Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco F5
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm | Poco F5 is slightly taller and thinner; A52 5G is a bit more compact. The weight difference (8g) is negligible in daily use. |
| Weight | 189g | 181g | Xiaomi Poco F5 is slightly lighter (8g), possibly more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco F5 offers a slightly larger screen, enhancing the viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both provide identical Full HD+ clarity; Pixel density is comparable so similar sharpness is expected. |
| PPI | 407 | 395 | Both are very similar with very little difference for sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a visually appealing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices, improving the user experience especially in gaming and navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified in nit. This is essential for readability in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | Poco F5's newer chipset provides significantly better performance, handling demanding games and multitasking much better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,134,558 | Poco F5 has significantly higher benchmark performance, translating to faster app launches, smoother gameplay, and better overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 725 | Poco F5's Adreno 725 offers superior graphics performance, essential for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Poco F5's larger battery translates to longer battery life, which could be crucial for power users and users who don't have access to charging often. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F5 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and keeping you connected for longer. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable | Samsung includes QC2.0 and AFC for compatibility with older chargers, Poco is faster out of the box with newer chargers. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm) | 64MP (f/1.79, 1/2", 0.7µm) | A52 5G's main camera has a slightly larger sensor with a smaller pixel size and narrower aperture, indicating potentially better light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm) | 16MP (f/2.45, 1/3.1", 1.12µm) | A52 5G's selfie cam offers higher resolution, but slightly smaller pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Res | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm) | 8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.12µm) | A52 5G features a higher resolution for its wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait (depth) | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | None | A52 5G includes a dedicated depth sensor, offering potentially better bokeh effects for portrait mode. The Poco F5 lacks this. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm) | A52 5G has a higher resolution Macro lens but with a smaller pixel size compared to the Poco F5 which has larger pixel size. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps | Poco F5 offers higher frame rate in 1080p recording (120fps vs 60fps), and slow motion (240 fps vs 120fps). Both have EIS |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 14) | Android 13 (Up to 14) | Poco F5 has a newer version out of the box which offers the latest features. Both will support up to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Poco F5 supports faster Wi-Fi 6, providing better speeds and lower latency on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with LE | 5.3 with LE, Apt-x, LDAC | Poco F5 has a newer version, offering better energy efficiency and support for high-quality audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco F5 supports more satellite systems, potentially offering faster and more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Both support Dual SIM, but the Poco F5 allows both to be active simultaneously rather than standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256 GB | 256 GB | The Poco F5 only offers 256 GB of internal storage whereas A52 5G offers a 128 GB variant. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Poco F5 offers more RAM options, providing better performance when multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage so a 256GB model is the best option for both. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Both have Dolby Atmos. The Poco F5 includes Hi-Res Audio, dual stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphones for enhanced audio capture and playback. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco F5 offers a more modern and faster side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both use Gorilla Glass 5, providing similar scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung features Geomagnetic and Hall, where as the Poco F5 features a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Potentially Better Main Camera Sensor: The main camera has a larger sensor size (1/1.7") which can capture more light.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: The 32MP front camera captures more detail.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers better bokeh for portrait photos.
- More versatile sensors: Geomagnetic, Hall sensor
Xiaomi Poco F5 Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset offers much better processing power.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and significantly faster charging speeds.
- Newer Software: Android 13 out of the box with the latest features.
- Advanced Audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation microphones.
- Newer Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
- More RAM: Options for 12GB of RAM for demanding users.
- Full Active Dual Sim: Dual sim active, no waiting for standby.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers a potentially more versatile camera system with a dedicated depth sensor and a higher-resolution selfie camera, but the Poco F5 provides significantly higher overall performance, battery life, and faster charging, which most people value in a smartphone.
- The Poco F5 features a newer and higher version of connectivity but both offer the most common features, which is less of a real world consideration.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize camera versatility, particularly for selfies and portrait photography, and want a balance of performance and a more established brand.
- Use Cases: Social media enthusiasts who frequently take selfies, users who need good camera capabilities for day-to-day use, and users who don't need the absolute best performance.
- Price-to-Value: The A52 5G is often found at a lower price point. It offers great value for those primarily looking for camera features, but a newer, more expensive device like the Poco F5 offers a big leap in performance and features.
Xiaomi Poco F5:
- Ideal User: Performance enthusiasts, gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who want long battery life and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Mobile gamers, users who frequently use demanding apps, those who need a long-lasting battery for their day, and anyone who wants a future-proof phone.
- Price-to-Value: The Poco F5 offers very competitive performance for its price point, especially for users who are looking for top performance and longevity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is raw performance for me? (Gaming, multitasking, app launch speed)
- How much do I value battery life and charging speed? (Do I need a phone that can last all day?)
- Do I need the best camera for selfies and portraits, or is a good overall camera enough? (Prioritization of camera features)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Performance User: If you play demanding games or need the fastest possible experience, the Xiaomi Poco F5 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Camera Enthusiast (Selfies/Portraits): If you focus on selfies and portrait mode, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has better options. However, it is not as strong in other areas.
- Scenario 3: All-Day Battery User: If battery life is important to you, the Xiaomi Poco F5 with its 5000mAh battery and 67W charging is a much better choice, as the 25W charging and smaller battery will be a big compromise.
- Scenario 4: Balanced User: If you want a balance of decent performance and camera and a more affordable price, the Samsung A52 5G will be a reasonable choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Xiaomi Poco F5.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has some advantages in its camera system, the Poco F5 offers a far superior overall experience that matches my needs, which are:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 chipset in the Poco F5 is a significant upgrade, which will have a far better experience for gaming, multitasking, and daily usage.
- Excellent Battery Life and Charging: The larger battery and significantly faster charging are crucial for my typical use case, where I do not have access to a charger often.
- Newer Features: Newer Android, Wifi, and Bluetooth are all a must have for my smartphone needs.
- More Future-Proof: The better chipset, RAM and connectivity mean that the Poco F5 will perform better for longer before it is obsolete.
While the A52 5G may have a slightly more versatile camera system, the performance, battery life, and charging advantages of the Poco F5 are significantly more important for my needs, making it the superior overall choice.
