Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Sony Xperia 10 III
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Sony Xperia 10 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 154 x 68 x 8.3 mm | Samsung is larger and wider, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use. Sony is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 169g | Sony is noticeably lighter, better for long usage and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6" | Samsung offers a larger screen for immersive media consumption and easier readability. Sony is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2520 | Sony has a slightly sharper display due to higher pixel density |
| Pixel Density | 407 ppi | 457 ppi | Sony's screen will appear slightly sharper and more detailed |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but no major difference |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Samsung's 120Hz display provides significantly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare brightness as the values are missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G | Snapdragon 690 5G | Samsung offers better performance, faster app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 275,000 | Samsung will perform better with demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619L | Both use the same GPU family, but the Samsung's configuration offers better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.8 | Samsung captures more detailed images due to higher resolution |
| Telephoto/Portrait | N/A | 8MP, f/2.4 | Sony offers a dedicated telephoto/portrait lens for optical zoom and bokeh effects |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Samsung takes much more detailed selfies. Sony's wider aperture may help in low light |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Samsung has more detailed wide-angle shots |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung offers depth-sensing capabilities for portrait mode |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung can capture close-up macro shots |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | Samsung has slightly better video recording with electronic image stabilization across more resolutions. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Manual, Night Mode | Triple camera, Continuous shooting | Samsung has more features for photography enthusiasts, including optical image stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both offer similar battery life due to identical capacities. |
| Charging | 25W | 18W | Samsung charges faster, meaning less downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | Samsung has QuickCharge 2.0 and Adaptive Fast Charging for faster charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Samsung offers one more year of software updates compared to Sony |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Sony has slightly newer Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Sony offers more satellite options for enhanced location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | Samsung offers more storage capacity options. |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 6GB | Samsung offers more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, 2 Microphones | Samsung focuses on immersive audio, Sony on higher fidelity and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony has a more modern and potentially faster fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 6 | Sony has marginally better screen protection with Gorilla Glass 6 |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Samsung additionally offers: Gyroscope for enhanced gaming experience. Sony additionally offers: Compass for better navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 750G offers significantly better CPU and GPU performance, leading to faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a much more fluid visual experience for everyday use.
- Versatile Camera System: Features a higher-resolution primary sensor, dedicated macro and depth lenses, and optical image stabilization.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging gets the battery back up quicker.
- More Software Updates: Guarantees one more year of Android updates.
- More RAM & Storage Options: Up to 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage are available
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a higher audio quality experience
Sony Xperia 10 III Advantages:
- More Compact Design: Lighter and narrower, making it more ergonomic and pocket-friendly.
- Sharper Display: Higher pixel density provides a marginally sharper display
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom and portrait capabilities which Samsung lacks
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with more codec support for improved audio quality and connections.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic location for unlocking the phone.
- Marginally better build: Gorilla Glass 6 provides slightly better protection than Gorilla Glass 5.
- More Accurate GPS: With the addition of QZSS support, this allows for higher location accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is heavier and bulkier, while the Sony Xperia 10 III sacrifices performance and camera features for a smaller form factor.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is more feature-rich in terms of the camera, while the Sony Xperia 10 III opts for a simpler camera approach.
- The Sony Xperia 10 III has a slightly higher pixel density screen but lacks the smoothness of a 120 Hz panel.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The superior processor, GPU, and 120Hz display provide a better gaming experience.
- Content Creators: The versatile camera system with OIS and 4K recording is ideal for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: The larger screen and Dolby Atmos audio make it perfect for watching videos and movies.
- Users Needing Longer Software Support: One extra year of software updates.
- Users needing more Storage: Option for 256GB version.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos on the go.
- Enjoying media content on a large, smooth display.
- Multitasking between multiple apps.
Sony Xperia 10 III Ideal Users:
- Users Prioritizing Portability: The smaller, lighter design is perfect for those who value pocketability and one-handed use.
- Minimalists: Those who appreciate a simpler camera experience without all the extra lenses.
- Users Focused on Audio Quality: Hi-Res Audio and superior Bluetooth codec support.
- Users focused on GPS Accuracy: QZSS support offers the user better location services
- Users who prefer side mounted fingerprint sensors: The position of the sensor on the side of the device makes it easier to unlock.
Use Cases:
- Everyday phone calls and messaging.
- Casual photo and video capture.
- Listening to music with high-fidelity audio.
- Using a compact phone that's easy to handle.
- Navigating areas with greater accuracy.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and a smoother visual experience or a more compact design?
- How important is the camera, and do you need features like OIS and multiple lenses, or is simplicity sufficient?
- Do you need a longer period of software updates or high-fidelity audio capabilities and better GPS?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its superior performance and 120Hz display.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its more versatile camera system and OIS
- Scenario 3: Portable Everyday Use: Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III for its smaller size and lighter weight.
- Scenario 4: Audiophile: Choose the Sony Xperia 10 III for its Hi-Res audio capabilities.
- Scenario 5: Extended Software Support: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for its additional year of software updates.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would personally pick the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the Sony Xperia 10 III offers a more compact design and a few nice features, the Samsung's advantages in key areas are too compelling for my needs.
Here's why:
- Performance Matters: As someone who uses my phone for a variety of tasks, including some light gaming, the smoother experience offered by the Snapdragon 750G and 120Hz refresh rate is crucial. The AnTuTu score highlights a significant difference in performance, and I value that responsiveness.
- Camera Versatility: I appreciate having a versatile camera system with different lenses and OIS. Although the Sony's telephoto lens is a plus, the Samsung's overall camera capabilities are more robust, especially in varied lighting conditions.
- Media Consumption: The larger, more immersive display is better for media consumption, and the Dolby Atmos speakers are welcome, particularly for enjoying videos or streaming music.
- Longer Software Support: One extra year of software updates ensures the phone remains secure and up-to-date for a longer period.
- Storage Needs: While 128GB would be sufficient, having the option to double that is appealing.
While the Sony Xperia 10 III is a great option for users who prioritize portability and compactness, the Samsung A52 5G fits my use case better, offering a balanced set of features for an all-around user. The superior performance, versatile camera, and better screen make it the better choice for me.
