Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-09-22 | The A04s is a newer model, potentially having longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | The A04s is slightly taller, wider, and thicker making it more bulky. The A52 is more compact and may be easier to handle. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | The A52 is slightly lighter making it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both phones offer the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | The A52 has a much sharper display, better for reading, viewing media and gaming. |
| PPI | 407 | 270 | The A52 offers much sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | The A52 provides better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Also better power efficiency when using dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both phones provide a smoother scrolling experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | The A52's Snapdragon 720G provides significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 117,300 | The A52 has much higher performance and is better for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G52 | The A52 has a more powerful GPU which means better graphics performance and gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The A04s has a larger battery, potentially providing longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | The A52 charges faster and may have better longevity with Li-Polymer tech. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The A52's higher resolution and better sensor result in sharper and detailed images and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 5MP, f/2.2 | The A52 takes much higher quality selfies with better details and dynamic range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | The A52 provides a wider field of view for group photos and landscapes. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A52 captures more detailed portrait mode images, better depth effects |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A52 captures more detailed macro images. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps w/ EIS, 1080p@60fps | 1080p@30fps | The A52 can record 4K video, has better video stabilization and more versatile video recording options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 14) | Both can be upgraded to Android 14, but the A04s starts with a slightly newer base OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, | Both support standard Wi-Fi, but A52 supports dual-band for faster connections with compatible routers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE, ANT+ | 5.0, A2DP, LE | The A52 has more Bluetooth profiles for wider compatibility with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A04s offers slightly better GPS accuracy with support for QZSS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB, 64GB or 128GB | A52 offers more storage capacity in its base configurations. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 3GB or 4GB | The A52 offers more RAM options for better multitasking and smoother performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Both phones do not offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | The A52 provides a richer audio experience with stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and digital plus support. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A04s has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor that is more convenient for unlocking the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | The A52 has Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection providing better scratch resistance |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The A52 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, especially beneficial for enhanced gaming experience and more accurate motion detection. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with significantly higher resolution and pixel density, offering a sharper, more vibrant visual experience.
- Much Better Performance: More powerful Snapdragon 720G chipset and Adreno 618 GPU, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated wide-angle lens, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. Also 4K video recording.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing a richer audio experience.
- Better Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection for the screen provides better scratch resistance.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering better battery life between charges.
- Newer Base OS: Launched with a slightly newer Android version.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient unlocking method.
- Slightly Better GPS Accuracy: Supports QZSS for enhanced location tracking.
- Lower Price: Typically available at a more budget-friendly price point.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 prioritizes performance and display quality at the expense of battery life and price.
- The A04s emphasizes battery life and affordability but compromises on display quality, performance, and camera features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who frequently watch videos, browse social media, and play games will appreciate the superior display and audio.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value camera quality, especially for selfies and wide-angle shots, will benefit from the A52's versatile camera system.
- Performance-Oriented Users: Those who need a responsive phone for multitasking and demanding applications will prefer the A52's powerful processor.
- Users seeking a balanced phone: A52 provides a mix of good performance and quality features.
Use Cases for Galaxy A52:
- High-resolution video and media consumption
- Mobile gaming with good graphics and smooth frame rates
- Capturing detailed photos and videos in various conditions
- Smooth and efficient multitasking between multiple apps.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable smartphone with a large battery and basic functionality.
- Users with Basic Needs: Individuals who prioritize battery life and do not require high-end performance or advanced camera features.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: This is a more cost-effective entry to smartphone.
Use Cases for Galaxy A04s:
- Long battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Basic daily tasks such as calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Simple photography needs for casual use.
- Users looking for a basic smartphone at a good price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What's your budget? The A04s is the clear choice for the more budget conscious.
- How important is display and performance? The A52's superior display quality and processing power can greatly enhance user experience for multimedia consumption and gaming.
- What are your camera needs? If you want better quality images with more features, and you're keen on 4k recording the A52 is the way to go.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Media Consumption and Gaming: Choose the Galaxy A52 for its superior display, faster performance, and enhanced audio.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Constrained and Basic Use: Choose the Galaxy A04s for its lower price and longer battery life.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Needs with a Focus on Camera: Choose the Galaxy A52 for its excellent balance of features and better camera capabilities.
- Scenario 4: Daily User with Long Battery Focus Choose the Galaxy A04s for its long lasting battery while doing basic daily tasks.
My Choice
Given the specifications and my preferences, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A04s does have the advantage of being newer and having a slightly larger battery, the A52 provides a much better overall experience in the areas that are most important to me.
- Display: The AMOLED display with its higher resolution and pixel density is a game-changer. I spend a lot of time watching videos and browsing the web, and the sharper, more vibrant screen would make a significant difference.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 720G chipset is a much better performer than the Exynos 850. I appreciate a phone that can handle multitasking, app loading, and even gaming without lagging.
- Camera: The A52's camera system is superior. I would find the wide-angle lens and higher quality images beneficial for capturing more of the world around me.
- Audio: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support would enhance the overall experience when listening to music or watching videos without headphones.
- Build Quality: The addition of Corning Gorilla Glass 5 is a must for anyone wanting to keep their phone in good condition.
Although the A04s has a larger battery, I believe the A52 would still comfortably get me through a day with moderate to heavy use, and its faster charging would help mitigate any battery concerns. The higher cost is a worthwhile trade-off for the significantly improved user experience. I am happy to sacrifice a bit of battery life for much superior camera quality, display, and performance, which are all key elements for my use case of consuming high amounts of multimedia.
