Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. OnePlus Nord N20 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | OnePlus Nord N20 SE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.8 x 75 x 8 mm | OnePlus Nord N20 SE is slightly taller and thinner, potentially making it feel slightly more comfortable in hand for some users, while the A52 is more compact. |
| Weight | 189g | 187g | Negligible difference in weight, both phones feel equally substantial. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Virtually identical screen size, providing very similar viewing experiences. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1612 | Samsung A52's higher resolution results in a noticeably sharper display, better for reading text and viewing high-resolution content. |
| PPI | 407 | 269 | The A52's higher pixel density results in sharper images and text, making the display look less pixelated. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52's AMOLED display provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, more vibrant colors and better power efficiency when using dark themes compared to the Nord N20 SE's LCD screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A52's 90Hz refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Note that this is likely a data entry error. Both will vary based on environmental conditions, and we do not have the actual figures for either phone. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio G35 (12 nm) | The A52's Snapdragon 720G is significantly more powerful, offering better performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 221,000 | A52's higher score translates to faster app loading, smoother performance, and better gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Adreno 618 in the A52 is more powerful, resulting in better graphics performance, especially in games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", S5KJN1 | A52's larger sensor and higher resolution main camera should capture more detailed images and better low-light performance compared to the Nord N20 SE. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX616 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1/4", OV08D10 | A52's selfie camera has significantly higher resolution, capturing more detailed selfies. Nord N20 SE may perform slightly better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | The A52 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing wider landscape shots. The Nord N20 SE lacks this capability. |
| Depth Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52's higher resolution depth sensor creates better bokeh effects for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | The A52 features a dedicated macro lens for capturing close-up shots. The Nord N20 SE lacks this capability. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The A52 can record higher quality 4K video and has EIS across video recording, with smoother 60fps 1080p recording.. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Nord N20 SE has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life, particularly for extended usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nord N20 SE's faster 33W charging replenishes the battery quicker than the A52's 25W charging. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, non-removable | Non-removable | A52 has additional charging standards support, making it compatible with a wider range of chargers. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 | The A52 will receive updates up to Android 14 while the Nord N20 SE's update path is unclear, potentially meaning it will receive less updates. The A52 has two more years of software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer standard Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | OnePlus Nord N20 SE has a newer Bluetooth version with more codec support that enables better quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nord N20 SE has the better geolocation, through supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support Dual SIM cards for multi-network use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128 GB | A52 has options with more internal storage capacity (up to 256 GB), while the Nord N20 SE only has up to 128 GB. The A52 has higher max capacity. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4 GB | A52 has higher RAM options (up to 8 GB), better for multitasking and demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion, thus you are stuck with the internal storage amount that you choose at the time of purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | A52 provides higher quality audio with Dolby Atmos compared to the Nord N20 SE. Both have stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Nord N20 SE has more reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The A52 provides a more durable screen, and the Nord N20 SE has unknown durability. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Hall | Biometric, Proximity, Motion, Gravity | Both feature a standard set of sensors, with minor variations. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution, refresh rate, and pixel density, offering a far superior viewing experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset provides significantly better performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Enhanced Camera System: A more versatile camera system with higher resolution sensors, a wide-angle lens, and macro lens, with better video recording capabilities.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos support provides a richer audio experience for music and movies, offering enhanced sound immersion and clarity.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed updates up to Android 14.
- Better Durability: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 500mAh more capacity, potentially offering longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging, allowing for quicker battery replenishment.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 for more reliable connectivity and better audio quality with advanced codecs.
- Better Geolocation: QZSS satellite support.
- More Reliable Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 12, although it's update path is unclear
Trade-offs:
- A52 Trade-off: Slightly smaller battery, slower charging.
- Nord N20 SE Trade-off: Significantly lower display quality, less powerful performance, inferior camera system, likely less software support, unknown screen durability and inferior audio quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Content Consumers: Users who watch videos, browse social media, and read frequently, and want the best possible display experience.
- Casual Gamers: Users who enjoy mobile gaming and need a phone that can handle moderate to high-intensity games smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who take a lot of photos and videos and want a versatile camera with various shooting options and good video recording.
- Users who need a reliable phone with a good software experience: Users who value a good user experience and prefer to have guaranteed software updates in the future.
Use Cases:
- Streaming high-resolution videos.
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Taking high-quality photos in various conditions.
- Multitasking between multiple apps.
OnePlus Nord N20 SE Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and basic functionality over premium features.
- Users with Battery Needs: Users who prioritize long battery life and fast charging.
- Basic Phone Users: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media, and do not need intense processing power.
Use Cases:
- Extended usage without frequent charging.
- Basic daily tasks like browsing, calling, and texting.
- Basic mobile use that doesn't push the processor to its limit.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a higher price-to-value ratio if you are looking for the most performance for your money.
- The OnePlus Nord N20 SE offers a lower price-to-value ratio compared to the A52, however, it is cheaper and could be a good option for budget users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? If you need to stay on a very tight budget, the OnePlus Nord N20 SE is going to be cheaper.
- How important is display quality? If you value a sharp, vibrant, and smooth display, the Galaxy A52 is the better choice.
- What are your main phone usage needs? If you're a heavy gamer, photographer, or video consumer, the Galaxy A52 is superior. If you only need basic performance, the Nord N20 SE is going to be a cheap option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: High Performance and Visuals:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. Its superior display and performance make it ideal for heavy users, content creators, and gamers.
Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious with Long Battery Life Needs:
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord N20 SE. It prioritizes battery life and fast charging at a lower cost, suitable for those with basic needs.
Scenario 3: Balanced User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. Despite the trade-offs in battery capacity and charging speed, the A52 provides a far better overall experience, if you can afford it.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would select the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the OnePlus Nord N20 SE has a larger battery and faster charging, the A52's superior display, significantly better performance, and overall camera quality provide a far more enjoyable and versatile user experience. The trade-offs in battery life are acceptable given the substantial improvements in other crucial areas. My use cases, which are a combination of content consumption, photography, and some light gaming would be best served by the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the Nord N20 SE might suffice for basic use, I value the enhanced user experience offered by the A52. I believe the A52 offers better value, despite it costing more than the Nord N20 SE.
