1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.2 × 75.9 × 8.1 mm | iQOO 12 is slightly taller, A52 5G is slightly thicker; both are similar in width |
| Weight | 189g | 198.5g | A52 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | iQOO 12 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | iQOO 12 has significantly sharper display, better for detailed visuals |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 453 | iQOO 12 has a moderately sharper display; text and images look crisper |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; similar viewing experience |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | iQOO 12 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations; marginal real-world difference |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | iQOO 12 is dramatically brighter, significantly better for outdoor visibility |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | iQOO 12 offers vastly superior processing power; faster app launches, smoother multitasking, better gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 2,020,000 | iQOO 12 has drastically better benchmark performance; noticeable difference in overall speed |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 750 | iQOO 12 has much better graphics performance; smoother and higher frame rate gaming |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.69, 1/1.3" | iQOO 12's larger sensor and wider aperture may result in better low-light performance |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1" | A52 5G has higher resolution selfie camera; iQOO 12 has larger pixels for better light sensitivity |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | iQOO 12 offers telephoto zoom capability, missing from A52 5G |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1" | None | A52 5G offers wide-angle photos; iQOO 12 uses wide angle + macro |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" | iQOO 12's wide-angle doubles as macro; versatile for creative shooting |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 8K@30fps with EIS, 4K@60fps | iQOO 12 offers higher video resolution and frame rate options |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, OIS | Triple Camera, OIS, Tracking AF, 8K Video, Raw | iQOO 12 provides additional features for professional videography and photography |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | iQOO 12 has a slightly larger battery, potentially longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W | 120W | iQOO 12 charges significantly faster, reduces charging time dramatically |
| Battery Type | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | No notable practical impact for the end user |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | iQOO 12 is on the latest Android version, better security and features |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | iQOO 12 supports the latest WiFi standards, much faster and more efficient |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | iQOO 12 uses latest Bluetooth version, more stable and efficient connection |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | iQOO 12 uses more satellite systems offering better positioning accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both offer dual SIM functionality |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | vivo iQOO 12 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB or 256 GB | 256 GB, 512GB, or 1024GB | iQOO 12 offers significantly higher storage capacity |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | iQOO 12 offers much higher RAM, better for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Build: More comfortable to hold for long periods.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offers more versatility for close-up and portrait photography.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers better protection against scratches and impacts.
- Wide Angle Lens: Includes a dedicated wide-angle lens.
vivo iQOO 12 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster chipset, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Dramatically better outdoor visibility.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper images and text.
- Faster Charging: 120W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Telephoto Lens: Offers zoom capabilities.
- 8K Video Recording: Provides higher quality video recording capabilities.
- Newer Connectivity Standards: Supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for faster and more reliable connections.
- Higher storage options: Offers up to 1 TB of storage.
- Higher RAM options: Offers up to 16GB of ram.
Trade-offs:
- The iQOO 12 is heavier and slightly larger which may be a consideration for some users.
- The iQOO 12 lacks dedicated macro and depth sensors.
- The iQOO 12's screen protection is not listed, potentially less durable than the A52 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize a comfortable, lightweight design and a good display.
- Users who enjoy casual photography and want a dedicated macro lens and depth sensor.
- Users who want a reliable daily phone with a good screen at a reasonable price.
- Users who value a known brand and are comfortable with older tech.
Use Cases:
- Everyday communication, browsing, and social media.
- Casual photography with a focus on close-up shots and portraits.
- Watching videos and movies occasionally.
vivo iQOO 12 Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users who prioritize speed, gaming, and multitasking.
- Users who need a very bright display for outdoor use.
- Users who take advantage of newer technologies, such as Wi-Fi 7 and 8K video recording.
- Users who want to quickly charge their phones.
- Enthusiast that wants a powerful device for demanding tasks.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high graphics settings.
- Demanding multitasking with many apps open.
- Professional video recording and photography.
- Use in bright sunlight.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung A52 5G is likely a budget or mid range phone.
- The vivo iQOO 12 is likely a more expensive device due to the higher performance and newer tech, which may still offer great value.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The A52 5G will likely be more affordable than the iQOO 12.
- How important is performance and gaming to you? If gaming and speed are priorities, the iQOO 12 is far superior.
- What are your camera priorities? Do you value macro and depth sensors or a telephoto lens and 8k recording?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you prioritize a reliable daily phone on a budget, the Samsung A52 5G is adequate.
- Scenario 2: Performance Enthusiast: If you demand top-tier performance, gaming capability, and the latest tech, the vivo iQOO 12 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Lover: If your priority is a more versatile camera with a dedicated macro, depth sensor and wide-angle lens, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is your choice, but if you are looking for professional features and 8k video, vivo iQOO 12 is better.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor User: If you frequently use your phone in bright sunlight, the dramatically brighter screen of the vivo iQOO 12 will make a huge difference.
My Choice
I would choose the vivo iQOO 12. While I appreciate the lighter design and additional camera features of the Samsung A52 5G, the massive performance leap, significantly brighter screen, faster charging, and newer connectivity standards of the iQOO 12 make it a much more compelling option. As someone who values a smooth, fast and reliable experience with future proof specs, the iQOO 12 better aligns with my needs, even at a higher price point. The ability to game at higher settings and enjoy videos outdoors would be a very welcome upgrade.
