Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Apple iPhone SE (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3 mm | A52 is larger and bulkier; SE is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 144g | SE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 4.7" | A52 has a larger screen, better for media consumption, gaming, and multi-tasking. SE's smaller screen is easier for one-handed use and pocketability. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 750x1334 | A52 has a sharper, more detailed display. SE's resolution is noticeably lower, especially when viewing text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 407 ppi | 326 ppi | A52 has higher pixel density, leading to a clearer and crisper image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than the SE. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A52 has smoother scrolling and animations. SE has standard refresh rate, which can appear less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness which is not provided. Cannot determine practical impact of this. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Apple A15 Bionic (5 nm) | SE's A15 chip offers significantly faster performance; smoother app launching, snappier multitasking, and better gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 1,225,939 | SE has a much higher score indicating a huge difference in overall performance making it a much more future proof device |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Apple A15 has a faster and more efficient GPU for demanding tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 2018 mAh | A52 has significantly larger battery. Expect much better battery life than the SE. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 18W fast charging | A52 charges faster. |
| Features | Li-Polymer, QC2.0, AFC | Li-Ion, Not official mAh value | A52 has more versatile fast charging technologies while SE's battery information is not completely transparent. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 12.2MP, f/1.8, 1.22µm | A52 has higher resolution. SE has larger pixels for better low-light performance though the sensor model is not provided. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 7MP, f/2.2, not provided | A52 has much higher resolution for selfie photos. SE selfie sensor model and pixel size are not available. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Not available | A52 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for taking ultrawide photos, SE does not. |
| Depth Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not available | A52 has a dedicated depth lens for improved bokeh, SE does not. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | Not available | A52 has a dedicated macro lens for taking detailed closeups, SE does not. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS; Slow-motion 120fps | 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps with OIS, Stereo Sound, HDR; Slow-motion 240fps | Both support 4k, SE has better video stabilization and quality, and more slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxoMark | N/A | 100 (Overall), 126 (Photo), 106 (Video) | SE's camera has been tested with known results while A52's camera has not been tested. |
| Features | Quadruple cam, OIS, EIS, Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode, Digital Zoom | OIS, Digital Zoom, RAW | A52 offers more camera modes and features, while SE offers more raw editing potential. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | iOS 15.4 (upgradable to 18) | Different OS ecosystems; Android is more customizable, while iOS is more integrated and user-friendly for Apple users. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5, Direct, Display | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | SE has faster Wi-Fi. A52 has Wi-Fi direct and display for more sharing options. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | Bluetooth 5.0, LE, A2DP | A52 offers more Bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, Cell ID | A52 has more satellite systems for better location. SE also uses cell ID and Wi-Fi for positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | SE offers eSIM which allows for more digital carrier switching while A52 allows for two physical SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | Both have 256GB as the max capacity, SE starts at 64GB while A52 starts at 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB | 4GB | A52 has more RAM options, better for multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A52 offers enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and spatial audio processing. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar security functionality. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 offers Gorilla Glass 5 protection for better screen durability. Protection for the SE is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | SE offers more environmental sensors and compass, A52 offers more hall and geomagnetic sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 6.5" 90Hz AMOLED screen offers a more immersive experience with better image quality and smoother animations than the iPhone SE.
- More Versatile Camera System: The A52's quad-camera setup provides more flexibility with dedicated wide, macro and depth lenses which gives more creative potential.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Significantly bigger battery and faster charging means less frequent charging and better endurance.
- More RAM Options: With up to 8GB of RAM, the A52 will offer better multitasking capability than the standard 4 GB offered in the SE.
- Expandable storage No expandable storage on either but the A52 comes standard with a larger minimum storage option
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a more immersive audio experience.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A15 Bionic chip offers much better performance for apps, games, and general use and is more future-proof.
- Compact & Lightweight: The smaller size and lower weight make the SE pocketable and comfortable for one-handed operation.
- Better Video Recording: The SE offers better video stabilization, HDR, and more slow-motion options.
- iOS Ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and the iOS user experience for users invested in Apple.
- DxoMark Camera: The SE's camera has been tested and has known results.
Trade-offs:
- A52: Sacrifices processing power and compact size for a better display, more versatile camera system, and better battery.
- SE: Sacrifices display size, battery life, and camera versatility for superior performance and a compact design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal Users:
- Media Consumers: People who watch videos, browse the web, and play games.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with multiple lenses for different shots.
- Multitaskers: Users who frequently switch between apps.
- Price-conscious Consumers: Those who want a good mid-range smartphone with strong features at a more affordable price point.
Use Cases for A52:
- Watching movies and TV shows on a larger, vibrant screen.
- Taking a variety of photos with wide, macro and depth lenses.
- Playing games on a smoother display with more RAM.
- Multi-tasking between several social media apps and streaming apps.
Apple iPhone SE (2022) Ideal Users:
- Performance-Oriented Users: People who prioritize speed and responsiveness over display size or camera versatility.
- Apple Ecosystem Users: Individuals invested in Apple's ecosystem of devices and services.
- One-Handed Operation Preference: Those who prefer a compact and lightweight phone that's easy to handle.
- Users that appreciate simplicity: SE does not try to do too much and provides a streamlined experience.
Use Cases for SE:
- Running demanding apps and games with smooth performance.
- Working seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.
- Carrying a phone that easily fits in a pocket.
- Taking better quality videos due to OIS and HDR support
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and size?
- If a larger, more vibrant display is essential for media consumption, the A52 is the better choice.
- Do you prioritize performance or battery life?
- If top-tier processing power is more important, the SE is the better choice. If better battery life and versatile camera capabilities are desired, the A52 is the better choice.
- Are you deeply invested in the Apple or Android ecosystem?
- If you are an Apple user, the seamless ecosystem and iOS simplicity of the SE may be more appealing. If you are an Android user, the A52 offers a similar ecosystem.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Versatile Photography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its larger AMOLED screen and more versatile camera.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Portability: Choose the Apple iPhone SE (2022) for its faster processor and compact design.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious Buyers: Consider the price difference at the time of purchase and assess which device better aligns with the specific needs and budget available.
- Scenario 4: Existing Ecosystem: If you have other Apple devices, the SE offers a more cohesive experience. If you're an existing Android user, the A52 should be seamless.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would personally pick the Apple iPhone SE (2022). While the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a more impressive display and more camera features, the raw processing power of the A15 Bionic chip in the SE is too compelling to ignore. My priority is smooth, reliable performance for daily tasks and the ability to run demanding apps without issue. The SE's compact design is also more appealing for my preference for one-handed use and pocketability. While the smaller screen and single camera may be a sacrifice, the performance and seamless iOS experience would outweigh those downsides for my specific needs. The higher benchmark score of 1,225,939 is a strong indicator that the SE will be more future-proof, as well as the fact that it runs a newer version of the software.
