1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Edge 20 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2021-08-16 | Motorola Edge 20 is newer, potentially having more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163 x 76 x 7 mm | Edge 20 is taller & thinner; A52 is more compact but thicker. Edge 20 will feel more sleek, A52 will be bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 163g | Edge 20 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Edge 20 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have similar sharpness, no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| PPI | 407 | 385 | A52 has slightly sharper display; difference is negligible in normal usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer good color reproduction and contrast; subtle differences in panel properties. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 20 offers smoother scrolling and animation, beneficial for gaming and general fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Note: Peak brightness data is missing, making comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Edge 20's newer chipset provides significantly better performance; faster app loading and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 589,200 | Edge 20 scores much higher, leading to better multitasking and gaming experiences. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | Edge 20 has better graphics performance, benefiting gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4020mAh | A52 has a slightly larger battery, might last longer depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Edge 20 charges slightly faster, reducing wait times. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging | A52 has QuickCharge; Edge 20 can charge other devices; features useful in different scenarios. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 108MP f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Edge 20 has higher resolution & larger sensor, better for detailed shots; A52 wider aperture may aid low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 32MP f/2.3 | A52 has a slightly wider aperture; could help with low light, quality is similar. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP f/2.4 | Edge 20 has telephoto for optical zoom, useful for capturing distant subjects without digital artifacts. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | None | A52 offers a dedicated wide-angle for group photos, landscapes. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A52 has depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A52 has a macro lens for extreme close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 16MP f/2.2 | Edge 20 offers ultrawide and macro in a single lens |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps; EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@240fps; EIS | Edge 20 offers a greater slow-motion recording and more frame rates for more flexibility; both are good for videos. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Quad Camera, Ultra Stable Video, Night Mode | Optical zoom, Triple Camera, Manual focus | A52 offers OIS and a Quad setup; Edge 20 offers optical zoom and manual controls, providing different strengths. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | A52 offers longer software support, potentially better for the long run. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 20 has newer, faster Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge 20 has more up-to-date Bluetooth. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both offer standard GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Edge 20 has more RAM available, potentially better for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, users have to manage with internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | A52 provides a superior audio experience with enhanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | Edge 20 has a faster side-mounted scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | A52 offers superior protection against scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Compass, Gravity, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Both devices offer a variety of sensors to cover basic requirements, Motorola has the advantage for having a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior screen protection: Gorilla Glass 5 offers greater scratch resistance
- Larger battery: 4500 mAh battery offers longer usage time compared to Edge 20's 4020 mAh.
- Enhanced audio experience: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer immersive audio quality.
- More Camera Features: OIS, a dedicated macro and depth sensor, provide versatility in photography.
- Wider Software support: Upgradable to Android 14, providing long-term software support and security.
- Better video stabilization: Ultra stable video feature is helpful for shooting on the move.
Motorola Edge 20 Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset offers a huge boost in processing power for gaming and demanding apps.
- Smoother Display: 144Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging compared to 25W
- Lighter and thinner design: More comfortable for one-handed usage and carrying.
- Telephoto lens with Optical Zoom: Allows for high quality zoom shots.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 offering better speeds and connectivity.
- Reverse charging: Allows the phone to charge other devices.
- More powerful GPU: Adreno 642L offers better gaming performance.
Trade-offs:
- A52 prioritizes battery life and a more versatile camera system, at the expense of processing power.
- Edge 20 emphasizes performance and smooth display experience, but falls short in battery life and audio quality.
- Edge 20 has worse display protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 - Ideal User:
- Casual users: Those who prioritize reliable performance, a good camera, and solid battery life.
- Media consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and listening to music with good audio quality.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who value a versatile camera system, and want a macro and a depth sensor.
- Users seeking long-term software support: Those who want to keep the device for long and receive updates.
Use Cases:
- Everyday photography and social media sharing.
- Long commutes with extensive media consumption.
- Users who like to take macro and portrait photos.
Motorola Edge 20 - Ideal User:
- Gamers: Those who require high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Power users: Those who frequently multitask and use demanding apps.
- Users who desire a sleek phone: Prioritizing a thin design and light-weight phone.
- Users seeking faster connectivity: Those who want the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies
- Users who need zoom capabilities: Those who take photos of far away subjects.
- Users who need reverse charging: Those who want to charge other devices with their phone.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and demanding applications.
- Users who want to capture distant photos.
- Extensive browsing, multitasking and video consumption
- Charging other devices on the go.
Price-to-Value:
- The price of each device may vary on location. It is important to consider how much each phone costs to determine the value for money.
- The Edge 20 provides significantly more performance, a smoother screen, and better connectivity, while the A52 offers more camera features, and better audio quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (e.g., gaming, photography, everyday tasks, content consumption)
- Which is more important: performance or battery life?
- What features would you like the most? (e.g., camera versatility, audio quality, sleek design, or fast refresh rate)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gamer or Power User - Choose the Motorola Edge 20. The superior chipset, GPU, and 144Hz refresh rate will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User with Photography Focus - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. The versatile camera system with OIS, and dedicated macro and depth lenses, and the better software support will allow for great photos and a dependable experience over time.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumption - Consider either phone, but if audio matters a lot, the Samsung Galaxy A52 has a better built-in speaker. Both have great screens, but if you want better refresh rate, choose the Motorola Edge 20.
- Scenario 4: Value-conscious Buyer - Both phones are in a similar price range, so choosing the one that fits the needs the most is the best option.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 20. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a well-rounded device with a better camera and audio quality and more software support, I prioritize the overall performance, speed, and responsiveness of the device, and the Motorola Edge 20 provides that better. The 144Hz display is a significant advantage, making daily use feel more fluid and enjoyable. I am not a professional photographer so I am not as concerned about losing a dedicated macro lens, and prefer the sleeker design of the Edge 20. Although the Edge 20's battery is a bit smaller, the 30W fast charging would alleviate the problem, and I prefer to have a phone that is snappy, and smooth over one with slightly better battery life.
