1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | ZTE is taller (3.4mm) but narrower (1.5mm); Both have same thickness. Slight differences in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 204g | Samsung is lighter by 15g, likely more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung offers better screen scratch protection. Durability of Axon 40 Ultra is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE provides a slightly larger display for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE has slightly sharper image with more pixels. |
| PPI | 407 | 400 | Negligible difference in pixel density, both displays appear equally sharp in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE provides dramatically better outdoor visibility, essential for bright sunlight conditions. Samsung brightness spec is missing. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE offers significantly faster processing, better for gaming and demanding tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 384,853 | 1,061,300 | ZTE provides considerably better performance for gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 730 | ZTE has a much more powerful GPU, better for graphics-intensive apps and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm, Sony IMX682 | 64MP f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm, Sony IMX787 | ZTE has wider aperture, theoretically better low-light performance. Samsung has larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm, Sony IMX616 | 16MP f/2.0, 1.22µm, Omnivision | Samsung has higher resolution for sharper selfies. ZTE has wider aperture and larger pixel size for better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto | None | 64MP f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm, Omnivision OV64B | ZTE offers optical zoom capabilities. Samsung lacks dedicated telephoto zoom lens. |
| Wide Angle | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, Samsung S5K3L6 | None | Samsung offers dedicated wide-angle lens. ZTE lacks dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP Unknown Sensor | ZTE has depth sensor, theoretically better portrait photos with enhanced bokeh. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm, Unknown Sensor | None | Samsung has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. ZTE relies on other cameras for depth. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm, Unknown Sensor | None | Samsung has dedicated macro lens. ZTE lacks dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide + Macro | None | 64MP f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm, Sony IMX787 | ZTE offers both wide-angle and macro capabilities in one lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS, Slow-motion: 120 fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, EIS, HDR, Slow-motion: 480 fps | ZTE offers much higher video resolution and frame rates, better for professional video production. |
| Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, OIS, EIS, Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, HDR, Night Mode, etc. | 8K Video, OIS, EIS, Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF, Under display camera, Continuous shooting, RAW, Autofocus, Touch focus, HDR, Night Mode, etc. | ZTE has more advanced video capabilities including higher resolution and more advanced focus, and RAW capture. Samsung has ultra-stable video. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE provides longer battery life, better for all-day usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ZTE charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | Samsung offers Quick Charge 2.0 and Adaptive Fast Charge |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (max 14) | Android 12 (max 13) | Samsung likely to have a newer OS but may have limited updates compared to its initial version |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11ax (WiFi 6), Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MIMO | ZTE has a newer WiFi standard for faster speeds and improved network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE, ANT+ | 5.2, A2DP, LE | ZTE offers a newer Bluetooth standard with better range and power efficiency. Samsung has more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | ZTE has more precise and accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer Dual SIM functionality. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1024GB | ZTE offers significantly more storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | ZTE has much higher RAM options for better multitasking and performance for demanding users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ZTE has enhanced audio quality and clarity and a better experience with surround sound, better for video calls and recording. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Basic sensor | Both offer basic biometric security via fingerprint sensor. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Gravity | Similar Sensor Array for standard smartphone functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for prolonged use.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better screen durability.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro: Offers versatile shooting options not present on the ZTE.
- Ultra Stable Video: Additional video stabilization feature.
- Multiple RAM Variants: Variety of options for multiple budget types.
- QC2.0 and AFC Offers Quick Charge 2.0 and Adaptive Fast Charge.
- More OS updates: More OS updates in comparison to ZTE
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU.
- Brighter Display: Significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: Much quicker recharge times.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto lens, wider main aperture, higher video resolution capabilities, and ToF.
- 8K Video Recording: Offers professional-grade video capabilities.
- Newer WiFi & Bluetooth: Faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.
- More RAM Options: Offers much higher RAM options for power users.
- More Storage Options: Offers significantly more storage space options.
- Enhanced Audio: DTS/DTS X, Stereo speakers, and 3 microphones for better audio experience.
- Better GPS: More precise and accurate location tracking.
- Under-Display Camera: Provides a full-screen experience without a notch or hole-punch.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A52 5G: Lower performance and older tech for a more budget-friendly experience.
- ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Lacks dedicated wide angle and macro lens and less screen protection, potentially higher price for high-end features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and moderate photography.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who prioritize affordability and good value for money.
- Users Prioritizing Physical Comfort: Prefer a lighter device.
- Users Who Value Wide Angle and Macro Lens: Users who are photographers who take photos in many different scenarios.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and content consumption.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Standard productivity tasks.
- Basic mobile gaming.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy high-quality video, fast charging, and exceptional display clarity.
- Photography and Videography Focused: Those who want advanced camera features, telephoto zoom, and 8K video.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need all-day battery without worry.
- Users who like cutting edge tech: Users who want the newest technology and features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at high settings.
- Professional-grade video recording and editing.
- High-performance multitasking.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Long days without needing to recharge.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for demanding tasks, or is moderate performance sufficient?
- Camera Requirements: Do you need a versatile camera system with telephoto zoom and high video resolution, or are standard camera features sufficient?
- Budget Considerations: How much are you willing to spend? Does your budget align with the high-end features of the Axon or the budget-friendly approach of the A52 5G?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Casual Use - If your budget is a primary concern and you only need basic smartphone functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a suitable option.
- Scenario 2: High Performance and Multimedia - If you prioritize performance, battery life, camera quality, video quality and enjoy multimedia consumption the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the superior choice, offering significant advantages in these aspects.
- Scenario 3: Balanced experience: If you want a good enough phone but like features such as Wide Angle and Macro lens the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a good choice.
What Would I Choose?
I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra.
Why:
- Performance: As a smartphone analyst who uses my phone for testing apps, running benchmarks, and doing other power user tasks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a necessity for smooth performance. The Samsung's Snapdragon 750G simply would not be suitable for my needs.
- Camera Versatility: While the Samsung has dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, the ZTE's main camera's superior sensor, telephoto lens, and 8K video recording capability are more appealing to my testing needs, as they would allow me to properly evaluate the photo and video capabilities of a smartphone.
- Screen Quality: The high brightness of the ZTE's display would be essential for my tasks, which sometimes take place outdoors.
- Battery Life and Charging: As a power user who is always testing and using their device I need a device that can survive the day without needed to be plugged in and when I do plug it in it should charge as fast as possible which the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra excels at.
- Modern Features: I want the latest technology in my phone, and the ZTE provides this with the most recent wifi and bluetooth, and even the under display camera, which is cutting edge.
While the Samsung A52 5G is a capable device, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a much more powerful and versatile package that better aligns with my needs as a power user and smartphone analyst. The trade-off is likely higher cost, but for my needs, it's a worthy investment.
