1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | Realme 9 Pro+ is slightly thinner and narrower, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. |
Weight | 189g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Very similar screen sizes; difference negligible for most users. |
Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and detail; no visible difference in image quality. |
PPI | 407 | 411 | Almost identical pixel density; no visible difference in image clarity. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both displays. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro+ offers better performance and efficiency due to newer, more powerful chipset. |
AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 496,970 | Realme 9 Pro+ will have noticeably faster app loading and smoother multitasking. |
GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 9 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU for better gaming performance. |
Camera | |||
Rear Main | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766 | Realme 9 Pro+ likely excels in low-light performance due to larger sensor and newer sensor tech. |
Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471 | Samsung Galaxy A52 has higher resolution selfie camera. |
Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX355 | Samsung A52 offers a higher-resolution wide angle lens. |
Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Samsung A52 offers a higher resolution Macro lens. |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps, 1080p@480fps, 720p@960fps with EIS | Realme 9 Pro+ provides more slow motion options. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life between the two. |
Charging | 25W fast charging | 60W fast charging | Realme 9 Pro+ charges significantly faster. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Realme 9 Pro+ starts with a newer OS version but has lower maximum android version support. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 9 Pro+ has newer Wi-Fi 6 for better network performance. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 9 Pro+ has a newer version, potentially offering better performance |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme 9 Pro+ supports QZSS |
Storage | |||
Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer same storage configurations. |
RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Realme 9 Pro+ offers more RAM as standard. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither has expandable storage |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 9 Pro+ provides better sound quality and call experience |
Security | |||
Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Provides basic biometric security. |
Build Quality | |||
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have similar screen protection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera for detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Useful for portrait mode with realistic blur.
- Higher Resolution Wide Angle Camera: More detailed wide angle photos.
- Additional Camera Features: Features like Continuous Autofocus.
- Software Support: Receives Android OS upgrades up to Android 14
Realme 9 Pro+ Advantages:
- Superior Performance: More powerful Mediatek Dimensity 920 chipset for faster app loading and smoother gaming.
- Faster Charging: 60W charging fills battery significantly faster than Samsung's 25W charging.
- Better Low-Light Photos: Larger sensor on the main camera excels in low light conditions.
- Better Video Features: 1080p@120/480/960fps offer greater slow-motion video options
- Newer Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless speeds and Bluetooth 5.2 for better audio quality.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio, noise cancellation microphone.
- More RAM as Standard: 6GB Minimum Ram
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A52: The older chipset and slower charging may be a bottleneck compared to the Realme 9 Pro+.
- Realme 9 Pro+: Less versatile front camera and no dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. Less Software support for Android OS updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 - Ideal User:
- Social Media Enthusiasts: Higher resolution selfie camera is better for detailed social media posts.
- Casual Photographers: The quad camera setup with a dedicated depth sensor provides versatility.
- Users Prioritizing Samsung Ecosystem: Those already invested in Samsung's ecosystem and UI.
- Users who want more os upgrades. Android 14 support will keep the phone updated for a longer time.
Use Cases:
- Taking regular selfies and posting them on social media.
- Capturing a variety of photos with different lenses for sharing with friends.
- Daily browsing and media consumption within Samsung's interface.
Realme 9 Pro+ - Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: The more powerful chipset and GPU offer smoother gaming performance.
- On-the-Go Individuals: Faster charging for less downtime and increased productivity.
- Low-Light Photography Enthusiasts: Larger main camera sensor for better low-light pictures.
- Audiophiles: Hi-Res audio and noise cancelling microphone for better music and call quality.
- Users who want newer technology: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games with high frame rates and smooth gameplay.
- Quickly charging the phone for on-the-go use.
- Taking low-light photos indoors and at night with better quality.
- Listening to music with better quality on headphones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Needs: Do you prioritize raw performance for gaming and heavy multitasking (Realme 9 Pro+), or are you okay with a capable but less powerful experience (Samsung Galaxy A52)?
- Camera Preference: Do you prioritize selfies (Samsung Galaxy A52) and a versatile quad-camera setup, or low-light photography and a larger main sensor (Realme 9 Pro+)?
- Charging Speed: Is rapid charging a must (Realme 9 Pro+) or is moderate charging sufficient (Samsung Galaxy A52)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Performance Focus): If you need the most responsive experience for gaming and apps, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Camera Variety): If you value a versatile camera system, including a dedicated depth sensor and higher-resolution wide-angle and selfie cameras, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a good fit.
- Scenario 3 (All-Rounder): If you need a balance of performance, good low-light camera capabilities, and rapid charging, the Realme 9 Pro+ is recommended.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 9 Pro+.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a more versatile camera system with its quad-camera setup and higher-resolution selfie camera, the Realme 9 Pro+’s performance advantage is compelling. The Dimensity 920 chipset provides a more fluid experience for everyday tasks and demanding apps. Furthermore, the significantly faster 60W charging is a practical benefit for users who need to quickly top up their phone. The improved low-light performance of the main camera is also a key advantage for me personally, as I tend to take most photos indoors or at night. The faster Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 are also modern features that make the Realme 9 Pro+ more future-proof
Although the Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth sensor, the Realme 9 Pro+'s focus on the main sensor quality and better performance make it a better all-around device for my specific needs. The slightly more streamlined software of the realme also suits my personal taste.