Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-09-22 | Motorola is newer, may have longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | Similar size. A52 is slightly thicker, Edge 2022 is a bit lighter, impacting handling. |
| Weight | 189g | 170g | Edge (2022) feels lighter and is more comfortable for long usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Practically negligible difference in screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 407 | 399 | Virtually identical pixel density; both displays look sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge 2022 has smoother scrolling/animations and better gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare brightness as data is unavailable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Edge 2022 has a more powerful, modern processor, generally performing better. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 522,375 | Edge 2022 has significantly higher benchmark performance, meaning faster overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Edge 2022’s GPU is better at gaming and demanding graphic applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | A52 has higher MP count, but Edge 2022 has larger pixels for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.7µm | A52 has a slightly wider aperture for better low light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm | Edge 2022 has wider aperture for better wide-angle photos in low light. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A52 has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", 0.9µm | Edge 2022 has higher resolution macro lens offering better detail on close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS | Both offer good video quality. Edge 2022 supports 1080p@120fps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Edge 2022 has larger capacity, leading to longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge 2022 charges faster. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | Edge 2022 offers wireless and reverse charging, offering more versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | A52 has one more planned OS upgrade. Edge 2022 will get Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Edge 2022 supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge 2022 has newer, more efficient Bluetooth. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Edge 2022 supports eSIM, better for travel, multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Edge 2022 has more RAM in its base configuration. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone, 3 microphones | Edge 2022 has noise cancellation for clearer calls, A52 has Dolby Digital Plus. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | A52 offers better screen scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Edge 2022 has a more extensive sensor suite. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Potentially longer Software Support: Android 14 upgrade expected vs Android 13 for the Edge (2022).
- Slightly better Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 5 vs Gorilla Glass 3.
- Dedicated Portrait (Depth) Camera: Allows better bokeh effect in photos.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Provides better audio experience.
Practical Implications:
- The longer software support means users might receive security and feature updates for longer period of time on the A52.
- The screen is less prone to scratches and damage, reducing the need for screen protector.
- The dedicated depth camera will enhance the portraits captured by the A52.
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score and more modern chipset for faster app loading, gaming.
- Smoother Display: Higher 144Hz refresh rate provides a much smoother visual experience.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Longer battery life and quicker charging times.
- Wireless & Reverse Charging: Convenient options for charging accessories and other devices.
- Better Macro Camera: Higher resolution for sharper close-up shots.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Newer standards for faster and more reliable connectivity.
- eSIM Support: Greater flexibility for using multiple numbers.
- More extensive sensor suite: Provides data useful for certain apps.
- Noise cancellation and additional microphones: Better audio capture during phone calls and audio recordings.
Practical Implications:
- Faster performance means more responsive apps, smoother gaming, and better multitasking.
- Higher refresh rate enhances smoothness when scrolling and playing games.
- Larger battery and fast charging ensures worry free day-long usage.
- Wireless and reverse charging options allow for greater flexibility in usage scenarios.
- Macro camera allows for greater detail when capturing images of small objects.
- Faster connectivity allows for smoother media streaming and downloads.
- eSIM support provides an easier way to switch between carriers and phone numbers, especially convenient during travel.
- A broader range of sensors offers more options for fitness apps, location accuracy, and gaming.
- Better audio allows for clarity in phone calls and audio recording.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 lacks the wireless charging and fast charging of the Motorola Edge (2022).
- The Motorola Edge (2022) lacks the dedicated depth sensor of the Samsung Galaxy A52.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize camera features, especially portrait mode photography.
- Users who prefer slightly better screen protection.
- Users who want to have one more software upgrade.
Use Cases:
- Casual photography and social media sharing.
- General everyday use, reliable performance for basic tasks.
- Users who prefer using physical SIM cards.
Motorola Edge (2022) Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize overall performance, speed and responsiveness.
- Users who desire a smoother display for browsing and gaming.
- Users who value a long lasting battery with fast and convenient charging options.
- Users who want the convenience of eSIM.
- Users who record audio often.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, fast app loading, and multitasking.
- Streaming media, online browsing and consuming content.
- Users who often travel and need flexible SIM options and good audio.
- Users who often need to use wireless or reverse charging.
- Users who use sensors for specific purposes.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Motorola Edge (2022) offers significantly better performance and more features and thus is better value for money for users who prioritize performance, battery life, and newer connectivity options and who are willing to pay more.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers good value for those who want a dependable phone with a focus on camera quality and a longer software update cycle at a potentially lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What are your primary use cases? (Gaming, photography, productivity, media consumption)
- How important is performance, battery life, and charging speed?
- Do you value a dedicated portrait camera, or is versatility more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance-Focused): If you prioritize gaming, speed and responsiveness then choose the Motorola Edge (2022).
- Scenario 2 (Photography-Focused): If you prioritize camera features (especially portraits) and are okay with less performance, then the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a good choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want good overall performance, long battery life, and wireless charging, while being open to less software support, then Motorola Edge (2022) will be more suitable.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While the Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth camera and longer software support, the overall advantages of the Motorola Edge (2022) are more compelling for my needs. The vastly superior processor, higher refresh rate display, larger battery with fast and wireless charging, along with better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, offer a much more future-proof and versatile device. While the A52's screen protection is better, I am willing to get a screen protector for it, because the improvements of the Edge (2022) are worth more.
