1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 5 IV is more compact, better for one-handed use. A52 5G is larger, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, more comfortable to hold for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | A52 5G offers a larger viewing area, better for media consumption. Xperia 5 IV is more pocketable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2520 | Xperia 5 IV has slightly sharper text and images due to higher pixel count. |
| PPI | 407 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has a slightly sharper display, minor visual quality difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display quality technologies. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No peak brightness provided, cannot compare screen visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly faster processing, better for demanding tasks & gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV has substantially higher performance, leading to faster app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV has a significantly more powerful GPU, better for gaming & graphics-intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12MP | A52 5G captures more detailed images with higher resolution. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | Xperia 5 IV gathers slightly more light, better in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 12MP | A52 5G produces more detailed selfie images. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV performs slightly better in low-light selfie situations. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities, better for distant subjects. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 13MP | 12MP | Minor difference. |
| Wide Angle Sensor Size | 1/3.1" | 1/2.55" | Xperia 5 IV captures more light and detail in wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | A52 5G can capture close-up macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 5 IV has more versatile and better video recording capabilities with higher frame rates. |
| OIS | Yes | Yes | Both have optical image stabilization for smoother videos & sharper photos. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 119 (Mobile) | Xperia 5 IV has been tested, A52 5G has not. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia 5 IV likely has longer battery life due to the larger battery. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Xperia 5 IV charges slightly faster. |
| Features | QC2.0 and AFC | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging | Xperia 5 IV offers advanced charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | Xperia 5 IV ships with newer Android. |
| Max OS Version | Android 14 | Android 13 | Samsung A52 5G will receive a newer Android update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xperia 5 IV has better Wi-Fi with faster speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Xperia 5 IV has newer Bluetooth with more features and efficiency. |
| GPS | Standard | Enhanced | Xperia 5 IV has more accurate GPS tracking with additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + Nano SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 5 IV supports eSIM for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both provide same storage options |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8GB | Xperia 5 IV always has 8GB, A52 5G has a lower 6GB option |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV offers superior audio quality, stereo speakers for better sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 5 IV has a more modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV provides significantly more robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Standard set | Enhanced Set | Xperia 5 IV offers more sensors, including barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.5" screen is better for media consumption, web browsing, and multitasking.
- Higher Resolution Main and Selfie Camera: Captures more detail in photos, especially in well-lit conditions.
- Dedicated Portrait & Macro Lens: Offers more versatility for different types of photography.
- Night Mode: Specific night mode for capturing better low-light images, which isn't explicitly listed on the Sony.
- More versatile software updates: Will receive Android 14 while the Sony will not.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers much faster processing and graphics performance.
- More Compact and Lighter Design: Easier to handle and more pocketable for daily use.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better scratch and drop resistance.
- Better Battery Life: Larger 5000mAh battery combined with an efficient processor for extended usage.
- Enhanced Charging Features: 30W fast charging, plus bypass and reverse charging capabilities.
- Better Standard Camera Quality: Slightly wider aperture captures more light and has larger pixels for better low light photos
- Telephoto Lens: Offers optical zoom for better distant subject capture.
- Better Video Recording: 4K@120fps recording with advanced stabilization.
- Superior Audio Quality: Features Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for a more immersive sound experience.
- More Accurate GPS: Enhanced GPS with more satellite systems for better navigation.
- Modern Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for better network performance and accessory compatibility.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More reliable and modern.
- Additional Environmental Sensors: Barometer for more accurate altitude readings
- eSIM: More flexibility in changing carriers
Significant Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: Loses out on performance, battery life, camera, and build quality.
- Xperia 5 IV: Lacks the dedicated macro and depth camera found on the Samsung A52 5G. Smaller Screen compared to Samsung A52.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users who prioritize a larger screen for media consumption, photography enthusiasts who enjoy detailed images and different camera modes, and budget-conscious buyers looking for a decent all-around device.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies on a larger screen.
- Taking casual photos with various modes (portrait, macro).
- General everyday use, social media, web browsing, etc.
- Basic gaming.
- Value: Offers good value for its price point, providing a decent user experience with a large screen and versatile camera system.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Performance enthusiasts who need a fast and responsive phone, photographers and videographers who want high-quality mobile capture capabilities, users who prioritize a compact device, and users who want an excellent audio experience
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile games.
- High-quality photo and video recording.
- Listening to music with Hi-Res audio through headphones.
- One-handed phone usage and portability.
- Users who require more accurate GPS tracking.
- Value: Offers premium performance and features, justifying its higher price point for power users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your budget? The Xperia 5 IV will likely be more expensive due to its higher specs.
- How much do you prioritize performance? If you need a fast phone for gaming or demanding apps, the Xperia 5 IV is the better option.
- Do you prefer a large screen or a compact design? The A52 5G has a larger screen, while the Xperia 5 IV is smaller.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User with Budget Constraints: If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks like social media, web browsing, and watching videos, and you prefer a bigger screen, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a good option.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Focused User: If you want the best performance for gaming, photography and videography with great audio experience and want to experience more modern connectivity, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the better choice despite its higher price.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: if you want a device that is a jack-of-all-trades, it would still be better to choose Sony Xperia 5 IV, because of its superior performance, but the tradeoff is the smaller display and more expensive price.
My Choice
I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Samsung A52 5G offers a larger screen and a more versatile camera system on paper, the real-world performance and build quality of the Xperia 5 IV are significantly better, providing a more seamless experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, combined with superior screen protection and enhanced features like a telephoto lens and better video recording capabilities, make it a more compelling option for my needs. Furthermore the added benefit of Hi-Res audio, alongside the slightly better battery life, makes the Xperia 5 IV the better choice for overall quality. Although the price is higher, it is worth the investment to get the better performance and build quality.
