Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. OnePlus 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm | OnePlus 9 Pro is slightly taller and thicker, A52 slightly wider; may affect single-handed use. |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | A52 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1440 x 3216 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher resolution results in noticeably sharper visuals and clearer text. |
| PPI | 407 | 525 | The higher pixel density of OnePlus 9 Pro means finer details and less pixelation are visible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers superior display technology (AMOLED) with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors (OnePlus 9 Pro display type not available). | |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro display is far more visible in bright outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's significantly more powerful chipset enables faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 877,600 | OnePlus 9 Pro demonstrates vastly superior performance, ideal for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | OnePlus 9 Pro's superior GPU means better graphics rendering and gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery endurance for everyday tasks. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, a significant time-saver for frequent users. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 50W, Reverse wireless charging | OnePlus 9 Pro provides more versatile charging options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 48MP | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a higher megapixel count, but doesn't necessarily imply higher quality |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.43" | OnePlus 9 Pro's larger sensor can capture more light and detail, improving low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a higher megapixel count on the selfie camera |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 50MP | OnePlus 9 Pro's wide-angle lens captures significantly more detail and wider shots |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 8MP | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities, while the A52 relies solely on digital zoom. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A52 offers a dedicated macro camera for extreme close-up shots. |
| Portrait mode | 5MP | None | A52 offers dedicated depth-sensing for improved portrait mode. |
| Black & white | None | 2MP | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a dedicated Black & White lens |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a higher video resolution for professional quality video recording. |
| DxOMark Score | N/A | 122 | OnePlus 9 Pro has been benchmarked for its camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Basic features | Advanced Features, including RAW & Manual Control | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more advanced camera features for more advanced users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 | Both phones run on Android, with manufacturer skins/customization. |
| Max Version | 14 | 14 | Both phones will receive updates up to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | OnePlus 9 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance on crowded networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a more recent version of Bluetooth offering better performance and features |
| GPS | Standard GPS | Advanced GPS | OnePlus 9 Pro supports more satellite systems, which can result in more accurate and reliable GPS location. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both devices use Dual Nano SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both devices have the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8/12GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has greater RAM for improved multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting future expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation mic | OnePlus 9 Pro offers better audio quality with a noise cancellation mic |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones have basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones have similar screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | OnePlus 9 Pro has more motion sensors, offering better orientation detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Display Technology: AMOLED display offers potentially better colors and contrast, especially in low-light conditions.
- Selfie Camera Resolution: Higher resolution front-facing camera could capture more detailed selfies
- Macro & Portrait Camera: Dedicated macro and depth sensors for extra photography options.
- Slightly Lighter: Could feel more comfortable during extended use.
- Lower Price: Generally, more affordable than the OnePlus 9 Pro.
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Performance: Significantly more powerful processor, faster RAM and GPU for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Display Quality: Higher resolution and refresh rate, making for a sharper and smoother visual experience. Much brighter screen for outdoor visibility
- Camera Capabilities: Larger sensor, 8K video recording, telephoto lens, and wide angle lens, offering better overall camera versatility, along with manual controls and RAW capture.
- Charging Speed: Much faster 65W charging and wireless charging.
- Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds, better performance on crowded networks and newer Bluetooth for better audio and connectivity.
- Audio Features: Superior audio features with noise cancellation microphones.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Higher price and slightly larger and heavier
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Slower processor and less versatile camera. Standard display brightness.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Those seeking a good all-around phone with a nice display and capable camera without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Everyday users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and take occasional photos.
- Macro & Portrait photography enthusiasts : Users who want dedicated macro and portrait mode cameras.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media browsing and content consumption.
- Casual photography and selfies.
- Streaming video content in indoor environments.
- Light gaming.
Ideal User for OnePlus 9 Pro:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera with high image quality and advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Users who want the best display for high-quality video and smooth gaming.
- Users who value speed: Users who need fast charging to quickly top up their battery.
Use Cases:
- High-end gaming with demanding graphics.
- Professional photography and videography.
- Editing photos and videos.
- Viewing HDR content on a bright display.
- Heavy multitasking with multiple apps open simultaneously.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Offers a good balance of features for its price point, appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Provides premium performance and features, justifying its higher price for users who need them.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly more expensive than the A52.
- What are your primary use cases? Do you need top-tier performance or a capable mid-range device?
- How important is camera versatility and quality? Do you need features like optical zoom and RAW capture?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Focused): If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone for everyday tasks and social media use, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better option.
- Scenario 2 (Performance Focused): If you play demanding games or need a phone for resource-intensive tasks, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice due to its superior processing power.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Focused): If camera quality and versatility are a priority, the OnePlus 9 Pro with its advanced camera setup and features is recommended.
- Scenario 4 (Balanced): If you need a balance of performance, camera features and budget, the OnePlus 9 Pro might be the better option, if budget allows, due to the overall quality of all its components, but the Samsung Galaxy A52 will still deliver on all those fronts without the highest quality, but at a lower price point.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would opt for the OnePlus 9 Pro. While it comes at a higher price, the improvements in processing power, display quality, camera versatility, and charging speed are significant and cater to my needs. I frequently use my phone for demanding tasks, enjoy high-quality gaming, and take a lot of photos. I also value a fast-charging phone. The OnePlus 9 Pro provides a better experience in all of these areas, making it the better long-term investment for my use case, even considering the higher price. The difference in performance and camera quality is a dealbreaker for me.
