1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is larger and may feel less comfortable in hand/pocket. |
| Weight | 189g | 195.1g | A52 is slightly lighter, potentially making it easier to handle for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Negligible difference in screen size, virtually identical. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A52 provides sharper visuals with more detail and clarity. |
| PPI | 407 | 269 | A52's higher pixel density results in a significantly clearer, less pixelated display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making viewing media more enjoyable, also it's more efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A52's smoother animations and scrolling can enhance the perceived responsiveness of the phone. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, information missing to do a proper comparison |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | A52's chipset provides significantly better performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 201,615 | A52's significantly higher score indicates much better overall performance across all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A52's GPU offers better graphics performance, beneficial for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 13MP, f/2.0 | A52's higher resolution, wider aperture and larger sensor result in much better photo quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX616 | 8MP, f/2.4 | A52 offers significantly higher quality selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A52's wide-angle lens captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52's portrait mode should offer better background blur and depth of field effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A52 offers dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 allows for higher quality 4K video recording and offers more stable video capture with EIS across multiple modes. |
| Features | OIS, 4K Video, Quad camera | Triple camera | A52 offers more versatile camera features, including optical stabilization for sharper photos and videos and 4k video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | G100's larger battery likely offers slightly longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | A52 charges faster, meaning less downtime waiting for your phone to power up. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12 | A52 is upgradable to Android 14, G100 has no information on software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | 802.11ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct | Both offer similar WiFi connectivity and functionality |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0 LE, A2DP | A52 has more Bluetooth features including EDR, HID and ANT+ for wider compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | A52 supports more satellite systems for more reliable GPS performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/128GB | A52 has larger internal storage options, especially beneficial for users with many apps and media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 3/4GB | A52 offers more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | A52 offers better audio quality and experience through its features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 has side-mounted fingerprint sensor that's easier to use in many situations. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 3 | A52's screen is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Nokia G100 includes Barometer sensor, that A52 lacks, A52 includes Hall and Geomagnetic sensors that G100 lacks. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution (1080x2400) and a 90Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably better viewing experience with sharper visuals, smoother animations, and richer colors.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset and higher AnTuTu scores (341,212 vs 201,615) mean the A52 will handle demanding tasks and games more smoothly.
- Much Better Camera System: The 64MP main camera with a wider aperture, 32MP selfie camera and additional lenses offer better image quality and more versatility. The ability to shoot in 4K is also a significant advantage.
- Faster Charging: 25W charging allows the A52 to recharge more quickly than the 15W of the G100.
- More RAM and Storage Options: The A52 offers up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, giving users more space and better multitasking performance.
- Better Audio Quality: The A52 has Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for superior audio quality when compared to the Nokia G100's 2 microphones.
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery has a 500 mAh advantage over the A52, which might translate to longer battery life for users.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side mounted sensor is more convenient for some users.
- Barometer: This sensor is useful for hiking and some environmental applications.
- Newer OS out of the box: The phone comes with Android 12 out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- The G100 prioritizes battery life over display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. The A52 has a better user experience across almost every area but has a smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Those who watch videos, play games, or browse social media frequently. The high-quality AMOLED display and stereo speakers make it perfect for entertainment.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with good image quality and options for wide-angle and macro shots. The 4K video is great for content creators.
Performance-Oriented Users: People who need a phone that can handle demanding apps and games without lag. The more powerful chipset and greater RAM will improve performance.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies or shows in high resolution with vibrant colors.
- Playing graphic-intensive games.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Multitasking between apps smoothly.
Nokia G100 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who want a reliable smartphone at an affordable price, prioritizing battery life over other premium features.
- Users with Basic Smartphone Needs: People who mainly use their phone for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
Users who prioritize a bigger battery: Users who need their phone to last all day without requiring frequent charging
Specific Use Cases:
- Long days away from a charger.
- Making calls, sending texts, and basic web browsing.
- Users looking for a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Users who need environmental sensors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A52 is likely more expensive than the G100 due to its superior specifications.
- What do I use my phone for the most? If your phone is mainly for calls, and basic use, and having long battery life is important, the G100 may suit your needs. But if you play games, consume a lot of media, or want high quality photos, then the A52 is the way to go.
- How important are display quality, camera performance, and overall processing power to me? If these are high priorities the A52 is the obvious choice, it offers an experience much better than the G100.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern: If you are trying to save money and just need a phone that works, the Nokia G100 is the better choice. It is the more affordable phone and offers long battery life.
- Scenario 2: Prioritizing the best user experience: If you have some budget available, and want good display, performance and camera, then the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Power user with demanding apps and games: The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers much better performance and capabilities for gamers and heavy smartphone users.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
My reasoning is driven by the significant disparity in user experience. While the Nokia G100 provides a larger battery and a more basic, budget-friendly option, the Galaxy A52 offers a superior display, much better performance, and a significantly better camera system. The A52's AMOLED screen with 90Hz is a noticeable upgrade over the G100's LCD, and the performance benefits of the Snapdragon 720G are substantial, the A52 also offers more RAM and storage.
Given that most users, including myself, rely heavily on their phones for media consumption, photography, and even some gaming, the Galaxy A52 provides a much richer, more satisfying experience overall. While I appreciate the G100's battery life advantage, I believe the A52's faster charging compensates for the slightly smaller capacity. The improved camera on the A52 is also a major draw for me as I use my phone for photography frequently. Therefore, the A52 is the clear choice, it delivers much better value and overall user satisfaction, despite the potentially higher price tag.
