Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Motorola Moto G (2023)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164 × 75 × 8.4 mm | Moto G (2023) is slightly taller, but width and thickness are identical. Minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 189g | Both phones feel identical in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both offer the same screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Galaxy A52 display is noticeably sharper, text and images will appear clearer. |
| PPI | 407 | 270 | Galaxy A52 has a much higher pixel density, resulting in a clearer image with less visible pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Galaxy A52 has superior blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G (2023) has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid UI experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, meaning similar visibility in bright sunlight (Note: this is likely an error in data; actual brightness will vary). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Moto G (2023) has slightly higher benchmark scores, which may translate to slightly better performance in some apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 380,000 | Moto G (2023) performs marginally better in benchmarks suggesting a minor performance edge. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Moto G (2023) has a slightly newer GPU which may offer marginal gaming advantages. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682 | 48MP f/1.7 | Galaxy A52 captures more detailed photos with higher resolution, but Moto G (2023) has slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX616 | 8MP f/2.0 | Galaxy A52 captures significantly more detailed selfies, better overall quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | Not Available | Galaxy A52 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | Not Available | Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos with better background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Galaxy A52 macro camera has higher resolution providing better quality close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Galaxy A52 captures higher quality videos with 4k resolution, Moto G (2023) limited to 1080p. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G (2023) has larger capacity offering better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Galaxy A52 charges faster, reaching full charge more quickly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Moto G (2023) starts with newer OS out of the box. Galaxy A52 has guaranteed upgrade to Android 14. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB | Galaxy A52 has option for more internal storage, useful for users with large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8GB | 4 GB | Galaxy A52 offers more RAM providing better multitasking, smoother app switching for RAM intensive apps. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Galaxy A52 provides enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos. Moto G (2023) offers dual mics for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Moto G (2023) offers more convenient and modern side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Galaxy A52 has better scratch and damage protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density provides a much sharper and more vibrant viewing experience, with better blacks and contrast.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main camera, significantly better selfie camera, and dedicated wide-angle, depth, and macro lenses offer more versatility.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging gets the phone charged quicker than the Motorola's 15W.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus offer better audio quality with enhanced spacial audio for a more immersive experience.
- More RAM and Storage options: More RAM and a 256GB internal storage option for more demanding users and better multitasking.
- Better build quality: Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Advantages:
- Slightly Higher Benchmark Performance: Marginal performance boost, likely noticeable in some demanding applications.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a slightly more fluid experience when scrolling.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers better battery life.
- Newer OS out of the box: Comes with Android 13.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easier access.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Sacrifices slightly better benchmark performance, and a larger battery for a better display, camera system, and faster charging.
- Motorola Moto G (2023): Trades a superior display and camera system, slower charging for a marginally better performance, a larger battery and a more fluid screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 is Ideal For:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, browsing photos, and enjoying content.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who want versatile cameras with higher resolution and better features like OIS and multiple lenses.
- Users Seeking a Premium Experience: Those who want a premium feeling display with better build quality and premium features such as Dolby Atmos audio and faster charging.
- Multitaskers: Users who need more RAM for multitasking and want more storage options.
Motorola Moto G (2023) is Ideal For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who want a decent smartphone with good battery life at a more affordable price.
- Everyday Users: Those who need a reliable phone for general use, web browsing, social media and don't require the best cameras or display.
- Users who value battery life: Those who are constantly on the go and prioritize a long lasting battery.
- Users who want the latest software: Those who want the latest Android experience out of the box.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is display quality to you? Do you prioritize a sharp, vibrant screen, or is a standard display sufficient?
- How important is camera quality and versatility? Do you often take photos and videos, and do you need a high quality and versatile system?
- How important is battery life vs fast charging? Do you value a long lasting battery or faster charging times?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media and Photography Lover: If you often watch videos and take photos, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear winner due to its superior display and camera system.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious Everyday User: If you need a reliable phone for daily tasks and prioritize battery life, the Motorola Moto G (2023) offers a better battery and a slightly more fluid display experience.
- Scenario 3: Performance and Battery User: If you need a device for gaming or other demanding applications while prioritising battery, the Motorola Moto G (2023) offers better benchmark performance and battery life.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the Motorola Moto G (2023) offers a slightly better refresh rate and battery life, the superior AMOLED display, significantly better camera system, faster charging and superior audio experience are far more important to me personally. As a user who consumes a lot of media, takes many photos, and prefers a smoother UI, the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a more complete and higher-quality experience. The better build quality, premium features like Dolby Atmos and OIS, and the option for more RAM and storage options solidify the Galaxy A52 as my preferred choice, despite its age.
