1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A23 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 165.4 x 76.9 x 8.4 mm | A23 5G is slightly larger and might feel bulkier in hand |
| Weight | 189g | 197g | A52 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference, both provide good screen real estate |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2408 | Very similar sharpness, not a noticeable difference |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 400 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, no practical difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A52 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, more vibrant and power-efficient especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A23 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not available, cannot compare performance in bright conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | A23 5G is faster in benchmarks, resulting in slightly snappier app loading and better multitasking |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 418,000 | A23 5G offers a noticeable performance boost |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 619 | A23 5G provides slightly better graphics performance for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | A23 5G likely provides longer battery life, lasting longer on a single charge |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Similar charging speed, both support fast charging |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | A23 5G supports bypass charging which reduces battery strain when gaming, A52 supports QC2.0 and AFC for potentially faster charging with compatible chargers |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | A52 generally produces better photos with more detail and better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 8MP, f/2.0, Unknown | A52 takes much sharper, detailed selfies, A23 5G has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2, Unknown | 5MP, f/2.2, Unknown | A52 captures more detailed wide-angle photos |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | A52 has slightly better portrait mode with more depth detail |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | A52 captures more detailed macro shots |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 1080p@30fps | A52 can record higher resolution videos, generally better video quality |
| DxOMark | Not Available | Not Available | Cannot assess camera performance based on DXOMark scores |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, OIS, EIS, Night Mode | OIS, PDAF | A52 has more versatile video recording with 4K, EIS and night mode, A23 5G has phase detection autofocus for faster focus |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Android 14 | Android 12, Max Android 14 | A23 5G launches with a slightly newer OS, both are upgradable to Android 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual Band, WiFi Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, WiFi Direct | A52 additionally supports dual-band, and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.1, LE, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, PAN, OPP, PBAP, HOGP, APT-x | A23 5G has a newer version with more features for peripherals |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A23 5G has more accurate location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Dual Standby | Single SIM | A52 allows using two SIM cards at the same time |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | Not Specified | A52 has more storage options, storage capacity for A23 5G unknown |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | Not Specified | A52 has more RAM options, RAM capacity for A23 5G unknown |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio Features | A52 delivers significantly better audio quality with richer, immersive sound |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic in-display fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A23 5G is faster and more reliable |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Similar protection for both devices |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A23 5G has additional environmental sensors like Barometer, A52 has Proximity and Hall sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display offers much better picture quality with vibrant colours, and deep blacks, resulting in an enhanced viewing experience, especially for multimedia consumption.
- Better Camera System: The A52 boasts higher resolution sensors across all cameras, leading to better picture quality, detail, and low-light performance.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers offer a significant improvement in audio quality for a more immersive experience.
- Dual SIM Support: Offers the flexibility to use two SIM cards simultaneously, beneficial for travelers and individuals with multiple numbers.
- More Storage/RAM options: Users have the option to select 256GB internal storage and 8GB RAM for smoother multitasking.
- Wider Wi-Fi Support: Dual band and Wi-Fi Display for more connectivity options
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G Advantages:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother experience for scrolling, gaming, and animations.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G provides a performance boost and better gaming capability for the price point.
- Longer Battery Life: The larger 5000 mAh battery potentially results in significantly longer battery life.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 offers more features and improved performance for peripherals.
- More Accurate GPS: QZSS provides additional GPS accuracy, beneficial for location-based services.
- Advanced Sensors: Includes barometer and ultrasonic proximity sensor
- Bypass Charging: Helps reduce battery strain when playing games
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: Offers a faster and more reliable experience.
Trade-offs:
- A52 offers a superior display and camera system at the expense of performance, refresh rate, and battery life.
- A23 5G offers better performance and battery life but compromises on display and camera quality.
- A52 has better audio features, but A23 5G has a faster fingerprint sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 - Ideal User:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, browsing photos, and enjoying visually rich content.
- Photography Lovers: Individuals who value camera quality for both photos and videos, wanting versatile options including night mode and 4K recording.
- Audio Connoisseurs: Users who want to immerse themselves in rich sound with better speakers.
- Dual SIM Users: Travelers or users with multiple SIMs who need a convenient Dual SIM solution.
Use Cases for A52:
- Watching movies and TV shows with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in diverse lighting conditions.
- Enjoying music and podcasts with better sound quality.
- Managing personal and work SIMs in one device
Samsung Galaxy A23 5G - Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Gamers: Users who need good gaming performance at a lower price point, especially with its 120Hz refresh rate.
- Heavy Users: Individuals who prioritize longer battery life.
- Casual Users: People who focus on day to day tasks and less on multimedia.
- Users Needing Accurate GPS: Users who need good GPS tracking for activities like fitness or navigation.
Use Cases for A23 5G:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games with smoother frame rates.
- Extended usage throughout the day with fewer battery concerns.
- Precise GPS tracking for outdoor activities and fitness.
- Good budget phone
Price-to-Value Considerations:
- The A52 may be the more premium option with better features like camera and audio, it may have a higher cost, making it a more luxury choice.
- The A23 5G is designed to be an affordable, mid-range option and may offer a more accessible price for the user.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask:
- What do you value more: Display Quality or Battery Life/Performance? If you prioritize display for entertainment and camera quality, choose the A52. If performance, smoother display, and long battery life is important, the A23 5G is better.
- How important are camera features for you? If you need high-resolution photos, 4K videos, and OIS, the A52 is better.
- Are you a frequent user of location services or require Dual SIM? If you need highly accurate location services, choose the A23 5G. For Dual SIM the A52 is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Multimedia Enthusiast with a good budget. If you love watching videos, playing games with excellent graphic quality, and taking great pictures, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better choice due to its superior display, camera and audio.
- Scenario 2: Budget Gamer on a tight budget. If you need a smooth display and good gaming performance on a limited budget the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G is the better option due to its smoother screen, better chipset, and better battery life.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User with a focus on practicality. If you need a reliable device with good battery life and solid all-around performance, the Samsung Galaxy A23 5G offers practical daily features, smoother operation, while the A52 may not be worth it.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. Although the A23 5G has a more appealing refresh rate and better performance with a newer chipset, the A52 offers a more holistic package with its superior display and camera. As someone who consumes a lot of media and enjoys photography, the AMOLED screen's vibrant colours, deeper blacks and 4K video capability are too compelling to ignore. While the A23 5G's smoother screen and better battery life are attractive, I find the A52 offers a better user experience based on my priorities. Additionally, the improved audio quality would also be something I would want, making it a better overall experience for me.
