Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Google Pixel 7
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Google Pixel 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 155.6 × 73.2 × 8.7 mm | A52 is slightly larger and wider, Pixel 7 is a bit thicker; might affect one-handed use and pocketability |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | A52 is slightly lighter; difference is noticeable during extended periods of use. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Pixel 7 offers superior screen protection, reducing risk of scratches and cracks |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.3" | A52 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption but Pixel 7 is more compact |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution provides equal sharpness, although pixel density is slightly different |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 416 PPI | Similar sharpness; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; not top of the line but still quite smooth |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | Pixel 7 screen will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Google Tensor G2 (5 nm) | Pixel 7's chip offers much faster performance in apps and games due to a newer architecture |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 827,033 | Pixel 7 is significantly faster, ensuring a smoother and more responsive experience |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G710 MP7 | Pixel 7's GPU will provide better graphics performance for more demanding games |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4355mAh | Similar battery sizes suggest comparable battery life; real-world usage will vary. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 20W fast charging, 23W wireless | A52 charges faster using wired charging; Pixel 7 offers the convenience of wireless charging. |
| Charging Features | QC2.0 and AFC | Reverse charging, No charger in box, Wireless charge 23W, Reverse wireless charge | A52 uses QC2.0 and AFC fast charge standards; Pixel 7 has more advanced wireless and reverse charge features. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm) | 50MP (f/1.85, 1/1.31", 1.20µm) | A52 has higher resolution, Pixel 7 has a larger sensor and larger pixels, which usually results in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm) | 10.8MP (f/2.2, 1/2.65", 1.22µm) | A52 has a higher resolution selfie camera; Pixel 7 has larger pixel size for better light capture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | 12MP (f/2.2, 1/2.3", 1.55µm) | Comparably the same megapixel count, Pixel 7 has larger pixels and potentially better low-light wide angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | N/A | A52 has an additional depth sensor for portrait mode; Pixel 7 relies on software processing for portrait depth |
| Macro Lens | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | N/A | A52 has an additional dedicated macro lens; Pixel 7 does not offer a dedicated macro lens |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 7 offers higher quality video including 60fps, HDR, and OIS which is superior for stable video recordings. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 140, Selfie: 138 | Pixel 7's camera is highly rated based on DxOMark testing; A52 doesn't have an official DxOMark score. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video | Dual camera, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), RAW | A52 has extra camera lens for additional shooting types, while Pixel 7 has more advanced photography features and outputs. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 14) | Pixel 7 has a newer OS with up-to-date features; Both will receive updates to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | WiFi 6 | Pixel 7 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pixel 7 has a newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1) | Pixel 7 supports more satellite systems for more accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 7 adds eSIM support, while A52 features 2 physical sim card slots |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | Pixel 7 has 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking while the A52 has variable options |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Both have Stereo Speakers, A52 has Dolby technology, Pixel 7 has noise cancellation and a 3 microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Pixel 7 has more environmental sensors offering additional capabilities for location and fitness applications |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Larger Display: 6.5" screen offers more screen real estate for media consumption and gaming.
- Slightly Lighter: 8g lighter for a more comfortable extended use.
- Faster Wired Charging: 25W charging compared to 20W on the Pixel 7.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: Offers more flexibility in close up or portrait photography.
- Dual Physical SIM Slots: Better for users who need two physical SIM cards.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus support: Enhanced audio experience with these features. Practical Implications:
- The larger display makes it more immersive for media consumption, the faster charging might be crucial for those who need a quick power up. The additional lenses offer greater flexibility for photography. The sim options are beneficial for users that have or need two numbers on the same device.
- These advantages benefit users who consume a lot of media, those who require quick charge times and those who want a more budget friendly device with more basic camera features.
Google Pixel 7 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Tensor G2 chipset offers a huge leap in performance for gaming and demanding applications.
- Superior Display Brightness: 1400 nits for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Better Camera Performance: Larger sensor, larger pixel size, and superior processing results in improved image quality, especially in low light.
- Wireless Charging: Convenient wireless charging, as well as reverse charging.
- Newer OS: Ships with a newer version of Android and guaranteed up to date software.
- Better Video Quality: Capable of recording 4k at 60fps with HDR, OIS, EIS.
- Superior WiFi and Bluetooth: Newer versions for better efficiency, speed, and audio quality.
- More Advanced Location Tracking: Due to more satellite systems for accurate positioning.
- Advanced Camera Features: Features including manual focus, PDAF, LAF, and RAW capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Provides flexibility with digital SIM management.
- Barometer and Magnetometer: Additional sensors that allow for more accurate data capture.
- Superior screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better scratch and crack resistance.
- Practical Implications:
- The Pixel 7 excels in providing a more responsive user experience, especially for gaming and heavy users. The enhanced camera produces higher quality photos and videos. The screen brightness is invaluable for outdoor use. Wireless charging and the latest connectivity features provide more modern functionality.
- These advantages are ideal for users who prioritize camera quality, performance, display technology and convenient wireless technologies.
Trade-offs:
- A52: Trades raw performance for a slightly larger display and extra camera lenses.
- Pixel 7: Lacks dedicated macro lens and depth sensor, as well as a slightly smaller display. It also doesn't include a charger, may have slower wired charging, and is slightly heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Budget-Conscious Media Consumers: Users who want a large screen for media consumption and are not too worried about performance.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate multiple camera lenses, specifically for macro and portrait photography.
- Users who prefer a slightly lighter phone The 8 gram difference is noticeable when using the devices for an extended period of time.
- Users who need dual physical SIM slots For the average user, an eSIM is not necessary but for those who prefer the older method of physical SIMs this device is better.
- Users who do not need to use devices outside in direct sunlight Brightness is less of a priority for this user.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies and videos
- Browsing social media and the internet
- Casual photography and social sharing.
- Day-to-day task management.
Ideal Users for Google Pixel 7:
- Performance Seekers: Users who need a fast, responsive device for gaming, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value image quality, low-light performance and are ok with not having as many lenses.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need good screen visibility in bright sunlight.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who prefer the latest software, connectivity, and features.
- Users that prefer wireless charging Wireless charging is not found on the A52.
- Users that need a barometer or magnetometer These environmental sensors are exclusively on the Pixel 7
- Users who want the latest and most advanced software The Pixel 7 comes with a newer version of Android.
- Users who prefer not to have to use a wired connection to charge The A52 only supports wired charging
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and other demanding applications
- High-quality photography and video recording
- Outdoor use in sunny conditions
- Seamless multi-tasking and overall fast phone usage.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A52: Offers a more affordable entry point, providing solid features for the price.
- Pixel 7: Justifies a higher price with significantly improved performance, camera quality, and additional features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality? If camera is your number one priority, the Pixel 7 is the better choice. If you are more casual, the A52 will work.
- How important is raw performance and speed? For heavy use and gaming the Pixel 7 offers a significantly better experience.
- What is your budget? The A52 will most likely be less expensive.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Heavy Gamer/Power User: Pixel 7 is highly recommended due to its superior processing power and higher refresh rate.
Scenario 2: Casual User/Media Lover: Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a budget friendly approach and large display for media consumption but for outdoor use, the Pixel 7 will have superior display visibility.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: Pixel 7 is the better choice because of its better sensor size, low light performance and image processing.
Scenario 4: Budget Conscious User: Samsung Galaxy A52 will provide basic functions and a more friendly price point.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two devices, I would choose the Google Pixel 7. My primary focus is usually on camera quality and overall performance, where the Pixel 7 excels. While I appreciate the larger screen on the A52, the improved image quality, faster performance, and additional features of the Pixel 7 outweigh the benefits of a larger display. The significantly better screen brightness and wireless charging are also big pluses for my typical use. The latest software and security updates provide more peace of mind than the Samsung. While the Pixel 7 is more expensive, the improvements in the camera, display, performance, and user experience justify the higher price.
