Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Realme C31
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164.7 x 76.1 x 8.4 mm | Realme C31 is slightly taller; both have similar width and thickness, impacting hand feel and pocketability. |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | Samsung Galaxy A52 is slightly lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size, so both feel similar in hand. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 407 | 270 | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers noticeably crisper visuals due to a higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung Galaxy A52 has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles; also more efficient for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is the same, however this is likely an error as both displays will have non-zero brightness. Further testing is necessary. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers significantly faster processing for apps, multitasking, and gaming due to the more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 224,223 | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides better overall performance, scoring approximately 52% higher than the Realme C31 in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a more powerful GPU, providing better gaming performance and graphics rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 13MP, f/2.2, | Samsung Galaxy A52 captures much more detailed photos with better low-light performance and wider dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides much sharper and clearer selfies with greater detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 allows for wider shots, capturing more of the scene in photos. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 creates depth of field for portrait photos, improving the bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A52 captures finer detail in macro photography. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | Realme C31 can capture B&W images, which may appeal to some users, but is unlikely to be a critical feature. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung Galaxy A52 records higher resolution video with image stabilization, offering more versatile and higher-quality options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme C31 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer usage time between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Samsung Galaxy A52 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers guaranteed upgrades to newer OS versions and security patches, ensuring longer software support and newer features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | 802.11b/g/n | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides faster WiFi speeds and supports more robust WiFi technologies, offering better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE with A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0 LE with A2DP, EDR | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers additional Bluetooth functionalities such as HID and ANT+, providing expanded peripheral compatibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB | Samsung Galaxy A52 has significantly more storage space for apps, photos, videos, and files. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage, so the internal storage is what you're limited to. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Samsung Galaxy A52 has much better audio quality with enhanced spatial audio, surround sound and immersive sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C31 uses a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a more durable screen and is less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A52 features a more complete sensor suite for advanced features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and refresh rate offers a much better viewing experience.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset offers significantly faster performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- Much Improved Camera System: Captures much higher resolution photos and videos with more versatile features, including a dedicated wide-angle lens.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- More Software Support: Guaranteed to receive major Android updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security patches.
- Enhanced Audio: Provides a better audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher base storage and RAM options offer better overall performance and the ability to store more apps and files.
- Better Screen Protection: More durable screen glass reduces the risk of damage.
Realme C31 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers potentially longer battery life due to a 500mAh larger battery.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: More practical fingerprint scanner placement for easier unlocking.
- Lower Price Point: Typically available at a lower price, making it a budget-friendly option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Higher price.
- Realme C31: Significantly inferior display, performance, camera quality, and software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality display for media consumption, smooth performance, a versatile camera system, and reliable software updates.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies with superior image quality
- Playing mobile games with better performance and graphics
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various scenarios.
- Multitasking between apps smoothly.
- Users who want a future-proof phone with software updates.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price point with its significantly better features and performance.
Realme C31:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users seeking a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, longer battery life, and aren't concerned about display or camera quality.
- Use Cases:
- Basic phone calls and texting
- Browsing social media and the web
- Casual mobile gaming with less demanding games
- Users who prioritize battery life over everything else.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for users who need a basic smartphone at the lowest price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your budget? If your budget is very tight, the Realme C31 is the more affordable option.
- How important is display quality? If you value a vibrant, sharp, and smooth display, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear choice.
- What are your camera needs? If you want high-quality photos and videos with versatile features, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is much better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Budget-Conscious Users: If your budget is the primary concern and you need a basic phone for calls, texts, and simple tasks with long battery life, choose the Realme C31. Be prepared to sacrifice image quality and performance.
- For Media Consumers and Gamers: If you enjoy watching videos, playing mobile games, and want a high-quality display and performance, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: If you value a versatile camera system that can capture detailed and high-quality photos and videos, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
- For Users Seeking Longevity: If you want a phone with guaranteed software updates, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
My Choice
Given the significant differences in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and software support, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. While it comes at a higher price point, the overall user experience is vastly superior to that of the Realme C31. The difference in performance is particularly impactful for daily tasks and gaming, and the AMOLED display will be far more enjoyable for media consumption. Additionally, the more advanced camera system ensures higher-quality photos and videos and the fact that it will continue to get software updates, makes it the more logical purchase. The Realme C31 is only suitable for those with the most limited budget who don't mind extreme trade-offs.
