Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-19 | 2023-08-11 | Galaxy Z Fold5 is significantly newer, benefiting from updated technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Fold5 offers a large display in a compact form. A52 5G is a standard single-screen phone. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm (unfolded) | A52 5G is taller and thicker, Fold5 is wider when unfolded and slimmer. Fold5 has a significantly larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 189g | 253g | A52 5G is lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use. Fold5 is heavier due to the foldable design and larger screen. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" (unfolded) | Fold5 provides a much larger screen, excellent for multitasking, media consumption, and gaming. A52 5G has a more standard screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1812x2176 | Fold5 offers significantly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density, leading to a more immersive experience. |
| PPI | 407 | 373 | A52 5G has slightly higher pixel density, but the difference is not very noticeable in practical usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | (Unspecified) | A52 5G offers vibrant colors and deep blacks with AMOLED. Fold5's display tech is unknown, hindering a direct comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones offer smooth scrolling and animations with a 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness comparison is not possible because the value is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Fold5 has a much more powerful and efficient chip, leading to faster performance, better gaming capabilities, and improved battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,538,914 | Fold5 has significantly higher performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 | Fold5's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics for gaming and other visually intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4400mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, but real-world battery life will depend on the chipset, software, and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Both phones support 25W fast charging, but real-world charging speed is also affected by additional features on Z Fold5 (bypass charging, wireless charging). |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC. | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | Fold5 offers more features like bypass charging, wireless, and reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor, 0.80µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size | A52 5G has higher resolution, but Fold5 has a larger sensor with larger pixels, leading to better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 0.80µm pixel size | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, 1.22µm pixel size | A52 5G has much higher resolution, but Fold5 has a sensor with larger pixels, potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm pixel size | Fold5 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities, offering versatility and better quality for zoomed shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" sensor, 1.12µm pixel size | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixel size | A52 5G has a slightly higher resolution on the ultrawide lens (13MP), but there will be very little noticeable difference. |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | None | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor which helps with portrait mode photos |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixel size | None | A52 5G has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | Up to 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, EIS, HDR | Fold5 offers superior video capabilities, including higher resolutions (8K), higher frame rates, and HDR for better dynamic range and better video quality. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 128, Photo: 127, Video: 123 | Fold5 has been professionally tested and rated by DxOMark, giving an objective benchmark to the camera performance |
| Additional Features | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, OIS, Night Mode | Noise reduction, Time-Lapse, Optical zoom, Triple camera, AutoFraming, Laser AF, PDAF, LAF, NPU AI Engine, Dual front camera, Under display camera, Continuous shooting, RAW, OIS, Night Mode | Fold5 provides a more versatile and advanced set of camera features (including optical zoom, better stabilization, and AI processing). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Comfortable: Significantly lighter for comfortable extended use.
- Lower Cost: Generally more budget-friendly compared to the Z Fold 5.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Offers a depth and macro lens for more creative photos.
- Slightly Higher Pixel Density: Marginally sharper display, though the difference is minimal.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Offers higher resolution selfies.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 Advantages:
- Larger Foldable Display: Provides an immersive experience, perfect for media consumption, multitasking, and gaming.
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Offers top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: Has a larger main sensor, capturing more light for better image quality.
- Telephoto Lens: Provides optical zoom for versatile photography.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers more advanced video capabilities, including 8K video, and features like OIS and advanced autofocus.
- Faster Wifi and Bluetooth: Includes the latest standards of WiFi and Bluetooth for superior connectivity.
- More Battery Features Offers more features like bypass charging, wireless, and reverse wireless charging
- More Storage: Comes with much larger storage options (up to 1TB).
- More RAM: Has double the RAM for improved multitasking.
- Newer OS: It will likely have more software support in the future.
- Better Screen Protection: Higher Gorilla Glass protection
Significant Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Lower performance, standard screen size, less advanced camera features.
- Z Fold5: Higher price, heavier design, potentially less comfortable in the hand for long periods. It lacks a dedicated macro and depth sensor compared to A52 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who value reliable performance for everyday tasks, good camera quality, and a comfortable, lightweight design.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing, social media, and communication.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Users who prefer a standard smartphone form factor.
- Those who value comfort and light weight.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for money in its category due to balanced specs and performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5:
- Ideal User: Power users who need a large screen for productivity and media consumption, high-end performance, and advanced camera features, while being okay with the price.
- Use Cases:
- Multitasking with multiple apps on the large screen.
- Immersive gaming and media consumption.
- Professional-grade photography and videography.
- Those who value cutting-edge technology and versatility.
- Those who need to do productivity tasks on the go.
- Price-to-Value: Higher price point, but worth the investment for those who require a top-tier experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The Z Fold 5 is considerably more expensive than the A52 5G.
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer a standard phone or a foldable device with a large screen?
- Primary Use Cases: What will you use your phone for the most? Will you primarily be browsing social media, or will you be using it for work or photography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Shopper: If you're on a tight budget and need a capable smartphone for everyday use, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the better choice.
- Productivity Power User: If you frequently multitask, need a large screen for work, or desire the latest features, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 is recommended, despite the higher cost.
- Photography Enthusiast: While both phones have capable cameras, the Z Fold5 is a better choice if you want professional-level camera features, including 8k video and a telephoto lens.
- Casual User: The A52 5G is more suitable for people who need a reliable phone for everyday use and don't want to spend extra money on premium features.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. While the price is significantly higher, the advancements in the display, performance, camera, and features make it a much better phone overall for my usage. I value the larger, foldable screen for multitasking and content consumption, the significantly more powerful processor for smooth performance, and the superior camera system for versatile photography and videography. The Z Fold5 provides a much more future-proof and cutting-edge experience. Although I find the A52 5G to be a great phone, it just can't compete with the Z Fold 5's power.
