 nits of peak brightness on the Z Flip4 would greatly improve outdoor usability, which is important to me.
Foldable Design: The unique and innovative foldable design would be incredibly interesting and provides a more portable device that is very easy to carry around.
Technology and Future Proofing: The Z Flip4's inclusion of newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards offers better connectivity and future-proofing for my use cases.
The Z Flip4's combination of premium design, far superior performance, improved screen technology, and advanced features outweigh the benefits of the A52 5G, despite its higher price tag. The battery difference would be the most limiting factor for me but the other features provide enough value to offset that consideration.
