1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-03-26 | 2022-03-25 | A23 is almost a year newer, potentially longer software support |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 165.4 × 76.9 × 8.4 mm | A23 is larger, may feel less comfortable in smaller hands |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | A52 is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Virtually identical sharpness |
| PPI | 407 | 400 | Virtually identical pixel density |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A52 has more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and better power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling than 60Hz displays |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness data is unavailable, cannot determine which is better for outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A23 has a newer chipset, potentially offering slightly better efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 401,000 | A23 has slightly better performance, including slightly faster app loading and gaming performance |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 610 | A23 should offer slightly better gaming performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A23 will likely have a longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Charging speeds are the same, Li-Polymer may have a slightly longer lifespan |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A52 has QC2.0 and AFC fast-charging features. A23 has bypass charging for less heat during gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | A52 has higher resolution photos, more detail |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.76" | A52 has larger sensor, better light sensitivity, better image quality in low light |
| Standard Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | Samsung S5KJN1 | A52 uses a Sony sensor, known for image quality |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | A52 has larger pixels, better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 8MP | A52 has significantly higher resolution selfies, more detail and cropping potential |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 12MP | 5MP | A52 captures more detailed wide-angle photos |
| Portrait Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A52 has better depth detail for portrait photos |
| Macro Camera Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A52 captures more detailed close-up photos |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52 can record higher quality videos |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Night Mode, etc | Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), etc | A52 offers more video features, including 4K capture. A23 offers PDAF for better autofocus speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | A23 has a slightly newer starting OS, but both should reach Android 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct | A52 supports Wi-Fi Display for screen mirroring |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE, ANT+ | 5.1, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, LE, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP, APT-x | A23 has a newer Bluetooth with more features and slightly better efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 has additional support for QZSS for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | A52 has higher storage options |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | A52 can have up to 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | A52 offers better sound with immersive spatial audio and stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 has a faster, side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same level of screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual | A23 has more advanced sensors, including a barometer and virtual proximity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast compared to the A23's LCD.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors, especially the main camera, selfie camera, wide angle, macro, and portrait lens result in much better picture quality, especially in low-light scenarios.
- Higher RAM Options: 8GB RAM option provides better multitasking and gaming performance, especially if there's a lot of apps running at the same time.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a much better audio experience for media consumption.
- 4K Video Recording: Provides higher-quality video recording for content creators.
- Better Video Features: Has digital image stablization, ultra stable video and continuous autofocus.
Samsung Galaxy A23 Advantages:
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 680 provides slightly better overall performance and better power efficiency.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers noticeably longer battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers improved efficiency and range.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered faster and more ergonomic.
- Additional Sensors: Barometer and virtual proximity sensor offer new functionality.
- PDAF Autofocus: Faster autofocus for capturing moving subjects.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 sacrifices battery life and slightly better performance for a much better display, camera and audio experience.
- The A23 sacrifices display and camera quality for a longer battery life, slightly better performance and more sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User:
- Media consumers who prioritize display quality and immersive audio.
- Photography enthusiasts who want a versatile camera system.
- Users who occasionally game and want smooth performance.
- Use Cases:
- Watching videos and movies with excellent color and contrast.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos for social media.
- Casual gaming with smooth performance.
- Users who prefer a better multimedia experience, not gaming performance
Samsung Galaxy A23:
- Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize battery life and value efficiency.
- Users on a budget who want a reliable, everyday smartphone.
- Gamers who want a better gaming performance than the A52
- Use Cases:
- Daily use with long battery life.
- Gaming at a smooth framerate.
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks.
- Users who want more performance out of their device and better battery life.
Price-to-Value:
- The A52 will be better value for users who prioritize camera, display and audio quality.
- The A23 will be better value for users who prioritize better performance, longer battery life and additional sensors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality for your usage? (If you watch a lot of videos, the A52 is a clear winner)
- What do you prioritize more, battery life or camera quality? (If battery life is very important, the A23 is the better choice)
- Do you need higher resolution video recording, or will 1080p video suffice? (If you are a content creator, the A52 is the better choice)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a content creator who often posts videos on social media. Recommendation: Choose the Galaxy A52 for its superior 4K video recording, better cameras, display and audio.
- Scenario 2: You are a frequent traveler and need a phone that can last all day without needing a charge. Recommendation: Choose the Galaxy A23 for its longer battery life, and better performance.
- Scenario 3: You mostly browse social media, watch occasional videos and want a reliable and budget-friendly phone. Recommendation: Choose the Galaxy A23 for its good overall performance and affordability.
- Scenario 4: You want the best quality display to enjoy content, and take good photos for memories, and don't mind sacrificing battery life. Recommendation: Choose the Galaxy A52 for its superior camera, display, and audio quality.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the A23 offers better battery life and slightly better performance, the A52's superior display quality (AMOLED vs LCD), significantly better camera performance (especially in low light), and enhanced audio features are more valuable to me. I often watch videos and appreciate higher-quality photos. The trade-off in battery life is acceptable given the overall gains in visual and audio experience. While both are Android 14 compatible, the A52 is still my choice for it's clear advantages in areas that matter more to me, such as display, camera and audio.
