1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52 and Realme 11 Pro, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Realme 11 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 73.9 × 8.2 mm | Realme 11 Pro is slightly taller and thinner, while the A52 is a bit wider. The difference is not likely to make much difference to the user. |
| Weight | 189g | 183g | Realme 11 Pro is slightly lighter, which might be more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 11 Pro has a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both are very similar, no real-world difference in sharpness |
| PPI | 407 | 394 | Similar pixel density for sharp images on both devices. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 Pro's 120Hz display will feel smoother for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | Realme 11 Pro will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. The Samsung Galaxy A52's brightness was not specified, but we can assume based on other specs that it will not be able to compete with 950 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 11 Pro's newer chipset offers significantly better performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 540,800 | Realme 11 Pro scores much higher in benchmarks, suggesting a faster and more responsive experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 11 Pro's GPU provides superior performance for graphics intensive tasks, which means better gaming and smoother UI. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.8µm | 100MP, f/1.75, 1/1.8", Omnivision OVA0B40, 0.61µm | Realme 11 Pro has higher resolution, but the Samsung A52 has larger pixels and sensor which can lead to better performance in low light conditions. The real difference will depend on software image processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.8µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.1", Samsung S5K3P9, 1.0µm | The Samsung A52 has higher resolution but a smaller sensor, the Realme 11 Pro has a larger pixel size but a smaller sensor. Again, the difference will depend on software image processing. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | No | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more expansive scenes. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a slightly higher resolution macro camera for closeup photos. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS, up to 720p@960fps | Realme 11 Pro offers more versatile slow-motion recording options, and higher quality slow motion. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 11 Pro has a larger battery, which translates to longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 67W | Realme 11 Pro charges much faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 13, upgradable to 15 | Realme 11 Pro ships with a more up-to-date version of Android, which means that it will be supported longer with updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Realme 11 Pro supports the newer WiFi 6 standard for faster internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Realme 11 Pro features a newer version of Bluetooth, with some additional audio features, and higher quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | Realme 11 Pro supports a greater range of satellite systems, which means higher accuracy, especially in urban environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB, 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 11 Pro offers more storage options, including a 512 GB version. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 11 Pro has more RAM, which improves multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Samsung A52 has Dolby Digital Plus, which offers a slightly better audio experience. Both phones have Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones have basic fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A52 uses a known screen protection (Gorilla Glass 5), while the Realme 11 Pro is unknown and thus is a potential risk. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | The Samsung A52 has the addition of a Hall sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Depth Camera: Offers more versatility in photography.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Provides a slightly enhanced audio experience.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 5: Offers better screen protection against scratches and damage.
- Hall Sensor: For more advanced sensor capabilities.
Practical Implications: The A52 excels at photography with its additional lenses and offers a small edge in audio with Dolby Digital Plus. The screen protection is a major advantage.
Realme 11 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 7050 chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and demanding apps.
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright sunlight, making it more practical for outdoor use.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Longer battery life and much faster charging speeds.
- More RAM and Storage Options: The Realme 11 Pro will offer a smoother and faster multitasking experience.
- Newer Software & Connectivity Standards: Supports newer Android versions, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
- Faster video recording options: The Realme 11 Pro has much faster slow-motion video capabilities.
Practical Implications: The Realme 11 Pro provides a faster and smoother experience, better battery life, and faster charging. It has a more advanced display, and faster connectivity options.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A52: Older chipset with lower performance, smaller battery, slower charging and lower quality slow-motion video.
- Realme 11 Pro: No wide-angle or depth sensor for cameras, unknown screen protection, and slightly less advanced audio options (No Dolby Digital Plus), no hall sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Casual Photographers: Users who enjoy a variety of shooting modes with dedicated lenses.
- Users Who Value Screen Protection: Those concerned about screen damage.
- Users Who Value Better Audio Experience: Users who want the slightly enhanced audio features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing photos with wide-angle shots and portrait mode.
- Listening to music or watching videos with slightly enhanced sound.
- Users who need the additional Hall sensor.
Realme 11 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers: The better chipset and higher refresh rate make it suitable for gaming.
- Heavy Users: Those needing long battery life and fast charging.
- Outdoor Users: The brighter display is ideal for bright sunlight.
- Users who enjoy the latest technology: The newer technology and standards offer a more modern experience.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games.
- Watching videos or browsing social media in daylight.
- Users who need fast charging and long battery life, with minimal downtime.
- Users who want the latest in technology.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Realme 11 Pro has a slightly higher price point but it is much more advanced than the older A52. This makes the Realme 11 Pro better value for money.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize performance for gaming and multitasking?
- Camera Versatility: Do you need a wide-angle and depth sensor for photography?
- Battery Life & Charging: How important are long battery life and fast charging?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance & Battery Priority: If you want a fast, smooth phone with long battery life for gaming and media, choose the Realme 11 Pro.
- Scenario 2: Photography Versatility: If you value a dedicated wide-angle and depth sensor, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 but note that the performance will be lower than the Realme 11 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Use: If you often use your phone in bright sunlight, the Realme 11 Pro is the better option due to its much brighter screen.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 11 Pro. Here's why:
- Superior Performance: The Realme 11 Pro's chipset, combined with the higher RAM, will make for a more fluid and responsive user experience, which is important for everyday use.
- Better Display: The 120Hz refresh rate and much brighter display are major advantages. These make a noticeable difference in daily usage, especially when viewing the phone in sunny conditions.
- Longer Battery Life & Faster Charging: I prioritize long battery life and the ability to charge my phone quickly, which is where the Realme 11 Pro excels.
- Newer Technology: The Realme 11 Pro uses the newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which makes it better in the long run. It also comes with a more recent Android version and will be supported longer.
While I appreciate the Samsung A52's dedicated camera lenses and Dolby Digital Plus, I think the overall experience is significantly better with the Realme 11 Pro, because the newer technology and hardware provide a much more advanced smartphone. The trade-offs are worth it for my use case, since the Realme 11 Pro's advantages are more impactful for my daily usage.
