1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Realme 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.9 × 73.3 × 8 mm | Realme 10 is slightly narrower and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 178g | Realme 10 is noticeably lighter, which may be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference; both offer similar viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; both provide crisp visuals |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 411 PPI | Virtually identical; both have very sharp and detailed displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, excellent for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 10 offers significantly better outdoor visibility, crucial for use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Helio G99 is newer and provides better overall performance including gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 401,886 | Realme 10 offers a noticeable performance boost in tasks such as gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both are adequate for daily tasks but the Helio G99 and Mali-G57MC2 combo in the Realme 10 handles more demanding gaming and graphic applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | Samsung A52 has a larger sensor and higher resolution, potentially better in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV16A1Q, 1.0µm | Samsung Galaxy A52 has higher resolution and a wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies; Realme 10's larger pixel size may help with low-light as well. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | N/A | Samsung A52 offers an additional wide-angle lens for more versatile photography. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better bokeh in portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A52 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 10 has a dedicated B&W sensor to aid with grayscale images. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps (with EIS) | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A52 can record in 4K, offering higher quality videos. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, Quadruple camera | Dual camera, PDAF | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers more versatile camera setup including OIS. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 10 offers better battery life thanks to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W | 33W | Realme 10 charges faster, getting you back up and running more quickly. |
| Battery Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | Samsung has QC2.0 and AFC for quick charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Realme 10 has a newer OS out of the box; Samsung A52 has updates to Android 14, which might be a slight advantage, depending on preference. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both devices have similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | Realme 10 has a newer version, possibly offering better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both phones have similar location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support Dual SIM Dual Standby. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB/256GB | Both have the same maximum storage, but Realme 10 also has a lower 64GB option. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/8GB | Both offer similar options for multitasking, with slight variations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio, 2 microphones | Samsung A52 has better speakers and surround sound, Realme 10 has Hi-Res audio support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Side mounted sensor provides more convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones have similar level of screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 10 offers a compass sensor, that the Samsung A52 doesn't offer, for better orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- More Versatile Camera System: Offers a quad-camera setup with a dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth sensor, alongside a higher resolution primary sensor and higher resolution selfie camera.
- 4K Video Recording: Allows you to shoot videos with great clarity and detail.
- Better Video Stabilization: Includes EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) for smoother video recording.
- Stereo Speakers & Dolby Atmos: Provides a richer audio experience with better spatial separation and audio immersion.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed updates up to Android 14.
- Optical Image Stabilization: OIS allows for better images and video stabilization especially in low light conditions.
Realme 10 Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Mediatek Helio G99 chipset offers better benchmarks and is suitable for gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 1000 nits display is far better for outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- Longer Battery Life: Larger 5000mAh battery for improved endurance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging gets the battery up quicker.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 gives a more stable and reliable connection.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Offers a more accessible and convenient way to unlock your phone.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A52: Sacrifices some raw performance and battery life for a more versatile camera and better audio.
- Realme 10: Prioritizes performance and battery life, with a less versatile camera system and audio setup, lacking features like OIS and 4K video.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value a versatile camera setup with wide-angle, macro, and depth lenses.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and value better audio with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, including 4k capabilities.
- Users who want all round features: Offers a more rounded featureset with OIS, EIS, more camera lens options, and software updates to Android 14.
- Users who record more video: The A52 can record video at 4k 30 fps which the Realme 10 can't do.
Realme 10 Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize performance and smooth gameplay.
- Power Users: Users who need long battery life and quick charging for extended use.
- Outdoor Users: Users who often use their phone in bright sunlight.
- Budget conscious users: The Realme 10 offers similar features and great performance at a potentially lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Photography, gaming, media consumption, general use)
- How important is battery life and charging speed? (Do you need all-day battery and fast charging?)
- How important is video quality? (Do you require 4K recording?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you're a mobile photographer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its more versatile camera system and higher resolution video recording capabilities.
- If you are a gamer or power user: Choose the Realme 10 for its better chipset, longer battery life, and faster charging.
- If you need a great all round device for daily use: Both are similar in daily usage. The Realme 10 might have slightly better battery and performance, the Samsung Galaxy A52 might have better software, camera, and audio features.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52. The versatile camera system with OIS and 4K video recording, along with the superior audio experience and software support, aligns more with my priorities. While the Realme 10 offers better performance and battery life, I value the all-around experience offered by the A52. The ability to capture good photos with the versatile camera system, enjoy media consumption, and reliable software updates makes the Samsung Galaxy A52 a better choice for my typical usage.
However, this is a personal preference and I do acknowledge that those who prioritize gaming and battery life would be better off with the Realme 10.
