1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is larger and slightly less pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 224g | Samsung Galaxy A52 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 388 | Both offer similar pixel density and sharpness, minimal practical difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra provides a much smoother visual experience, especially in gaming and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much better visibility in bright sunlight. Note: Samsung value seems inaccurate, likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers significantly faster performance, better app loading, and smoother multitasking. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 1,532,000 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra scores drastically higher, demonstrating much greater processing power. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 750 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra provides superior graphics capabilities for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX890 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a larger sensor for better low-light performance, despite lower MP count. |
| Front Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4, | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto camera for optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Both similar ultrawide lenses. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A52 has dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A52 has a dedicated macro sensor. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers higher resolution and frame rate video recording. |
| DXOMark Score | - | Main: 125, Photo: 131, Video: 115 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has been tested and receives good camera scores. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, OIS, Ultra stable video, Night mode | Triple camera, OIS, Gimbal, RAW | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers more advanced video recording features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a larger battery for longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 65W fast charging, 15W wireless, 10W reverse wired | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers much faster charging and wireless charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer OS and likely to receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra supports the latest Wi-Fi standards, offering faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both phones support dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers larger storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12/16GB | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra provides much more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers better audio quality and clearer calls, while the Samsung A52 has Dolby audio enhancement. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra features a compass, which can be beneficial for navigation apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.
- Lower Price: This phone can be found cheaper due to being older.
- Dedicated Macro & Depth Camera: Offers more versatility for close-up shots and portrait photography.
- Dolby Atmos Support: Enhanced audio experience for specific content.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset enables smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and superior gaming experience.
- Superior Display: Higher refresh rate (144Hz) provides a much smoother and more responsive user experience, especially when gaming. Much higher brightness for clear outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Offers better battery life and faster charging speeds, including wireless charging.
- Advanced Camera System: Dedicated telephoto lens, 8K video recording, and better low-light performance due to a larger sensor.
- Latest Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 offer faster speeds and better connectivity.
- More RAM and Storage: Higher RAM capacity and storage options (up to 512GB) are great for power users.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers better protection against scratches and damage.
- Future Proof: Newer software and hardware offer better longevity and feature support.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Sacrifices performance and advanced features for a more affordable price point. The older chipset means it will likely receive fewer software updates in the future.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: Larger size and heavier build can make it less comfortable to hold for extended periods, and the price will be higher. It does lack a dedicated macro lens and depth sensor, which may impact niche use cases.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking a reliable mid-range phone for everyday tasks, media consumption, and basic photography.
- Use Cases:
- Casual social media browsing and communication
- Watching videos and listening to music
- Taking general photos in good lighting conditions
- Users who value a lighter and smaller phone.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Good value for users who don't need high-end performance.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, advanced features, and an excellent multimedia experience, including gaming.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games
- High-resolution video editing and creation
- Demanding multi-tasking
- Outdoor use in bright conditions
- Users who require the latest connectivity and features.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Worth the investment for users who require the best possible performance and advanced features, especially for gaming and camera capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Performance Needs: How important is smooth performance for your daily tasks and gaming?
- Camera Requirements: How important is advanced camera features, video recording and image quality?
- Budget Constraints: How does each phone fit within your spending limit?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious & Basic Use: If you are looking for a reliable phone for basic tasks, media consumption and prefer a lighter device and your budget is a primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a viable option.
- Performance & Advanced Features: If you are looking for a superior performance, gaming experience and a cutting edge camera with the latest software and hardware, choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. While I acknowledge that the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a competent mid-range phone, the Zenfone 11 Ultra's advantages in performance, display quality, battery life, and camera features are significant. As a user who values smooth performance, enjoys gaming, takes plenty of photos and videos, and appreciates a future-proof device, the Zenfone 11 Ultra aligns with my priorities. The increased size and weight are trade-offs I'm willing to make for the superior user experience it offers. I would also take advantage of the newer OS and hardware support to future proof my purchase.
