Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Google Pixel 6 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Google Pixel 6 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm | Pixel 6 Pro is slightly larger and thicker, may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 189g | 210g | A52 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Pixel 6 Pro offers a slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | Pixel 6 Pro has a significantly sharper display, better for detailed viewing. |
| PPI | 407 | 512 | Pixel 6 Pro has visibly higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 6 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness (Note: this value seems to be incorrect, as both phones do have brightness capabilities. More data would be necessary for a proper comparison). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Google Tensor (5 nm) | Pixel 6 Pro offers substantially faster processing, better for demanding apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 721,000 | Pixel 6 Pro has a much higher benchmark score, translates to a much faster user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G78 MP20 | Pixel 6 Pro has a more powerful GPU, ideal for graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 1/1.31", 1.2µm | A52 has higher resolution but smaller sensor size. Pixel 6 Pro’s larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.93", 1.22µm | A52 has higher resolution but smaller sensor. Pixel 6 Pro captures better low-light selfies due to larger pixel size. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 48MP, f/3.5, 1/2", 0.8µm | Pixel 6 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities which the A52 lacks. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.9", 1.25µm | Similar wide angle capabilities. Pixel 6 Pro has larger sensor for slightly better light capture. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 offers macro photography capabilities, allowing for close-up shots of small objects |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, OIS, EIS | Pixel 6 Pro offers superior video recording with OIS and higher frame rate options. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 134 (Photo 138, Video 133) | Pixel 6 Pro has a very good score in DXOMark. No data for the Samsung Galaxy A52. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | N/A | 138 (Photo 135, Video 143) | Pixel 6 Pro has a very good score in DXOMark. No data for the Samsung Galaxy A52. |
| Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, EIS | Triple camera, OIS, EIS, Optical zoom, RAW, Google Lens, PDAF, LAF | Pixel 6 Pro offers a more advanced camera system with better focusing, optical zoom, and advanced processing features like Google Lens. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Pixel 6 Pro offers better battery life due to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W, Li-Polymer | 30W, Li-Ion | Pixel 6 Pro has slightly faster charging speed. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Reverse charging, 23W Wireless, Non-removable | Pixel 6 Pro offers wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Pixel 6 Pro has a newer Android version out of the box. Both are upgradeable to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Pixel 6 Pro has newer WiFi for faster speeds and better performance in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 6 Pro offers better audio codecs (aptX, LDAC) |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 6 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 6 Pro supports eSIM for more flexibility. A52 has dual physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | Pixel 6 Pro offers up to 512GB storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | Pixel 6 Pro offers much more RAM, allowing for better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports SD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | A52 offers superior spatial audio with Dolby Atmos. Pixel 6 Pro may offer better microphone performance for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have similar basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 6 Pro has stronger screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer, Fingerprint, Proximity | Pixel 6 Pro has more advanced sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: More comfortable for extended use, especially for smaller hands.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Camera: Offers more creative photography options for those who enjoy those styles.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides an enhanced audio experience, potentially preferable for media consumption.
- Lower Price Point: Generally more budget-friendly.
- Dual physical SIM support: May be better for some users that need two physical SIMs.
Google Pixel 6 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Google Tensor chip and 12GB RAM offer significantly faster speeds.
- Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate contribute to a much more vivid and fluid experience.
- Superior Camera: Larger sensors, optical zoom, advanced software processing, and better low-light performance result in noticeably better photo and video quality.
- Larger Battery: Longer battery life for all-day use.
- Faster Charging: Faster wired and wireless charging capabilities.
- Newer Android OS: Provides the latest software experience out of the box.
- Premium build: Better screen protection and build quality.
Trade-offs:
- Pixel 6 Pro is heavier and larger, making it less comfortable for some users.
- Galaxy A52 has a more basic camera system, sacrificing the Pixel’s optical zoom and better low-light photography.
- Galaxy A52 has an older chipset, leading to noticeable performance differences.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing value and affordability over top-tier performance.
- Casual users: Looking for a reliable phone for daily tasks like browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Users with smaller hands: Preferring a lighter, more compact device.
- Users who value having a depth and macro camera.
- Users that need Dual SIM functionality via two physical SIM slots.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media use, casual browsing, and general phone calls.
- Basic photography and video recording for social media.
- Media consumption with enhanced audio (Dolby Atmos).
- Users who prioritize battery life over processing power
Google Pixel 6 Pro Ideal User:
- Performance enthusiasts: Requiring the fastest possible performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography lovers: Valuing the best possible camera quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Desiring the best visual experience for media consumption and gaming.
- Users who want the latest software experience.
- Users who want wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Users that don't need two physical SIM slots.
Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and multitasking
- Professional-quality photo and video capture and editing.
- Media consumption with a high-resolution, high-refresh rate display.
- Power users who value the latest software and frequent updates.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Is a lower price point more important than top-tier features?
- How important is camera quality? Do you prioritize advanced features like optical zoom and low-light performance?
- How demanding are your daily tasks? Do you need top-tier performance for gaming and multitasking, or will a less powerful phone suffice?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you need a good phone at a lower price, the Galaxy A52 offers a solid experience for daily tasks and social media.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Pixel 6 Pro is the clear choice with its superior camera system, optical zoom, and low-light capabilities.
- Performance Seeker: The Pixel 6 Pro offers a much better performance experience thanks to its Tensor chip and 12 GB of RAM.
- Casual User: The Galaxy A52 offers a great experience for the casual user that is focused on social media, and general use.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Google Pixel 6 Pro.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a solid mid-range phone and is the better choice for those on a strict budget, the Pixel 6 Pro provides a much better overall experience. I value a high-quality camera and the Pixel 6 Pro’s camera system is significantly superior, especially in low light, which is something I value, and it also offers Optical zoom, which the A52 doesn't have. I also appreciate a very smooth display and the 120Hz refresh rate and higher resolution screen on the Pixel 6 Pro is great.
The improved performance and the extra RAM of the Pixel are also things that would help me in day-to-day usage as I often multitask and game on my phone, making the A52 an experience that would be quite lacking for my needs. Although the Pixel is heavier, the superior experience it offers is worth that trade-off for me. Additionally, I also enjoy the fact that the Pixel 6 Pro offers wireless charging capabilities as well as reverse wireless charging capabilities.
