1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | The Nord CE 5G is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. A52 is wider and thicker, may feel more substantial in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 170g | The Nord CE 5G is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
| Build | Unspecified | Unspecified | Details on build materials are missing, making a comparison impossible, but based on the specs the A52 has Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | The screen size difference is negligible, both are large enough for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp and detailed visuals for everyday use and media. |
| PPI | 407 | 410 | Pixel density is nearly identical, ensuring sharp and clear display for both. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 700 nits | The Nord CE 5G's significantly higher brightness makes it much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight, where the A52's screen may be hard to see. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | The Nord CE 5G has a newer, slightly more powerful chipset that is also 5G capable. It offers better performance for demanding games and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 385,000 | The Nord CE 5G scores higher in benchmarks, indicating better overall performance in real-world usage. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | The Nord CE 5G's newer GPU should offer slightly improved graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm | The A52 has a larger sensor, meaning it can capture more light and detail, while the Nord CE 5G has a slightly wider aperture. The A52 is better for low-light performance because of the larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.0µm | The A52's selfie camera offers higher resolution and a wider aperture which is better for detail, and low light capture, whereas the Nord CE 5G has a larger pixel size for better light sensitivity. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.25 | The A52's wide-angle lens has a higher resolution than Nord CE 5G which results in more detailed wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode quality. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | The A52 features a dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Black & White | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | The Nord CE 5G has a black and white lens which the A52 does not have. |
| Video | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@60fps (EIS) | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@120fps (EIS) | Both offer good video quality, however, Nord CE 5G has a higher 1080p frame rate. Nord CE 5G does not have video stabilization while recording. |
| Features | OIS, Quad camera | PDAF, CDAF, Triple camera | The A52 offers Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother videos and low light photos. Nord CE 5G offers PDAF and CDAF for faster focus. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Battery life should be similar for both phones with the same capacity, however real world results vary based on optimization of the phone. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Nord CE 5G charges slightly faster, reducing waiting time. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | A52 has Quick Charge and Adaptive Fast Charging, which can improve charging speeds if compatible chargers are used. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Features a more versatile quad-camera setup including dedicated macro and depth sensors, a larger sensor for the main camera, and optical image stabilization. This gives the A52 an edge for varied photography use cases, especially low light.
- More Camera Features: Features OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) and a quad camera which is better for video recording.
- Better Audio: Has stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos for enhanced audio quality.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G offers better benchmark scores and 5G capabilities, which results in faster performance and future proofing.
- Brighter Display: 700 nits of brightness provide a huge advantage in outdoor visibility.
- Faster Charging: The 30W fast charging allows for quicker charging.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Features Bluetooth 5.1, potentially better for wireless audio.
- More RAM: Offers a 12GB RAM option for better multitasking.
- Better GPS: Supports more satellite systems for precise navigation.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A52 has better camera flexibility, but is outperformed in performance by the Nord CE 5G.
- The Nord CE 5G has a brighter display and faster charging but lacks the versatile camera system of the A52.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize camera quality, versatility, and audio. Good for content creators, and social media users.
- Use Cases:
- Taking detailed photos in various settings.
- Recording stable, high-quality videos
- Enjoying media with immersive audio.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who value performance, fast charging, and a bright display for outdoor visibility. Good for gamers, heavy multitaskers, and people who travel.
- Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Using their phone outdoors in bright sunlight.
- Quickly charging their phone on the go.
- Enjoying smooth and quick user interface.
Price-to-Value:
- Both phones have similar launch prices, but the Nord CE 5G's stronger performance and brighter display may offer better value for users who need it.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? If you prioritize camera features (OIS, multiple lenses, macro, etc.), the A52 is better. If you care less about the extra camera features, the Nord CE 5G's camera should be sufficient.
- Do you need a brighter display for outdoor visibility? If you often use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight, the Nord CE 5G's much higher brightness is a key advantage.
- Do you prioritize performance and fast charging? If performance and fast charging are important, then the Nord CE 5G is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Photography Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung A52 for its more versatile camera system.
- Mobile Gamer or Power User: Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G for its better performance and fast charging.
- Outdoor User: Choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G for its brighter display.
- Average User: If your needs are less demanding, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is generally a better value.
My Choice
I would personally choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. Here's why:
While the Samsung A52 offers a very competent camera system with more features such as a macro lens, depth sensor, and OIS, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G's advantages in performance and screen brightness are more important to me. I use my phone heavily for gaming, navigation, and general multitasking. The faster processor, brighter display, and quicker charging of the Nord CE 5G would lead to a more enjoyable day to day experience.
Although the camera capabilities of the A52 are appealing for content creation purposes, the Nord CE 5G still has a very good 64 MP camera, and the better performance will enable me to edit photos and videos faster. The slightly faster charging also fits into my daily schedule better, and the brighter screen will be much more useful for daily tasks.
The trade off in camera flexibility is one I am willing to make to have a faster phone that is more comfortable to use during the day.
