Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G vs. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm | The A52 5G is slightly wider and thicker, leading to a marginally less sleek feel but negligible in day to day use. |
| Weight | 189g | 179g | Redmi Note 11S is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during long periods of usage, offering slightly better portability. |
| Build Quality (Screen) | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | A52 5G's screen is more resistant to scratches and impacts, offering better durability and protection over time. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Very similar sizes; the A52 5G provides a negligibly larger viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both phones offer the same level of sharpness; no noticeable difference in visual clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 409 PPI | Effectively identical sharpness; no visible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | The A52 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience for everyday use, gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Redmi Note 11S is significantly brighter, leading to better visibility under direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | MediaTek Helio G96 (12 nm) | A52 5G's chipset is more efficient and powerful, resulting in slightly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 302,877 | A52 5G performs better in benchmarks, indicating a more responsive and quicker overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC2 | A52 5G’s GPU provides better performance in graphics intensive tasks and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52", Samsung S5KHM2 | Redmi Note 11S captures more detailed images in ideal lighting conditions; A52 5G has a wider aperture for slightly better performance in low light and larger pixel size, and the sensor size may impact image quality as well. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | A52 5G captures more detailed selfies with better low light performance. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3L6 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | A52 5G takes slightly more detailed wide-angle photos, while 11S has a larger sensor. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", Omnivision OV02B1B | A52 5G offers slightly better depth sensing for portrait mode. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | A52 5G captures better macro shots with slightly more detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 5G provides higher resolution videos (4K) with EIS for better video quality and stability. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes (EIS) | No | A52 5G has a more robust and stabilized video, resulting in higher quality videos, and also features OIS for better image stability. |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K Video, Ultra stable video, Manual focus | No OIS, No 4K Video | A52 5G offers more advanced features for videography and photography including OIS for better image quality and stabilization. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 11S offers longer battery life and less frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11S charges faster than the A52 5G allowing for shorter charging times and increased convenience. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse Charging | A52 5G includes QC2.0 and AFC fast charging; Redmi Note 11S can be used as a power bank to charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid visual experience, suitable for gaming and smooth user interfaces.
- Better Performance: Snapdragon 750G offers stronger CPU and GPU performance resulting in better gaming and more seamless multitasking experience.
- Superior Main Camera Features: Includes 4K video recording with OIS and EIS, resulting in clearer, more stable videos and better image quality, specifically in low light.
- More Advanced Camera Features: OIS, manual focus, panorama.
- Higher resolution front camera: 32 MP selfie camera captures more detailed selfies with better low light performance.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides higher durability to accidental damage and scratches.
- Software Updates: The phone is eligible to be upgraded to Android 14, while the Xiaomi model does not have a confirmed update path.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos provides more immersive audio.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Advantages:
- Longer Battery Life: Larger 5000mAh battery provides noticeably more usage time per charge.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging allows significantly shorter charging times, meaning less downtime.
- Higher Display Brightness: 1000 nits peak brightness allows for better screen visibility in direct sunlight.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices like a power bank.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio support, stereo speakers.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- A52 5G: The A52 5G sacrifices battery life and charging speed for better performance, display smoothness, better camera quality and software updates.
- Redmi Note 11S: The Redmi Note 11S trades processing power, higher refresh rate display, and camera quality for significantly better battery life, faster charging, and display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Gamers and Power Users: Users who need a phone for gaming, multitasking, and general performance, with a preference for smooth visuals.
- Content Creators and Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, video stabilization, and advanced camera features such as OIS.
- Users Who Value Display Quality: Those who value display clarity, smoothness, and do not use the phone in direct sunlight frequently.
- Users Who Prioritize Software Updates: Those who want the latest android operating system updates.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
- High-quality video recording for vlogs and social media.
- Capturing and editing detailed photos with advanced features like OIS.
- Everyday use with a premium, smooth UI experience.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize battery life and faster charging, while still getting a capable phone with a good display.
- Users Who Need All-Day Battery: Individuals who need a phone that lasts through the day without needing a recharge.
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in direct sunlight and need good screen visibility.
- Users who Value Audio Quality: Those who want better audio with higher resolution and dual speakers.
Specific Use Cases:
- Long days without access to charging.
- Regular use in bright outdoor environments.
- Streaming media and casual gaming, where battery life is crucial.
- Listening to music and watching videos where stereo speakers are valued.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize battery life and fast charging, or overall performance and camera quality?
- How important is screen visibility in direct sunlight, vs. the smoothness of the display?
- What is your primary use for the phone: casual browsing and communication, or more demanding tasks like gaming and photography/videography?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Gaming and Multimedia Consumption:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. Its superior processor, GPU and 120Hz display will provide smoother gameplay and a better multimedia experience.
Scenario 2: All-Day Battery and Outdoor Use:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S. The combination of a larger battery, faster charging, and higher screen brightness makes it ideal for extended use and outdoor visibility.
Scenario 3: General Use with Balance of Features:
- Recommendation: Consider the trade-offs, and if performance and camera matter more, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a better choice, or if battery and brightness matter more, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S is better.
Scenario 4: Budget Constrained:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S; offers very good value for money and it has a decent set of features in a lower price point.
My Choice
Based on my needs and priorities, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. While the longer battery life and faster charging of the Redmi Note 11S are appealing, the A52 5G's superior performance, smoother display, and more versatile camera system with OIS align more closely with my typical usage. I also prioritize software support and future updates, which the A52 5G has a clear advantage in. Although it means I will need to charge it more often and be more careful about outdoor usage, I value the enhanced user experience and better camera features for my personal use, and the 120Hz refresh rate is a big plus for smooth navigation and gaming. The better build quality and screen protection is also a bonus for longevity.
