Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Realme Note 50
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Realme Note 50 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 167.2 x 76.7 x 8 mm | Realme Note 50 is taller and slightly wider, Samsung Galaxy A52 is thicker, impacting ergonomics and pocketability |
| Weight | 189g | 186g | Negligible weight difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme Note 50 offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung Galaxy A52's display is significantly sharper, with clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 407 | 260 | Samsung Galaxy A52 has much higher pixel density, leading to a more detailed and less pixelated screen. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung Galaxy A52's AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making for a more vibrant viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smoother scrolling experience than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, though no value provided, so difficult to gauge real world performance |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12nm) | Samsung Galaxy A52's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in snappier app loading and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 248,000 | Samsung Galaxy A52 performs better in synthetic benchmarks, indicating real-world performance advantages. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Samsung Galaxy A52's GPU offers better graphics performance, leading to smoother gaming and graphic intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP f/1.8 | 13MP f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy A52 captures much more detailed photos and performs better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Samsung Galaxy A52 takes higher-quality, more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers an additional lens for capturing wide shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers depth sensing for portrait photography |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | Not Available | 2MP | Realme Note 50 has a dedicated black and white lens, offering specific photography options. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers higher-resolution video recording with electronic image stabilization. |
| Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) | Yes | No | Samsung Galaxy A52 benefits from OIS, reducing blur in videos and low-light photos. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme Note 50 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | Samsung Galaxy A52 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Realme Note 50 ships with a newer version of Android out of the box, while Samsung A52 can be updated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have standard WiFi features. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both have standard bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers more satellite systems, potentially leading to better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both offer 256GB storage capacity as maximum option, but the base configuration is different |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 3/4GB | Samsung Galaxy A52 can have significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides enhanced audio features and stereo speakers for a better listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Side-mounted | Realme Note 50 has a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy A52 offers better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Samsung Galaxy A52 has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density offers much better image quality.
- Better Performance: Significantly more powerful processor and GPU offer smoother and faster experience overall.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, plus a versatile set of lenses and features.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging enables much quicker battery replenishment.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection offers additional durability.
- More sensors: Has Gyroscope for better motion related applications
- Better Connectivity: Includes Beidou for better GPS performance and ANT+ for connectivity with some fitness devices.
- More RAM: Offers up to 8GB of RAM.
Realme Note 50 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery may offer longer battery life.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a newer Android version
- Side Mounted Fingerprint: A more convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Black & White Lens: Has a dedicated black and white camera sensor
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Older device by a few years.
- Realme Note 50: Compromises on display, performance, camera quality, and build quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality for media consumption and browsing.
- Gamers and users who require smooth performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile cameras with high image quality.
- Users who value fast charging and better audio output.
- Users who seek premium features at a more affordable price (as it's an older model).
- Users who want extra sensors such as a Gyroscope for gaming or other applications.
Users who like having a wider range of connectivity options
Use Cases:
- Streaming videos and movies with excellent image quality.
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Heavy multitasking between applications.
- Long commutes and travel where fast charging is advantageous.
Realme Note 50 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize longer battery life.
- Users who primarily use the phone for basic tasks like calls, messages, and browsing.
- Users who are comfortable with a slightly less sharp display and a more basic camera.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Users who like to play around with a black and white camera option.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication and social media use.
- Basic web browsing and email.
- Users who prefer devices with newer software at launch.
- Users that require battery to last all day on medium to light usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The Realme Note 50 will likely be more budget-friendly, while the Samsung Galaxy A52 may offer better value for a previous flagship if you can find it at an attractive price.
- How important is display quality? The Samsung Galaxy A52's AMOLED display is significantly better than the IPS LCD on the Realme Note 50.
- What are your primary use cases? If you are a gamer or a photographer, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better choice. If you mostly do browsing and want a long battery life, Realme Note 50 may be adequate.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "The Media Lover" - If you watch a lot of videos and movies on your phone, the Samsung Galaxy A52 with its AMOLED display is a clear winner.
- Scenario 2: "The Casual User" - If you primarily use your phone for basic tasks and value a larger battery and are on a tight budget, the Realme Note 50 might be a suitable choice.
- Scenario 3: "The Performance Seeker" - If you game and do a lot of multitasking the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear pick due to its more powerful processor.
- Scenario 4: "The Photography Enthusiast" - If having high quality photos from your smartphone is important the Samsung Galaxy A52 is superior due to its better sensors, features and lenses.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. While it is an older model, the advantages it offers are significant and more aligned with my priorities. The superior AMOLED display alone makes a huge difference in daily use. The vastly better camera system also means that I wouldn't need a separate dedicated camera. The increased performance is a welcome addition. While the Realme Note 50 has a larger battery, the Samsung Galaxy A52's 25W fast charging negates this advantage to a degree, and for the use case that I would need, the A52 has an adequate battery. The only thing that the Realme Note 50 offers that I might want is the side mounted fingerprint scanner, however, it is not enough for me to choose the Realme Note 50 over the A52. For me, the overall user experience of the Samsung Galaxy A52 outweighs the benefits that the Realme Note 50 provides.
