Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Huawei nova 9 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Huawei nova 9 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | Huawei is taller, Samsung slightly thicker; minor differences in pocket feel |
| Weight | 189g | 191g | Negligible weight difference |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Huawei has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Virtually identical sharpness |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 387 PPI | Samsung offers slightly sharper text and images |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung has superior contrast, deeper blacks, better outdoor visibility, more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Brightness data missing - cannot determine real-world differences |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Samsung is faster for gaming and demanding apps |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 248,000 | Samsung is noticeably faster in benchmarks |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | Samsung handles graphics-intensive tasks better |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" (Sony IMX682) | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" (Samsung S5KHM2) | Huawei captures more detail in good light. Samsung has slightly better low-light performance due to wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" (Sony IMX616) | 16MP, f/2.2 | Samsung has higher detail and better low-light performance |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung offers wider field of view for group photos and landscapes |
| Portrait | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung provides better depth effects |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung provides more detailed close-up shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei offers combined ultra-wide and macro capabilities |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Samsung can shoot higher-resolution videos |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | Samsung's video stabilization may be more effective |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Huawei provides extreme slow-motion capabilities |
| DxOMark | N/A | N/A | Note: No DxOMark scores - cannot determine real-world differences |
| Camera Features | OIS, 4K Video, many standard features | Manual focus, PDAF, RAW, 4K video, many standard features | Samsung excels in ease of use, Huawei offers more manual control and pro-level features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | Samsung has longer battery life for all-day use |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Huawei charges significantly faster |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging | Samsung supports Quick Charge and Adaptive Fast Charging standards. Huawei can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | Samsung has a longer software support lifecycle |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6), MIMO | Huawei has faster, more efficient WiFi |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Both offer Bluetooth but with varying profile support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Huawei has better GPS accuracy using additional Beidou frequency |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both have dual SIM support |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Same maximum storage options |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Both offer good multitasking with 6GB/8GB, Samsung with the option for 4GB variant |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | Samsung has superior audio output, better separation and more immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei offers faster and more convenient unlock experience |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has more durable screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung adds Hall and Geomagnetic sensors, Huawei has a compass for mapping |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers better contrast, color accuracy, and outdoor visibility than the IPS LCD of the Huawei.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G provides noticeably better overall speed and graphics performance than the Snapdragon 680.
- More Versatile Camera: Features an ultrawide camera, better selfie camera, OIS, and 4K video, making it more versatile for photography and videography.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger battery provides more usage time per charge.
- Better Audio: Offers Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
- Longer Software Support: Has the advantage of OS upgrades and a longer software support lifespan.
- Stronger Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 adds durability.
Huawei nova 9 SE Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 66W charging replenishes the battery much faster than the 25W charging of the Samsung.
- Higher Main Camera Resolution: 108MP main sensor can capture more detail.
- Extreme Slow-motion: 960fps slow-motion capabilities.
- Pro Camera Features: Includes manual focus, PDAF, and RAW capture for advanced photography.
- Latest WiFi Standard: Supports Wi-Fi 6, providing faster and more reliable wireless connectivity.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Faster, convenient fingerprint scanner.
- Reverse Charging: Enables the device to charge other devices.
- Advanced Location Accuracy: Supports BeiDou (B1) for higher GPS accuracy.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung sacrifices slightly faster charging speeds for a superior display, better performance and more versatile camera.
- The Huawei sacrifices performance and display quality for higher camera resolution and much faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: General users who want a well-rounded phone with a great screen, good performance, and a versatile camera. Suitable for media consumption, social media, and everyday use.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies with vibrant colors.
- Playing moderate to high-end mobile games.
- Taking everyday photos and videos with ease.
- Users who prioritize good display, overall performance and an excellent audio experience.
Huawei nova 9 SE:
- Ideal User: Users focused on photography, faster charging speeds, and a preference for pro-level camera controls.
- Use Cases:
- Capturing high-resolution photos with the 108MP camera.
- Recording slow-motion videos and engaging in creative videography.
- Quickly charging their phone when in a hurry.
- Users who need a reliable, fast charging smartphone for everyday use and have a need for better GPS.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 tends to offer a more balanced price-to-value ratio for those looking for a mix of performance, display quality, and camera versatility.
- The Huawei nova 9 SE is best for those who are price-conscious and are looking for a camera that shoots highly detailed images and need faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Priority: Do you prioritize a vibrant AMOLED screen with excellent contrast, or is an IPS LCD screen sufficient?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a faster phone for gaming and demanding apps, or is moderate performance acceptable?
- Camera Use Case: Do you need more versatility with a wide angle lens, OIS and 4K video, or do you prioritize high-resolution photography and manual controls?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media & Gaming): If you watch a lot of videos or play games, the Samsung Galaxy A52 with its superior display and stronger performance is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Photography Enthusiast): If you need the most versatile camera experience, OIS and 4k video, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a better choice. If you are looking for pro-level features like RAW images and you prioritize detail and fast charging, the Huawei nova 9 SE would be the better option.
- Scenario 3 (Fast Charging & Budget Conscious): If you need a phone that charges very quickly and are on a tighter budget, and don't need all the bells and whistles, the Huawei nova 9 SE would be preferable
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52. My priority is a good overall user experience with a focus on display quality and performance. I value the vibrant AMOLED display for media consumption and the smoother performance of the Snapdragon 720G for everyday use and gaming. While I appreciate the faster charging on the Huawei, I value the balanced performance and all around usability of the Samsung more.
