Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Sony Xperia 1 VI
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Sony Xperia 1 VI | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 162 x 74 x 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 VI is slightly taller, narrower, and thinner; A52 5G might feel slightly wider and chunkier in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Virtually identical weight; Both will feel similar in pocket or hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Same screen size; Both offer comparable viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2340 | Negligible difference; Both are Full HD+ and will look very similar in sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 396 | Virtually identical pixel density; Both offer sharp and clear visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technologies; Both will provide vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Identical; Both provide smooth scrolling and animation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have similar peak brightness; Real-world brightness will vary based on specific calibration. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | Xperia 1 VI offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 2,110,000 | Xperia 1 VI has drastically higher performance; A52 5G is fine for basic tasks but less for demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | Xperia 1 VI has a much more powerful GPU for better graphics performance in gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 48MP, f/1.9, 1/1.4", 1.17µm | A52 5G has higher megapixel count, Xperia 1 VI has a larger sensor and pixel size for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | A52 5G has higher resolution selfie camera, while Xperia 1 VI has larger pixel size for better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", 1.0µm | Xperia 1 VI has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, A52 5G relies on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | Xperia 1 VI has a larger sensor on its wide-angle camera; Potentially better quality wide-angle photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor, better portrait shots for casual users. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | N/A | A52 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close up photos. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 1 VI captures higher resolution and frame rate videos with more features (OIS, HDR), and offers better video quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 1 VI has larger battery; will likely provide longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 1 VI charges slightly faster, but both have "fast charging". |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC. | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, Reverse wireless charging | Xperia 1 VI offers more features including wireless charging and bypass charging which protects the battery while gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | Xperia 1 VI has a much newer version of android and will have more updated security features. |
| Max Android Version | Android 14 | Android 17 | Xperia 1 VI offers 3 more years of software support than A52 5G. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Xperia 1 VI has much newer wifi offering faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Xperia 1 VI uses a newer version of Bluetooth with better energy efficiency and faster connection speeds. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | Xperia 1 VI offers better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 1 VI offers the flexibility of using a digital carrier via eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Xperia 1 VI offers larger storage options for users with lots of media or games. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Xperia 1 VI has 12GB of RAM for significantly better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 VI has stereo speakers and offers a better spatial audio experience than the A52 5G. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 VI's side-mounted sensor is faster and more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Xperia 1 VI has superior scratch and shatter resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Xperia 1 VI offers more sensors, including a barometer and pedometer, which is better for gaming and fitness tracking. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lower cost: Generally much more affordable.
- Dedicated depth and macro cameras: For casual users who like macro and portrait photography.
Practical Implications for Galaxy A52 5G:
- A more budget-friendly option for users who don't need top-tier performance but still want a decent screen, camera and battery life.
- The dedicated depth and macro sensors offer flexibility for a greater range of shots without the need for additional equipment or apps.
Sony Xperia 1 VI Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers incredible speed and smoothness.
- Superior main camera: Larger sensor and pixel size for better image quality, especially in low light.
- Dedicated telephoto lens: For enhanced optical zoom.
- Better video recording: Higher resolutions, frame rates, and features like OIS and HDR.
- Larger Battery: More capacity, longer lasting.
- More advanced charging: faster wired charging and the addition of wireless charging, reverse charging, and bypass charging for improved convenience and battery health.
- More modern software: Comes with newer version of Android and longer software support.
- Advanced connectivity: Includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4.
- Better build quality: Includes Victus 2 screen protection.
- More sensors: Includes a barometer and compass.
- More advanced storage and ram: Larger storage and more ram for heavy multitasking.
Practical Implications for Sony Xperia 1 VI:
- Top-of-the-line performance for power users, gamers, and those who want the best possible experience.
- Advanced camera system with better quality, telephoto lens, and better video capabilities for photography enthusiasts.
- Faster and more reliable connectivity, and more advanced charging.
- More durable phone for users that are prone to damaging their phone.
- Offers a greater range of fitness and gaming options.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: Sony Xperia 1 VI is significantly more expensive.
- Missing depth and macro camera: Xperia 1 VI does not have a dedicated depth and macro sensor, some users may not like that.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a good all-around phone without breaking the bank.
- Casual users: Need a phone for basic tasks, social media, and light photography.
- Users who prioritize a macro and depth sensor: For casual users that enjoy shooting macro and portrait photos.
Use Cases for Galaxy A52 5G:
- Daily social media browsing and communication
- Casual photography and video
- Streaming videos and music
- Basic gaming
Sony Xperia 1 VI Ideal User:
- Power users: Demand the best performance for gaming, productivity, and demanding tasks.
- Photography enthusiasts: Want the best camera quality, telephoto lens, and video features.
- Users who want a premium phone: Are willing to pay extra for top-tier features, build quality and future proofing.
Use Cases for Sony Xperia 1 VI:
- Gaming and heavy multitasking
- Professional-level photography and videography
- Heavy multimedia consumption
- Long-term use due to better software support
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (A52 5G is significantly cheaper)
- How important is performance to me? (Xperia 1 VI offers top-tier performance)
- What are my photography priorities? (A52 5G has dedicated depth and macro, Xperia 1 VI offers superior image quality and telephoto).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited Budget: If your budget is tight and you mainly need a phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers good value.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Priority: If you prioritize top-tier performance, the best camera quality and advanced features, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use: If you want a balance of decent performance, battery life and camera quality, you would choose the Sony Xperia 1 VI.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Sony Xperia 1 VI. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a decent phone, the Xperia 1 VI offers so much more. The drastically superior performance, camera system, battery features, connectivity, build quality and software support make it well worth the extra cost for me. I prioritize a smooth and fast user experience, good camera quality and a phone that will last me for years. Although the A52 has a macro and depth sensor, which I would use, the larger sensor on the Xperia more than makes up for it with its better image quality, especially in low light. I also appreciate the additional features like wireless charging and faster connectivity. Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 VI is simply the better phone.
