Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Motorola Moto G31
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.9 x 73.9 x 8.6 mm | A52 slightly wider, G31 slightly taller; negligible difference in overall handling. G31 is slightly thinner and may feel slightly more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 181g | G31 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide a crisp viewing experience. |
| PPI | 407 | 411 | Virtually indistinguishable in terms of pixel density; both are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A52 offers smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable difference for gamers and frequent phone users. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data unavailable, making comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G85 (12 nm) | A52's chipset is more powerful, leading to better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 225,154 | A52 demonstrates significantly better overall performance; smoother user experience across all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A52's GPU is more capable, providing better gaming performance with smoother frame rates and better graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G31 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life between charges; great for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W | 10W | A52 charges significantly faster, allowing users to quickly top up the battery. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable | A52 offers Qualcomm Quick Charge (QC2.0) and Samsung Adaptive Fast Charging (AFC) for faster charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | A52 has higher resolution and larger sensor, leading to potentially better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor | 13MP, f/2.2 | A52 offers much higher resolution for selfies with improved details. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A52 has higher resolution; G31 has a slightly wider aperture, which may help in low-light conditions. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | A52 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, likely producing better results with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 has higher macro lens resolution, capturing more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | A52 can record higher-resolution videos with stabilization, making it better for vloggers and capturing high-quality videos. |
| Features | 4K Video, OIS, Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Optical zoom, PDAF, LAF, RAW | A52 offers OIS for better stabilization and night mode; G31 features optical zoom and RAW photo support. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Ver. 14 | Android 11, Max Ver. Not specified | Samsung guarantees updates to Android 14; update policy for Moto G31 is unclear. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have similar WiFi capabilities, supporting standard speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, LE, A2DP | A52 offers a broader range of Bluetooth profiles (EDR, HID, ANT+) for connecting with various devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | G31 has additional support for SUPL positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | A52 offers higher storage options, useful for users who store lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | 4 GB | A52 offers higher RAM options (up to 8 GB), which results in better multitasking and gaming capabilities. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, 2 microphones | A52 offers a richer audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Digital Plus, great for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | G31’s side-mounted sensor may be more accessible for some users, and is generally considered to be more advanced than a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Not specified | A52 offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Moto G31 has an advantage with its compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher AnTuTu score provide a much smoother experience, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- Better Display: Higher refresh rate (90Hz) makes scrolling and animations look much smoother.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated depth sensor and higher quality video capabilities (4K recording). Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for better photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for significantly faster battery top-ups.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers up to 256GB storage and 8GB of RAM.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Digital Plus enhance the audio experience.
- Guaranteed Software Updates: Confirmed updates up to Android 14.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for added durability.
Motorola Moto G31 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Compass: A useful tool for those who need more navigational features.
- Potentially Lower Price: Motorola phones are often priced more aggressively, making the G31 more budget friendly.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers better overall performance and features, but might come at a higher price point and has a smaller battery.
- The Motorola Moto G31 offers good battery life at a lower cost, but with a significant performance downgrade, a lower quality screen, and a less capable camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and display smoothness. This includes gamers, social media enthusiasts, and those who consume a lot of multimedia content.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: The more powerful chipset and smoother display make it suitable for mobile gaming.
- Photography/Videography: Higher resolution cameras, OIS, and 4K video recording will please photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Daily Multitasking: The faster processor and ample RAM allow for smooth multitasking and quick app switching.
- Media Consumption: The AMOLED display, stereo speakers, and Dolby Digital Plus provide an immersive viewing experience.
Motorola Moto G31:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery life, budget-friendliness, and simplicity. Those who don't heavily rely on demanding apps or games may find it adequate.
- Use Cases:
- Long Battery Life: The large battery makes it ideal for users who need a phone that lasts throughout the day without needing to be charged frequently.
- Basic Everyday Use: Suitable for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and making calls.
- Navigation: The compass may be useful for users who need accurate navigational tools.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who don't want to spend too much money on a smartphone but still need a reliable device.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 is better value for performance and features, particularly if these are your priorities. It offers a more complete package, but at a higher cost.
- The Motorola Moto G31 provides good value for basic users seeking a long-lasting battery on a budget, but it compromises on performance and other features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance for my use case? (Gaming, multitasking, smooth operation)
- What is my main focus on battery life, and how much will I value faster charging? (All-day battery vs. quick charge times)
- How much will I be using the camera for photos and videos? (Casual snapshots vs. higher-quality photography)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Camera First: If you prioritize a smooth experience, good gaming performance, and higher-quality photos/videos, then the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Battery Life & Budget First: If your priority is long battery life and a lower price, then the Motorola Moto G31 is a suitable option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a good balance, the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers an all-around better experience, but if the budget is a significant restriction, the Motorola Moto G31 can still suffice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the Motorola Moto G31 has its merits in terms of battery life and potentially price, the A52's superior performance, 90Hz display, significantly better camera system (with OIS and 4K recording), faster charging, and guaranteed software updates make it a much more compelling all-around device. My use case leans towards wanting a phone that can handle gaming and media consumption smoothly, so I'd be more inclined to pay more for a higher quality experience.
