1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Edge 40 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm | Motorola slightly taller, Samsung slightly wider; negligible difference in hand |
| Weight | 189g | 199g | Samsung feels lighter during extended use; 10g difference is noticeable |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Motorola has a marginally larger display, providing slightly more screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness in text, images and video |
| Pixel Density | 407 ppi | 394 ppi | Practically similar clarity; negligible difference in sharpness |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar quality; both have excellent contrast, colors |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | Motorola has significantly smoother scrolling, animation, and gaming |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Motorola is far more usable in direct sunlight, while Samsung brightness is unknown and could be problematic outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Motorola offers much faster processing, better multitasking, and is more future-proof |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 1,532,500 | Motorola provides significantly higher performance for demanding games and apps |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 740 | Motorola handles graphics-intensive tasks more efficiently |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | Samsung has higher resolution, while Motorola has a larger sensor, slightly better low light performance; Motorola captures more light with bigger individual pixels (1.00 µm vs 0.80µm) |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | 60MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Motorola has significantly higher resolution for detailed selfies |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/1.6, 1/2.93" | Motorola can zoom optically without losing detail |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | Motorola has a much higher resolution ultra-wide lens, capturing more detail and better panoramic shots |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a dedicated lens for better depth effects in portraits |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung can take dedicated close up photos with macro lens |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | Motorola records at significantly higher resolution and frame rates, better video quality overall |
| DxOMark | Not tested | 130 Mobile | Motorola captures superior quality pictures and videos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4600 mAh | Similar battery life; negligible difference |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 125W Fast Charging | Motorola has substantially faster charging, reducing downtime significantly |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 5W reverse wired charging | Motorola has added wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 14 | Android 13, Max 16 | Motorola is two versions ahead, longer software support, latest features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 7 | Motorola offers faster speeds and better connectivity on newer networks; Future proof |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Motorola connects with Bluetooth devices with more stability and better latency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Motorola has more precise and quicker location lock and satellite support |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola offers the flexibility of an eSIM for digital carrier switching |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512GB | Motorola has double the storage, more space for files and media |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12GB | Motorola handles multitasking much more easily, and better gaming performance |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for extra storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 4 Microphones | Motorola has 4 microphones; Better audio separation and capture with 4 mics |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar basic biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Motorola has better screen protection against drops and scratches |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Motorola has better sensor coverage with compass |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Slightly lighter: The 10g weight difference may be noticeable for some users during prolonged use.
- Portrait and Macro lens: Dedicated lenses to capture macro images and better portrait images with better bokeh effect
- Lower initial cost (generally): As an older model, its price is generally lower on the used market.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides significantly faster processing and gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 165Hz display for smoother visuals and responsiveness.
- Better Display Brightness: 1100 nits allows for excellent outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: 125W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution wide, selfie, and a telephoto lens for optical zoom, as well as 8K video recording.
- More RAM & Storage: 12GB RAM and up to 512GB storage offers better multitasking and space.
- Newer Software: Android 13 out of the box with future updates.
- Better Connectivity: Support for WiFi 7, latest Bluetooth version for faster and more reliable connections, and more accurate GPS location.
- Reverse Charging: Wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
- Better Screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for increased scratch resistance
Trade-offs:
- Motorola Edge 40 Pro: Slightly heavier and larger. No dedicated Macro or Depth camera sensors.
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Significantly slower performance, inferior display, slower charging, older software.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a decent mid-range phone at a lower price.
- Basic users: Casual phone users who prioritize basic tasks and don't require high-end performance for gaming or video editing.
Users needing a Macro and depth sensor: Users who take close up macro shots and portraits and need a dedicated sensor.
Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing, social media, calls, and basic photography.
- Users who prefer a lighter phone.
- Users who enjoy a dedicated portrait and macro lens.
Motorola Edge 40 Pro is ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Photography and Videography Buffs: Those who need a versatile camera system, including a telephoto lens and 8K video capabilities.
Tech-Savvy Users: People who want the latest features, like a high refresh rate display, fast charging, and advanced connectivity.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming and graphics-intensive apps.
- Professional-quality photo and video capture.
- Users requiring a phone that can handle multitasking and demanding apps.
- Users who need reliable visibility in bright sunlight.
Price-to-Value Ratio: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers a significantly better value for users looking for high performance, advanced features, and future-proofing. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 is more affordable, the Motorola’s advanced tech makes it a better long term choice.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A52 is cheaper; if cost is crucial, it might be suitable, but if you want the best value, consider Motorola.
- How important is performance and smooth visuals? If performance is a top priority, the Motorola is a clear winner.
- How important is the camera? If you are looking for a flexible and complete camera system, then the Motorola is the better option with a telephoto lens and higher video resolution.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User, Budget-Conscious:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. It handles basic tasks well, is cheaper, and offers a decent all-around experience.
Scenario 2: Performance User, Gaming & Video Creation:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40 Pro. The superior processor, high refresh rate display, and advanced camera system make it ideal for demanding use cases.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast with a good budget:
- Recommendation: Motorola Edge 40 Pro. The better camera setup, telephoto lens, 8k recording, and high-performance capabilities will serve this user well.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. While I appreciate the slightly lighter weight and macro lens of the Samsung Galaxy A52, the Edge 40 Pro's overall package is far superior for me. The drastically improved performance, higher refresh rate display, significantly faster charging, telephoto lens, better video recording, and more modern software would significantly enhance my daily experience. The Motorola device's better performance and future proofing capabilities make it a worthwhile investment over the outdated tech of the Samsung. Although the price would be higher, the value I get from the Motorola is higher than the Samsung for my use case.
