1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Razr 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Motorola Razr 50 offers a unique foldable design, enabling a more compact form factor when closed, and a larger screen when open. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 171.3 x 74 x 7.3 mm | The Razr 50 is taller, thinner when unfolded, but may feel less substantial due to its foldable design. The A52 is more compact and has a larger volume than the unfolded razr, making it feel more solid. |
| Weight | 189g | 188.4g | Both phones have nearly identical weight, so neither is noticeably heavier than the other. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Razr 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.9" | Razr 50 has a larger screen which is better for media consumption, browsing and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | Razr 50's higher resolution provides slightly more detail and clarity, though the difference is subtle. |
| PPI | 407 | 413 | Both have very similar pixel density; sharpness will appear virtually identical. |
| Technology | AMOLED | | A52's AMOLED panel delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, while the Razr 50's display technology isn't specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Razr 50's higher refresh rate offers smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Razr 50 has significantly better outdoor visibility, making it much easier to use in bright sunlight, the A52's brightness is not stated. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Razr 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7300X (4 nm) | Razr 50's more modern and efficient chipset results in better performance, faster app loading, and more efficient power consumption. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 620,395 | Razr 50 is significantly more powerful, offering smoother performance in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G615 MC2 | Different GPUs, the Razr 50's Mali GPU generally offers superior graphical performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Razr 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | A52 has a higher megapixel count for standard photos, which allows more details when zoomed-in or cropped. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Identical aperture for similar low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor | Sony IMX682 | N/A | The A52's sensor is specified, while Razr 50's is not, making it difficult to compare image quality directly. |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 32MP | Both have the same megapixel count for selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | The A52's wider aperture should let in slightly more light, improving low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens Res | 12MP | 13MP | Razr 50 has a slightly higher megapixel count for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP depth sensor | None | A52 features dedicated depth sensing for better bokeh effects in portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP macro sensor | None | A52 has a dedicated macro camera for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Both offer similar video recording capabilities, with EIS for stabilization. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 92 (Mobile Main) | Razr 50's main camera has been tested by DxOMark, but the A52 has not. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, HDR, Night Mode | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW, Night Vision | A52 has a quadruple camera setup, while the Razr 50 has PDAF and LAF autofocus, as well as RAW capture. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Motorola Razr 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4200mAh | A52 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, but the real-world differences will depend on usage and chipset efficiency. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 30W fast charging | Razr 50 charges slightly faster, reducing downtime waiting for the phone to charge. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless 15W, Non-removable | Razr 50 offers more versatile charging options, including wireless charging and reverse charging. A52 has QC 2.0 and AFC. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages
- AMOLED Display: Offers superior display quality (deeper blacks, better contrast) compared to the unspecified screen technology on the Razr 50.
- Dedicated Depth & Macro Sensors: Provides versatility in photography with specific sensors for depth and macro shots.
- Slightly Larger Battery: Potentially offers marginally longer battery life.
- More Camera Features: Offers HDR and Night Mode for better photography options.
Motorola Razr 50 Advantages
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique and compact form factor when closed, with a larger display when open.
- Superior Performance: A more powerful and efficient chipset results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Provides much better outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging allows for quicker refills.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Offers more versatile charging options.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Benefits from Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connectivity.
- Superior WiFi: Offers much improved wifi speeds with 6E
- eSIM support: Allows for a digital SIM option.
- Better Camera Features: Offers PDAF and LAF auto focus, as well as RAW capture and Night Vision mode
Trade-offs
- A52: Trades raw performance and portability for a standard form factor, potentially better display quality, a more versatile camera system with dedicated sensors, and a slightly larger battery.
- Razr 50: Trades some traditional camera functionality (no macro/depth sensor) and potentially display quality for better performance, advanced features, and a unique foldable design.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritize a balance of good display and camera with dependable battery life without a very high price tag.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Value a versatile camera system with dedicated macro and depth sensors.
- Standard Smartphone Users: Prefer the traditional form factor and simplicity.
- Users who prioritize a vibrant screen with excellent contrast and color depth.
Motorola Razr 50 Ideal Users
- Tech Enthusiasts: Are interested in the latest technologies and unique designs, especially the foldable form factor.
- Power Users: Value raw performance, faster app loading, and smooth multitasking.
- Users who want a small, easily portable phone when folded.
- Outdoor Users: Prioritize screen visibility in bright sunlight and versatile charging options.
- Photography enthusiasts: Value better camera features and image processing with RAW capture and Night Vision.
Use Cases
- A52: Ideal for everyday tasks, casual gaming, social media, and photography with diverse camera modes.
- Razr 50: Excels in demanding apps, gaming, multitasking, outdoor use, media consumption with a large display and users wanting the latest tech.
Price-to-Value
- The A52, being an older model, is likely more affordable. However, it lacks the advanced features of the Razr 50.
- The Razr 50 offers superior tech, more performance, and additional features but will come at a premium price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Form Factor Preference: Do you prefer the traditional, solid feel of a standard smartphone or the unique, foldable design of the Razr 50?
- Performance vs. Camera Versatility: Do you value raw performance and a modern chipset or a more versatile camera system with dedicated macro and depth sensors?
- Display Priorities: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks, or do you need a very bright screen for outdoor visibility?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: User needs a reliable, affordable phone for everyday use and enjoys taking photos. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. It offers a good balance of features and is likely more budget-friendly.
- Scenario 2: User wants the latest tech, plays mobile games, and needs a phone with a screen that’s readable in sunlight. Recommendation: Motorola Razr 50. The Razr 50 is a better pick, as it delivers stronger performance, has better outdoor visibility, wireless charging, and a more unique design.
- Scenario 3: User wants a phone that is pocketable, without sacrificing screen size. Recommendation: Motorola Razr 50. It is a foldable phone that provides a full-screen experience in a compact form.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Razr 50. Here's why:
While the Samsung A52 offers a good balance for users on a budget, I value having the newest and most advanced features in a smartphone. The Razr 50 wins due to its superior performance, a better chipset, a brighter display that excels outdoors, the convenience of wireless charging, faster charging speeds, and the unique form factor. I appreciate the foldable design and its compact nature, as well as the improved camera features with PDAF, LAF and RAW capture. The significant performance increase and better outdoor visibility are enough to justify the higher cost and the trade-offs in camera versatility and perhaps display technology. For me, having a phone that can handle demanding tasks, games and offers cutting-edge tech is more compelling than having a standard camera setup or a slightly larger battery. The improved Wifi standard also provides a large benefit to me.
