Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.1 × 76.8 × 8.4 mm | A15 5G is slightly wider (1.7 mm), which might feel different in hand. Otherwise, they are very similar in size and thickness. |
| Weight | 189g | 200g | A52 is slightly lighter (11g), potentially more comfortable for long periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, suitable for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Negligible real-world difference in sharpness. Both are considered Full HD+ displays. |
| PPI | 407 | 396 | The difference in pixel density is negligible and will likely not be noticeable to the naked eye. Both will offer a sharp viewing experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast compared to LCDs. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 800 nits | A15 5G is significantly brighter, making it much easier to see the screen in direct sunlight and outdoor environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | A15 5G's newer chipset is generally more power-efficient and provides better performance. A15 5G is likely to load apps and perform tasks slightly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 442,500 | A15 5G demonstrates better overall performance. It can handle more demanding tasks and games smoother than A52. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Both GPUs are capable of handling most mobile games, but A15 5G's GPU is newer and slightly more powerful. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | A15 5G's larger battery will likely provide longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both phones charge at the same speed; Neither will offer the fastest charging speed available on the market today. |
| Features | QC2.0 and AFC, Non-removable | Non-removable | A52 has additional quick charging features (QC2.0 & AFC); Both phones have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Res | 64MP | 50MP | A52's main camera has more megapixels, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Both have same aperture, meaning similar low-light performance, all else being equal |
| Selfie Camera Res | 32MP | 13MP | A52's selfie camera has significantly higher resolution, providing sharper images and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | A15 5G's wider aperture might result in better low-light performance for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Camera Res | 12MP | 5MP | A52's wide-angle lens captures more detailed and better-quality wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP | None | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects; A15 5G relies on software for this, which might not be as precise |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | A52's macro lens has higher resolution allowing for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | 1080p@30fps | A52 can record in higher resolution, resulting in sharper and more detailed videos; Better for vloggers and high-quality video recording |
| Video Features | EIS, 1080p@60fps, OIS, 4k Video | EIS | A52 provides more advanced video stabilization and shooting options compared to A15 5G. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 240 fps | A15 5G supports higher frame rate slow motion (240fps), allowing for more dramatic slow-motion footage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradable to 17) | A15 5G ships with a more recent version of Android, offering the newest features and better long-term support |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones offer identical WiFi connectivity speeds and features |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | A15 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially more power-efficient and offering better connectivity with newer devices; A52 has more features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer identical navigation and location tracking capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality for convenient usage of two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | Unknown | A52 offers more internal storage options (128GB or 256GB) to fit user needs. A15 5G storage options are unknown, and require verification for comparison. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Unknown | A52 has higher RAM options (up to 8 GB), allowing for better multitasking performance. A15 5G RAM options are unknown, and require verification for comparison. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion, so users are limited to the internal storage provided. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | A52 has superior audio output with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for immersive media and gaming experiences. A15 5G has 2 Microphones for better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A15 5G's side-mounted sensor is more ergonomic and usually faster. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52 has a more durable screen with Gorilla Glass 5, providing more scratch and drop resistance. A15 5G's screen protection is unknown, but should be verified. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A52 includes additional sensors for various functionality, offering a comprehensive suite compared to A15 5G. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors for main, selfie, wide-angle and macro cameras. Includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode effects, and optical image stabilization (OIS) for better video and photo stabilization.
- Better Video Recording: Supports 4K recording, and has more advanced video features such as 1080p@60fps recording with stabilization, and ultra-stable video.
- Enhanced Audio: Features Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for more immersive audio experiences.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Offers a 256GB variant and up to 8GB of RAM.
- Better Screen Protection: Features Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for increased durability.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes Hall and Geomagnetic sensors offering more advanced features.
- Additional Quick Charging Features: Offers QC2.0 and AFC quick charging features
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: Dimensity 6100+ provides better performance and efficiency compared to the Snapdragon 720G, leading to smoother operation.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 800 nits brightness for superior outdoor visibility.
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh battery provides longer usage between charges.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.2 for potentially better connectivity and power efficiency.
- More Recent OS: Ships with Android 14, offering newer features and longer software support.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More ergonomic and potentially faster to use.
- Higher Slow-Motion Frame Rate: 240fps slow motion for more dramatic slow-motion videos.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 has a better overall camera system and audio experience, but is older and has less bright screen, smaller battery.
- The A15 5G has a better chipset, brighter screen and larger battery, but the camera system is not as high-performing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal Users:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, needing the versatility and detail provided by the multiple lenses and high resolution sensors. Users who shoot videos frequently in high resolution.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, play games, or listen to music with an emphasis on audio quality.
- Users Prioritizing Build Quality: Individuals who need a durable phone that can withstand everyday wear and tear and want to avoid screen damage.
Users who need more storage: Individuals that want to store lots of files and have multiple apps, and prefer a larger internal storage option.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing detailed photos and high-quality video content for social media or personal use.
- Enjoying immersive audio for entertainment purposes (music, movies, games).
- Using a phone with a more reliable screen and sensor setup in a harsh environment.
- Multitasking heavily without running out of RAM Samsung Galaxy A15 5G Ideal Users:
- Specific Use Cases:
Budget-Conscious Users: Those seeking a good balance of performance and features at a lower price point.
- Users with Battery Needs: Individuals who need a phone that can last through a full day of heavy use without needing to be recharged.
- Outdoor Users: Users who need a bright screen for better visibility in sunlight for easy outdoor usage.
Users Needing a New OS: Those who need a more recent and updated Android OS version.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Long days of using maps, browsing the internet, social media, and casual gaming.
- Using the phone as a daily driver in bright outdoor conditions.
- Wanting a phone with up-to-date software features and long term software support.
- Users preferring a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Specific Use Cases:
Price-to-Value Ratio:
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G likely offers a better price-to-value ratio for most users due to its newer chipset, brighter screen, and larger battery. However, if the camera is a top priority, the extra cost of the A52 is justified.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
Is camera quality a top priority, or is better battery life more important?
- If camera is more important: The A52 is better due to higher resolution, better video capabilities, and additional lenses.
- If battery life is more important: The A15 5G has a bigger battery and is more power efficient.
Do you frequently use your phone outdoors in bright sunlight?
- If yes: The A15 5G's brighter screen will be much easier to see in bright conditions.
Do you need the latest software and long-term support, or are you OK with older updates?
- If latest software is important: The A15 5G comes with Android 14 and has longer software support.
- If latest software is not important: The A52 can be updated to Android 14 as well.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast/Content Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its superior camera system and video recording capabilities.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User, Prioritizing Battery and Performance: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G for its longer battery life, newer chipset, brighter screen and newer software.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G for its lower price point and newer features while compromising on camera performance.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Galaxy A52 offers a superior camera system, my preference leans towards a device with a newer chipset, a brighter display for better outdoor visibility, and a larger battery for longer usage. The A15 5G's significantly improved display brightness and battery performance will have a greater positive impact on my daily usage. Also the A15 5G has a more updated OS and longer software support than the A52. Although I like to take pictures sometimes, I don't do so frequently and I would rather have better battery life, brightness and better performance overall.
The A15 5G has more pragmatic and modern features and for general use, it will perform better and for longer. The A52 is still a good phone but being an older model it's less ideal compared to the A15 5G.
