Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Realme 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm, 189g | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm, 195g | Realme 9 Pro is slightly taller and heavier, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods. Samsung is more portable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference, both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Virtually identical sharpness, not noticeable in daily use. |
| PPI | 407 | 400 | Practically indistinguishable pixel density; both screens look very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung A52 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for media consumption, especially in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 9 Pro offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable for gamers. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have an unrecorded peak brightness, limiting comparison under bright sunlight, assuming the same is true. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro's newer chipset offers slightly better performance and efficiency, as indicated by higher AnTuTu score. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 402,916 | Realme 9 Pro shows a moderate performance advantage, potentially smoother for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | Realme 9 Pro has a slightly more powerful GPU, which could lead to smoother graphics in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme 9 Pro likely offers longer battery life, beneficial for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Realme 9 Pro recharges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Non-removable | Samsung A52 supports quick charge standards; Both are not user replaceable. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B | Samsung A52 has a larger sensor and might capture slightly more light and detail, particularly in low-light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.0, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | Samsung A52 has a higher resolution selfie cam, potentially better for detailed images. Realme 9 Pro might perform better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", Omnivision OV08D10 | Samsung A52 offers higher resolution in ultra-wide shots. |
| Depth Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Present | Samsung A52 offers an extra dedicated camera for improved depth sensing for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Samsung A52 offers a higher resolution for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A52 can record higher resolution videos, potentially better for high-quality vlogs. Supports electronic image stabilization (EIS) for smoother videos |
| Features | OIS, Quad Camera, Continuous AF | RAW, Manual Focus, Triple Camera | Samsung A52 has OIS and is better equipped for versatile shooting. Realme 9 Pro caters to pro photographers with manual focus options |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Samsung A52 is guaranteed to have Android 14, while Realme 9 Pro is stuck at 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual Band | 802.11ac, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have the same core functionality, with Realme 9 Pro having added MiMO, which might enhance connectivity in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE | Realme 9 Pro has a slightly newer Bluetooth version with additional audio codecs which benefits those who use high-quality bluetooth headphones |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Samsung A52 has Galileo support, offering potentially more accurate location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB | Samsung A52 offers a higher capacity variant if extra storage is needed. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB | 6GB, 8GB | Both provide adequate ram for smooth multitasking, with 8GB variants being ideal for heavy users. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which might be a constraint for media-heavy users. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Hi-Res Audio | Samsung A52 offers better multimedia audio with Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support, while Realme 9 Pro is focused on hi-fidelity audio through headphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 9 Pro uses a more common and reliable sensor, allowing fast unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A52 has known protection making it more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung A52 has a hall sensor, offering potential for more advanced motion sensing |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED technology provides a richer visual experience, with better contrast and color accuracy.
- Better Cameras: Larger main camera sensor, higher resolution selfie and wide-angle cameras, and an additional depth sensor mean better overall image quality and versatility. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is present to reduce blur.
- Software Support: Guaranteed update to Android 14.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing immersive multimedia consumption.
- Hall Sensor: Samsung offers a wider range of sensors, providing further opportunities for usage.
- Known Screen Protection: Equipped with Gorilla Glass 5, it is more durable in daily use.
- Storage Options: Offers a 256 GB variant for heavy media users. Practical Implications: The A52 is a better choice for media consumption, photography, and users who value software updates.
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Faster Performance: Newer Snapdragon 695 chipset and higher AnTuTu score translates to smoother performance in day-to-day use, gaming and multitasking.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides more fluid scrolling and animations.
- Longer Battery Life & Faster Charging: Larger battery capacity and faster charging results in better endurance.
- Newer Bluetooth: Better audio quality and lower latency for wireless headphone users.
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Ideal for audiophiles who listen through headphones.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor makes it more accessible.
- Wi-Fi MiMO: Enhanced connectivity for crowded networks
Practical Implications: The Realme 9 Pro excels in performance, battery life, and offers a smooth display. Better for gamers and those who prioritize speed and endurance.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Samsung A52 sacrifices battery capacity, refresh rate, and raw performance for a superior display and camera system.
- Realme 9 Pro sacrifices camera versatility and display quality for better performance and battery life.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos, browse photos, or read frequently.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who value camera quality, image detail, and versatile shooting modes.
- Software Seekers: Those wanting more OS updates.
- Those who prioritize Audio: People who often use their device for multimedia, listening to music, or streaming videos.
Specific Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows on a vibrant AMOLED display with immersive audio.
- Capturing detailed photos and videos for social media or personal use.
- Using the device for extended periods without needing a charger, while still wanting a premium display and camera.
Ideal User for Realme 9 Pro:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance, fast refresh rate, and extended battery life for mobile gaming.
- Heavy Users: People who spend a lot of time on their phone and need reliable performance, longer battery life and fast charging.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize Hi-Res Audio.
- Performance Enthusiasts: Those who value overall speed and efficiency.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games at high frame rates.
- Multitasking between demanding apps without lag.
- Using the device for extended periods without worrying about battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (e.g., media consumption, photography, gaming, daily tasks)
- Do you prioritize display quality or performance? (AMOLED vs. higher refresh rate)
- How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (Consider daily usage patterns)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Lover & Photographer: If you prioritize a vibrant display, excellent camera quality, and immersive audio, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Focused Gamer: If you prioritize smooth gaming, fast performance, longer battery life and fast charging, then choose the Realme 9 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User: If you want a balance between a good display and good performance with a lower price, then carefully consider your priorities and the available budget for these phones.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the Realme 9 Pro offers better performance and a smoother display with a higher refresh rate, the superior AMOLED display, versatile camera system with OIS, and better software support of the A52 align more with my personal preferences and typical smartphone usage. I value a rich display for media consumption and a strong camera for capturing everyday moments. While gaming performance is good on both, it is not my primary use case. The slightly shorter battery life and charging time of the A52 are acceptable trade-offs for the enhanced visual and camera experience. Additionally, the long software support of the Samsung is an important plus for me as I plan on using the phone for the long term.
