1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | A04 is larger and slightly bulkier; A52 more pocketable |
| Weight | 189g | 192g | Negligible difference; Both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A52 is significantly sharper; Text & images appear clearer; Better for viewing detailed content |
| Pixel Density | 407 ppi | 270 ppi | A52 is noticeably sharper; Less pixelation visible |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A52 has deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors, and better viewing angles; Superior display for media consumption |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A52 has smoother scrolling and animations; More fluid user experience |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, making them potentially difficult to view under direct sunlight (Assuming these values are low). Need clarification. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Helio P35 (12 nm) | A52 is significantly faster; Better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 124,000 | A52 offers vastly superior performance, suitable for more demanding applications and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A52 has superior graphics capabilities; Better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A52 captures more detailed photos; Likely better low-light performance due to larger sensor and pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A52 takes far sharper and detailed selfies; Better for video calls and social media |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | A52 can capture wider scenes; More versatile for landscape photography |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 has better portrait mode quality with more accurate depth mapping |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 can take close-up shots; Useful for capturing details |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS, Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | A52 records higher quality videos with better stabilization and slow-motion options. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A04 has slightly longer battery life for extended usage; A52 has higher battery drain. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | A52 charges much faster; Less time plugged in |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 14 | Android 12, Upgradable to 13 | A04 has a more recent initial OS version; A52 is expected to be updated to Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11b/g/n/ac | A52 supports more WiFi standards such as "Dual band, Wi-Fi Display" |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, LE, A2DP | A52 has more advanced Bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | A52 is more accurate due to better support for satellite systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 32/64/128GB | A52 has a higher max storage option; A52 has less choices on storage options than the A04. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 3/4/6GB | A52 has better multitasking capabilities; The 8 GB option ensures smoother performance with multiple apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage; Both have limited storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio | A52 offers enhanced and more immersive audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Basic security | A52 provides biometric security for user convenience; A04 offers only basic security. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 is more resistant to scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer | A52 has more comprehensive sensors; Improved motion-sensing and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution and refresh rate offers significantly better visual experience; Great for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon chipset offers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Far Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors with multiple lenses offer more flexibility and better image quality, especially in selfies, night photography and video recording. 4K and video stabilisation are added bonuses.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging reduces charging time significantly; Very convenient for users on the go.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers deliver a more immersive audio experience for movies, music, and games.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 5 screen provides better protection against scratches and drops.
- Advanced Connectivity and Sensors: Support for more Wi-Fi standards, satellite systems, Bluetooth features and sensors.
- Better Security: Fingerprint sensor allows for quick and secure unlocking of device.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers slightly longer battery life; Suitable for users who prioritize battery endurance.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with a more recent Android version out of the box; However, final updates are the same.
- Slightly Cheaper: Usually more budget friendly and accessible than the A52; a cost effective option for those on a tight budget.
Trade-offs:
- A52 Trade-offs: Slightly smaller battery. Likely to be higher in cost.
- A04 Trade-offs: Significantly inferior display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and lacks fast charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize display quality, performance and camera quality.
- Gamers who require smooth graphics and fast performance
- Users who consume a lot of media (movies, shows, social media)
- Users who regularly take high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value speed and efficiency.
- Users who prefer better build quality and protection
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games
- Watching high-definition videos
- Capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Multitasking between various apps
- Daily use with the phone for browsing, communication, and social media
- Price-to-Value: Offers higher performance, camera quality, display and general usability for the price, if that is within the budget.
Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life.
- Users who primarily use their phones for basic tasks (calling, messaging, casual browsing)
- Users who need a phone with a long battery for extended use.
- Users with minimal performance requirements.
- Use Cases:
- Basic daily use such as calling, texting, and checking social media.
- Longer use time without charging (e.g. if you dont have access to a charger)
- Basic camera usage for daily capture
- Price-to-Value: Good choice for a low-cost phone that does the basics adequately but is likely to be sluggish and not provide a great user experience if budget allows for a more performant option.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A52 is likely to be pricier, while the A04 caters to those on a strict budget.
- How important is performance and display quality? If these are priorities, the A52 is the clear choice.
- Do I need high quality photos and videos, or is basic camera functionality sufficient? If you need high quality camera features, the A52 is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User needs a phone for gaming, heavy app usage, and good media consumption;
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. The A52's superior performance, display, and camera make it the better option despite the potentially higher price.
- Scenario 2: User needs a phone for basic tasks, with a focus on battery life and a tight budget.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A04. The A04 is more cost-effective and has slightly better battery endurance for basic use. The performance and screen will not be great though, if budget can go to the A52 this would be preferable.
- Scenario 3: User needs a balanced phone with good performance, camera, and display and battery life is not as important
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. The A52 will provide a better overall user experience if these factors are important.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. While it may come at a higher price, the difference in user experience is significant, and it provides a better return on investment. The A52 has a vastly superior display, processor, and camera system which are all important to me. The fast charging is a bonus, and it will be far less frustrating to use than the slower A04. I would consider the trade-off of slightly reduced battery life an acceptable trade-off for the performance. The better built quality also means the phone should last longer and be less prone to damage.
