1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A04e | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | A04e is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier |
| Weight | 189g | 188g | Negligible difference in hand feel |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size for both |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | A52 offers significantly sharper visuals; text and images appear clearer |
| PPI | 407 | 270 | A52 has much higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text, images and videos |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A52 has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles; better for media consumption and dark mode usage |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A52 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness of the display is not available. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | A52 handles demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking much better; faster app loading times |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 121,345 | A52 provides significantly better overall performance, suitable for gaming, multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | PowerVR GE8320 | A52 provides better graphics rendering for games and apps |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682, 0.80µm | 13MP, f/2.2 | A52 captures significantly more detailed photos, especially in low light; wider aperture allows more light |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.80µm | 5MP, f/2.2 | A52 takes much clearer and detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | A52 can capture wider scenes, good for landscape and group shots |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 2MP, f/2.4 | A52 provides more depth information and better background blur in portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | A52 can capture close up shots |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 captures higher resolution and smoother video with electronic image stabilization |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | A52 provides smoother videos by minimizing shakes |
| Slow-motion | Yes, 120fps | No, 30fps | A52 captures smoother slow-motion videos |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Quadruple camera, OIS, etc. | Dual camera, basic features | A52 has more advanced camera features such as optical image stabilization (OIS), and many other software related features |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A04e has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Li-Ion | A52 charges much faster, convenient for topping up quickly |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | A52 supports fast charging protocols |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 12 | A04e has a slightly newer OS out of the box, but both devices will receive software updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n | A52 has faster Wi-Fi speeds; supports more frequencies |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.0, A2DP, LE | A52 has more Bluetooth features like EDR, HID, ANT+ |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | A52 has better location accuracy; supports more satellites |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both devices support dual nano-SIMs |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB, 64GB or 128GB | A52 provides more internal storage options |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | A52 has more RAM options, which is good for multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Basic | A52 offers better audio quality with more immersive sound, louder audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic security features | Only A52 offers a basic biometric security solution. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 has better protection against scratches and impacts |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Proximity, Accelerometer | A52 has more sensors for advanced features and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, 90Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Snapdragon 720G chipset offers significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution, more lenses, OIS, and better video recording capabilities provide more versatility and quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for significantly quicker charging times.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support for a richer and more immersive audio experience.
- Additional Features: Fingerprint sensor, more sensors, better Wi-Fi, better Bluetooth, screen protection, and overall better feature set.
Samsung Galaxy A04e Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides slightly longer battery life compared to the A52.
- Newer OS Out of the Box: Comes with Android 12.
- Slightly lower weight: Weighs 1 gram less than the Galaxy A52.
Trade-offs:
- A52 Trade-off: Smaller battery capacity than A04e, might not have as much endurance.
- A04e Trade-off: Significantly lower performance, inferior display, much lower quality camera, and fewer features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality, performance and camera capabilities.
- Gamers or those who use their phones for media consumption.
- Users who value a smooth user experience and fast charging.
- Those who take a lot of photos/videos and need a versatile camera system.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games and running graphically intensive applications.
- Watching movies and videos with vibrant colors and high resolution.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos, including in low-light conditions.
- Multitasking between several apps and tabs without lag.
- Using the device for more advanced features like VR or more demanding augmented reality applications due to its gyroscope.
Samsung Galaxy A04e Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize long battery life and basic functionality.
- Users with budget constraints looking for a basic smartphone.
- Those who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, and light social media.
Use Cases:
- Basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web.
- Longer battery life to last a full day or more with minimal usage.
- Users who are not looking for high performance or advanced camera capabilities.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A52 offers a much better value for its price. You are getting a much superior phone across all categories that will last you longer and not require you to upgrade as quickly. The A04e offers a basic experience and is best for the budget user with minimal expectations.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for your smartphone? (Gaming, media, basic usage, etc.)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for better features and performance?)
- How important are camera quality, display and performance?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption and Gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. The higher refresh rate, superior display, better chipset, and fast charging will provide a more enjoyable and longer lasting experience.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious and Basic Usage: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04e. The lower price and longer battery life are a good fit for users with minimal requirements.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance and Features: The Samsung Galaxy A52 is still the better choice. While the price is higher, it offers much superior performance, camera, and display which provides a much better overall experience compared to the A04e, in addition to many features that the A04e does not have.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the A04e has the advantage of a larger battery and a slightly newer OS out of the box, the A52 excels in almost every other aspect that matters to me, like display quality, overall performance, camera capabilities and added features that enhance my experience. It offers a significantly better user experience for everyday use, gaming, and photography, making the additional cost worthwhile for a more versatile and higher-performing phone that should last longer.
