1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | ZTE Nubia is slightly larger in hand, may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 228g | A52 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE nubia offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | ZTE nubia has a noticeably sharper display with more detail for text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 452 | ZTE Nubia offers a slightly sharper picture |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Nubia offers much better outdoor visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | ZTE Nubia offers significantly faster processing and better performance for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 384,853 | 1,579,720 | ZTE Nubia is significantly faster for demanding applications and games, and more future-proof. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 740 (719 MHz) | ZTE Nubia has a much more powerful GPU, providing better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5100mAh | ZTE nubia will likely offer longer battery life, allowing for extended usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 80W fast charging | ZTE Nubia charges much faster, a big advantage when needing a quick top-up. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC. | Non-removable | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G supports additional charging protocols. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", 1.00µm | ZTE Nubia captures more light with its larger sensor and wider aperture, which means better low-light performance and shallower depth of field, Samsung has a higher megapixel count which may allow for more detailed images |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 8MP, f/2.4, 1.00µm | ZTE Nubia offers optical zoom and better portrait capabilities with a dedicated lens. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06", 1.00µm | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a higher resolution selfie, but ZTE Nubia has a larger pixel size |
| Wide Angle lens | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88", 0.61µm | ZTE Nubia's wide-angle lens has significantly higher resolution and a wider aperture for better quality and low-light performance. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | None | A52 5G allows for enhanced background blur in portrait photos |
| Macro lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | None | A52 5G allows for detailed close up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps, EIS | ZTE nubia can record higher resolution videos for better-quality footage. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS | Triple camera, Gimbal, OIS | ZTE nubia offers better video stabilization and more professional features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | ZTE Nubia has a newer OS out of the box, but A52 can be updated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11be (WiFi 7) | ZTE Nubia has the latest WiFi standard for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | ZTE Nubia supports a newer Bluetooth version with better performance and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | ZTE Nubia supports more satellite systems, potentially providing better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both have similar SIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 256GB/1024GB | ZTE Nubia offers a much larger storage option for storing more files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 12GB/16GB | ZTE Nubia has more RAM, which is better for smooth multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, you need to consider which has more storage upfront. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers | ZTE Nubia offers enhanced surround sound with better audio immersion, but A52 has Dolby for better audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensor security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | ZTE Nubia offers more sensors like the compass, and virtual proximity sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter at 189g making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 provides better screen scratch and impact resistance.
- Established Brand: Samsung offers better software support and customer service.
- Specific Camera Features: Dedicated depth and macro sensors provide more versatility in specific shooting scenarios.
- Dolby Audio: Higher quality audio in specific codecs
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 chipset offers significantly higher processing power for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Brighter Display: 1500 nits brightness makes it much more usable in direct sunlight.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: A larger battery and much faster charging give you longer usage time and quicker top-ups.
- Better Main Camera: Larger sensor and wider aperture on main camera provide better low light performance
- Better Wide Angle Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better quality wide angle shots
- Telephoto lens Dedicated telephoto lens allows for better optical zoom and portrait shots.
- Higher Resolution Video: 8K video recording capability is ideal for high-quality videography.
- Newer Technology: Includes the latest WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Higher Storage & RAM: Larger internal storage and RAM for storing more content and smoother multitasking.
- Gimbal: The inclusion of a gimbal allows for very high stabilization of video
- More Comprehensive GPS: More satellite systems for higher quality GPS.
- More Sensors: Including a compass and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- DTS Audio: Offers enhanced surround sound and audio immersion.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The ZTE Nubia is heavier and larger, which may be less comfortable for some users.
- The Samsung lacks the advanced performance and camera hardware of the ZTE.
- Samsung is an older device, so you may be sacrificing some of the latest features.
- ZTE lacks the additional camera modes (depth and macro) of the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal User:
- Everyday User: Those needing a reliable smartphone for daily tasks, social media, and media consumption.
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users looking for good value from a well-known brand.
- Casual Photographers: Users who take occasional photos and prefer having a dedicated depth and macro sensor, but who are fine with average video.
- Users who want a lighter smartphone: Those who prefer a lightweight phone.
Use Cases:
- Reliable daily driver for standard communication, browsing, and social media.
- Good option for users who want a lightweight device
- Taking quick snapshots in average lighting conditions.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those requiring top-tier performance for demanding games and apps.
- Content Creators: Users needing high-quality video recording capabilities, and who shoot in low-light settings, as well as those who need zoom capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who value the latest technologies like WiFi 7.
- Users who prefer a larger screen: Those who want a screen that feels bigger
- Users who want high quality audio: Those who want a very immersive sound experience
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with high graphics settings.
- Recording professional-quality videos (8K) and photos (especially in low light).
- Using demanding apps without lag.
- Using the device outdoors in direct sunlight.
- High quality audio output for music and videos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Requirements: Do I need the absolute fastest performance for demanding games and apps, or is a reliable experience sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Is a versatile camera system with telephoto, and low light capabilities important, or is a reliable everyday camera enough?
- Battery and Screen: Do I value long battery life and a bright screen for outdoor use, or am I okay with a standard performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If price is a primary concern and you don't need top-tier performance, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G offers good value for everyday use with a lighter build and more common name recognition.
- Performance Seeker: If you demand top-tier performance and the latest tech, and plan to use the device outdoors often, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the better choice, but comes at the cost of added weight and an unknown screen protector.
- Content Creator: If high-quality video and low light performance are priorities, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the better choice with its 8K recording, gimbal, and superior sensor on the main camera.
- Everyday user: If you want a basic experience but prefer Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is a good choice, but if you want the latest technology, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is a good choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While I appreciate the lighter weight and established brand of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, the performance difference between the two is too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 is a major step up, and when combined with the brighter screen, faster charging, better camera capabilities, and larger battery, the ZTE Nubia offers a superior overall experience that is more future-proofed. I also value having the latest wireless and GPS capabilities.
While the Samsung A52 has its niche with its lighter weight, Gorilla Glass protection, and macro/depth lens, for most demanding users or those who prioritize performance, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear winner.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and budget.
