Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Motorola Moto G82
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Moto G82 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-06-07 | Moto G82 is newer, potentially with longer software support |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 160.9 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Moto G82 is slightly taller, thinner, and narrower, with a slightly smaller overall volume. A52 is thicker and will feel more bulky. |
| Weight | 189g | 173g | Moto G82 is noticeably lighter, better for one-handed use and extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in size, negligible in real use. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness, both offer a clear and crisp viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 402 PPI | Virtually identical pixel density, no discernible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G82 offers smoother scrolling and animations, a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not available, making a comparison impossible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Moto G82's chip is newer and fabricated on a smaller process, offering better performance and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 390,000 | Moto G82 shows better performance in benchmarks, translating to faster app loading and smoother multi-tasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Moto G82's GPU is slightly more powerful, providing better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Moto G82's larger battery provides longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Moto G82 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Tech | Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | No significant real-world impact. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | A52 has higher resolution and a larger sensor, typically better low-light performance and dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.2 | A52 offers significantly more detail in selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A52 captures higher-resolution wide-angle photos. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 can take dedicated portrait shots with a depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 has higher-resolution macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@60fps with EIS | A52 provides 4K recording, enabling higher-quality video. |
| Video Slow Motion | 120 fps | 30 fps | A52 has much more useful slow-motion video capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | Moto G82 starts with a newer version of Android; A52 will get one more update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support similar Wi-Fi standards and features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Moto G82 has slightly more modern Bluetooth, potential for slightly better energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both are equipped with standard GPS functionality. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | A52 offers an option for more storage for users with more data needs. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB or 8GB | 6GB | A52 offers configurations with more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | No options to expand storage for either device. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Both phones have good audio, but A52 has the edge with Dolby Digital Plus. The G82 has two microphones instead of just one. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G82 has a more convenient and potentially faster fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 offers superior screen protection from scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Motorola has more sensors making it ideal for using apps that need those sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main, selfie, wide, and macro lenses with a dedicated depth sensor, better for photography enthusiasts who like to take portraits and different types of shots. Also records video in 4K.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256GB internal storage for users with extensive media libraries, whereas the Moto G82 is stuck at 128GB.
- More RAM Options: Option to get 8GB of RAM for better multitasking and gaming.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for increased scratch and drop resistance.
- Better Audio Features: Dolby Digital Plus for better sound.
- Additional Sensors: Hall and Geomagnetic sensors.
- One more Android update. Android 14
Motorola Moto G82 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset & Better Performance: Snapdragon 695 5G offers better performance and efficiency than the older 720G. This translates to better battery life.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate screen for a more fluid user experience.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery for extended battery life, better for users on the move.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging for quicker top-ups, ideal for busy users.
- Lighter Weight: Noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long usage.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and potentially faster biometric unlock.
- Two Microphones: Better audio pickup for phone calls.
- More Sensors: Compass, Magnetometer, making it better for apps that need the use of these sensors.
- Newer Android Version Out Of the Box: Android 12, but it only has one update.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A52 has a better camera system and features, but its performance is not as good and it is bulkier.
- The Moto G82 has much better performance and is more comfortable, but the camera system is not as good.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 - Ideal for:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility, who like to take portraits.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch lots of movies, who would want to take advantage of the high-quality display with Dolby Digital Plus.
- Users who need a lot of storage: Users with large media libraries who need more storage.
- Users who like more RAM: Gamers who want the best possible performance and smooth multitasking.
- Users who want the latest software: Users who want to have access to the latest software updates.
Motorola Moto G82 - Ideal for:
- Power Users: Users who need a balance of performance and battery life for everyday tasks and games.
- Users who want a more fluid experience: Users who prioritize smooth animations and transitions.
- Users on the Go: Those who need long battery life and fast charging for extended use.
- Comfort Seekers: Those who prefer a lighter phone for comfortable handling.
- Users who want a more convenient fingerprint scanner: Those who like the placement and speed of a side-mounted scanner.
- Users who want better audio pickup: Those who use their phone for phone calls.
- Users who need more sensor support: Users who use apps that rely on a variety of sensors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Camera Priority: How important is camera quality (main, selfie, features) to you? If it is high, choose A52.
- Performance and Battery: How important is smooth, fast performance and long battery life to you? If that is high, choose the Moto G82.
- Comfort and Convenience: How important is a comfortable, light phone with a fast side-mounted fingerprint scanner to you? If it is high, choose Moto G82.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast: If you take lots of pictures and videos, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better choice due to its more versatile and capable camera system and higher video quality.
- Scenario 2: Daily User on the Move: If you prioritize battery life, speed, and convenience, the Motorola Moto G82 is the better option due to its longer battery life and side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want an all-rounder, consider the Motorola Moto G82 due to its better balance of performance, battery, and convenience, but be aware that it has a less versatile camera system and only one OS update.
- Scenario 4: Budget-Conscious User: If the price point is the same between the two, the Moto G82 provides better overall specs.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G82.
While the Samsung A52 has a more versatile camera system and more options for storage and RAM, the Moto G82 edges it out in terms of performance, battery life and day-to-day convenience. The faster 120hz display is also a big draw as well as the more convenient fingerprint sensor. For most users, the Moto G82 provides a better overall experience with a smoother and faster user interface, longer battery life, and a more comfortable design without losing out too much on camera capability. The additional sensors and two microphones are also a big draw. It is the more modern phone as well and for the most part this makes it the better option.
