1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Edge 30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.4 × 74.2 × 6.8 mm | Motorola Edge 30 is thinner and slightly narrower, making it feel more compact and potentially easier to handle. The A52 is thicker and larger which might feel more bulky. |
| Weight | 189g | 155g | Motorola Edge 30 is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use and portability. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen size, providing an identical viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, resulting in clear and detailed visuals |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 405 PPI | Virtually identical pixel density, providing the same visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge 30 provides a significantly smoother and more responsive user experience, especially noticeable during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. This is an odd specification, which usually is measured in "nits" when talking about brightness levels. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Motorola Edge 30 offers a much faster processor, resulting in quicker app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 609,900 | The Motorola Edge 30 has much higher performance, indicating better overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | The Motorola Edge 30 has a more powerful GPU for better gaming and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Samsung Galaxy A52 captures slightly more detail in bright light, but the difference is small. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.55" | Motorola Edge 30 captures slightly more light, improving low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Motorola Edge 30's larger pixel size results in better light sensitivity and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | 1/2.8" | 1/3.14" | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a larger sensor, potentially better for low light photos. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a larger pixel size, potentially better for low light photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | No Dedicated Lens | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers more camera versatility with its dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A52 portrait shots have higher resolution |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No Dedicated Lens | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers dedicated macro shots |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | No Dedicated Lens | 50MP, f/2.2 | Motorola Edge 30 has a single lens for both wide and macro shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS, 720p@960fps | Motorola Edge 30 has more video recording modes and features including HDR. Both phones have EIS. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, OIS, Ultra Stable video | Triple camera, OIS, RAW, PDAF | Samsung has more cameras while Motorola has more video recording features, RAW, and PDAF. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4020mAh | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers potentially longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Motorola Edge 30 recharges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | Samsung Galaxy A52 includes QC2.0 and AFC charging features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Motorola Edge 30 launches with a more recent Android version. Samsung is expected to get more updates to the software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Motorola Edge 30 provides faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity, especially in congested environments. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Motorola Edge 30 has a newer version that has better speed and reliability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have the same max storage options, providing ample space for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8GB | Motorola Edge 30 offers 6GB or 8 GB, good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both do not support external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Samsung offers more audio features while Motorola offers better recording quality with the 2 microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer the same basic fingerprint security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung A52 offers better screen protection against scratches and minor impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola Edge 30 has a compass sensor, while the A52 has hall and geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- More Camera Versatility: Features dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, as well as higher megapixel count in standard, selfie, and portrait cameras.
- Bigger Battery: A slightly larger battery means better battery life for most users.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for enhanced durability
- More Audio Features: Features "Dolby Digital Plus" on top of "Dolby Atmos".
- More RAM Options: Available in 4/6/8 GB options while the Motorola Edge 30 is only in 6/8 GB.
- More Software Updates: Upgradable up to Android 14
- More Sensors: Hall and geomagnetic sensors included.
Motorola Edge 30 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset and GPU result in smoother performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Faster Refresh Rate: 144Hz display offers a much more fluid visual experience than A52’s 90Hz screen.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging reduces charging time and can come in handy.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 offers improved stability and range for audio peripherals.
- Newer Wifi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 allows for faster speeds, better connection in crowded areas.
- More Video Recording Features: Includes HDR and slow-motion up to 960 fps, in comparison to Samsung's 120 fps. Includes "RAW".
- Lighter and Thinner Design: More portable and comfortable to hold for longer periods.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A52 sacrifices raw performance and refresh rate for a better camera system with a better battery life.
- The Motorola Edge 30 trades a slightly smaller battery and more camera versatility for much higher performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera versatility (wide-angle and macro lens).
- Casual Gamers and Media Consumers: Users looking for good enough performance, longer battery life, better audio quality.
- Value-Conscious Consumers: Prioritizes more features for a similar price point.
- Users who prefer a more complete camera package.
- Users who prefer software updates on their phone.
Use Cases:
- Capturing a wide variety of photos (landscapes, close-ups, and portraits)
- Watching multimedia content for long periods
- General smartphone use with moderate gaming needs.
Motorola Edge 30 Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who require smooth multitasking, quick app loading, and high-performance gaming.
- Mobile Gamers: Users who prioritize a high refresh rate and powerful processing for gaming.
- Users who value video quality.
- Users who prefer more lightweight and portable phones.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically demanding mobile games
- Running multiple apps simultaneously without slowdowns
- Recording high-quality videos, especially slow-motion footage
- Using the phone in Wi-Fi congested areas
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a more well rounded package with a bigger battery, more cameras and more software updates for a similar price.
- The Motorola Edge 30 offers a very high refresh rate, faster chipset, and more video features but has less features in other departments for a similar price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is gaming performance and smooth animations? (If high, Motorola Edge 30 is better)
- How important is camera versatility and video recording quality? (If high, Samsung Galaxy A52 is better, if video quality is higher, Motorola Edge 30 is better)
- How important is battery life and having a more complete camera package? (If high, Samsung Galaxy A52 is better)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance-focused User: If your primary need is smooth, high-speed performance for gaming and multitasking, the Motorola Edge 30 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast: If your main priority is versatile camera options with a wide range of lenses, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Well-rounded User: If your priority is a phone with decent features, a long battery life and a complete camera package, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is better suited.
- Scenario 4: Battery and portability user: if your priority is a longer battery life while maintaining a light weight phone, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a better option
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. My reasoning is as follows:
- Well-Rounded Features: While the Motorola Edge 30 has a superior processor, my primary use cases are general smartphone usage, media consumption and taking photos. The A52's camera system is significantly more versatile and its battery is bigger, making it more suitable for my lifestyle.
- Value for Money: The Samsung A52 offers a more complete package for a similar price, which includes good performance, a better battery, a complete camera package, and superior software support.
- Practical Daily Use: The longer battery life and complete camera package would be more beneficial for me on a daily basis compared to the marginal increase in performance that the Motorola Edge 30 offers. The higher resolution for my photos and variety of lenses is also a big advantage.
- Software Support: The fact that the phone is planned to be upgraded to Android 14 is a big advantage.
While the Motorola Edge 30 is the better option if high refresh rate and performance are a priority, I value a more well-rounded package with all the features I would need on a daily basis and for a similar price.
