Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Nothing Phone (1)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-07-16 | Nothing Phone (1) is newer, with a potentially longer software update lifespan. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 | 159.2 x 75.8 x 8.3 | Virtually identical size and thickness, both are comfortable for typical use. |
| Weight | 189g | 193.5g | Both have very similar weights, negligibly different when holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Essentially the same size; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness for web browsing, videos, and games. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 402 | Very similar display clarity, unlikely to notice a difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both produce vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for multimedia consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) has a smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) is significantly better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm) | Nothing Phone (1) offers noticeably faster performance for apps, multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) delivers significantly smoother overall experience, better for heavy users. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 642L | Nothing Phone (1) has a better GPU, useful for intensive graphics tasks and mobile gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4500 mAh | Both have similar all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (1) charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging, Non-removable, No charger in box, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 5W | Nothing Phone (1) is more versatile with wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities. Samsung offers QC2.0 and AFC charging support. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.0µm | Samsung Galaxy A52 has higher resolution but Nothing Phone (1) has a larger sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Front (Selfie) | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | Samsung Galaxy A52 has higher resolution and a larger sensor for better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 can capture a wider field of view. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated lens for depth sensing in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated lens for close-up macro shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a dual-purpose wide-angle/macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps HDR, EIS | Both offer good quality video with electronic stabilization. Nothing Phone (1) supports HDR. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 15) | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer OS out of the box, with longer support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (1) offers faster speeds and better performance with newer Wi-Fi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Nothing Phone (1) has a newer Bluetooth version for better range and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options, good for storing photos, videos and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage, so choose enough storage for your use. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a slight edge with more advanced audio codecs, whereas Nothing Phone (1) has more microphones for better audio recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint | Fingerprint | Both have similar basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) has a compass sensor useful in navigation and an RGB sensor, while A52 has hall and geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Dedicated wide-angle, portrait, and macro lenses offer more shooting options.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Better detail in selfies for social media.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio
- Established Brand: Benefits from a larger brand ecosystem and potentially better customer support (subjective).
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ offers much better overall performance, for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations noticeably smoother.
- Higher Brightness: Significantly better outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Less time tethered to a charger, and wireless convenience.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer Android version and potentially longer support lifespan.
- Better Connectivity: Offers WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for faster speeds and more efficient connections.
- More RAM Options: 8GB and 12GB vs 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB, makes multitasking and gaming a breeze
- Better Positioning: More satelite systems supported
- Dual-Purpose Wide Angle + Macro lens: More versatile single lens approach for ultrawide and close-up photos.
Trade-offs:
- Camera Versatility vs. Image Quality: The Samsung A52 has more lenses but the Nothing Phone (1)'s main camera sensor (Sony IMX766) can deliver potentially better results in low-light and dynamic range.
- Software Updates: While the Samsung will get Android 14, it is older than the Nothing Phone and may not receive updates as quickly or for as long.
- Brand Recognition: Samsung is well-established while the Nothing Phone (1) is a newer brand.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographer: Enjoys having different shooting options with the versatile camera system.
- Multimedia Consumer: Appreciates the vibrant AMOLED display and Dolby Atmos audio.
- Price-Conscious Buyer: Seeks a balance of features at a lower price.
- Users wanting a more versatile standard camera setup: Dedicated macro, wide angle and potrait cameras.
Use Cases:
- Capturing photos in diverse environments and using different lens options.
- Watching movies or streaming videos with enhanced audio.
- General social media, web browsing and email.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiast: Demands faster processing and smoother gaming experience.
- Tech Savvy Individual: Interested in the more modern and unique design with wireless charging.
- Power User: Wants great battery life, fast charging, and better performance.
- Users who want to future proof their phone: Better connectivity, faster processor, more RAM, and the newest software
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games or multitasking between apps.
- Outdoor use where sunlight visibility is crucial.
- Quickly recharging the phone on the go without fuss.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is gaming and performance? If performance is key, the Nothing Phone (1) is a much better choice with a significantly more powerful chipset and more RAM.
- What are your primary camera needs? If having a dedicated macro, wide angle and portrait lens is important, the Samsung A52 will be the better choice. If you priortize quality and performance, the Nothing Phone (1)'s larger sensor may be better.
- How crucial is battery convenience? If wireless charging and fast charging are important, the Nothing Phone (1) wins here.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography enthusiast with multiple lens preferences: The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a better choice with its dedicated wide, macro and potrait cameras.
- Scenario 2: Gamers and heavy users: The Nothing Phone (1) with better processor, more ram, and a higher refresh rate display for a smoother experience.
- Scenario 3: Users wanting the newest tech: The Nothing Phone (1) is a better choice with better connectivity, fast charging, and wireless charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Nothing Phone (1). The significantly better processor, 120Hz display, faster charging, wireless charging, better connectivity, and newer software makes it a more compelling option despite the lack of dedicated macro, wide-angle and potrait cameras. The overall experience with the Nothing Phone (1) would be much smoother, faster, and more future-proof. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 has a more versatile camera system with dedicated lenses, the improvements in performance, display quality and modern features that the Nothing Phone (1) offers are more important to me personally.
