1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52 and Samsung Galaxy M35, focusing on practical implications:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | M35 is taller, wider, and thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 189g | 222g | A52 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. M35 may feel heavy during prolonged use. |
| Build | Not specified | Not specified | No information available on the frame material, but both are likely plastic |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference. Both provide a large viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both provide a sharp display, with the A52 being slightly sharper but difference not likely noticeable |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 407 | 390 | Both have high pixel densities offering crisp and clear visuals, with very minor difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast for a superior viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | M35 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more responsive than the A52. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified, limiting comparison on outdoor visibility. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35's newer chipset offers significantly better performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 578,500 | M35 will perform much better in demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The M35's GPU is better at handling graphically intensive tasks and newer games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm | 50MP f/1.8, 1/2", 1.00µm | A52 has a higher resolution and larger sensor. M35 has larger pixel size, potentially better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm | 13MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | A52 has a significantly higher resolution selfie camera, capturing more detail in photos |
| Wide Angle | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 8MP f/2.2 | A52 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12 µm | Not present | A52 can capture better portrait photos with depth effects. M35 relies on software for depth information |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12 µm | 2MP f/2.4 | A52 captures more detailed macro photos |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps with EIS | Both offer similar core video quality, but the M35 offers a faster slow-motion recording rate. |
| Features | Quad camera, OIS, 4K, digital zoom and more | Triple camera, OIS, 4K, Pro video mode, AutoFraming, and more | M35 offers more advanced software features for video capture like pro video mode and autoframing while A52 features a dedicated depth sensor |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 6000mAh | M35 offers significantly longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 25W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Both offer 25W fast charging, but the battery type differences are negligible for day to day use. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable | A52 has QC2.0 and AFC (fast charging standards) not present in M35 which does not have a significant impact with 25W charging for both |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for prolonged handling and easier to carry.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Captures more detailed selfies and video calls.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Enhances portrait mode photos with better background blur.
- Higher Resolution Main Sensor and Wide-Angle Lens: Capture slightly more detailed images
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Offers faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance with its newer chipset.
- Larger Battery: Provides much longer battery life, ideal for heavy users.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for more responsive scrolling and animation experience.
- Faster Slow Motion: Faster slow motion video capture (720p@480fps vs 120 fps)
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Supports more modern Bluetooth codecs and features
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 14 compared to Android 11 for the A52
- Superior Build Quality Screen: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus instead of Gorilla Glass 5
- Better Software: Has features like Pro Video Mode, AutoFraming and AI features from the NPU
- More Satellite Systems: Offers better location tracking using QZSS support
Trade-offs:
- The M35 is heavier and bulkier compared to the A52, making it less comfortable for some users.
- The M35 has a lower-resolution selfie camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize comfort and portability: The A52's lighter weight and more compact design make it better for extended use and carrying around
- Selfie Enthusiasts: The higher-resolution selfie camera is ideal for social media and video calls
- Users who value slightly higher detail in main and wide angle shots The higher resolution sensors will capture more detail than the M35
- Casual users: Those with less intense usage scenarios, who do not require the peak performance
- Users on a tighter budget: Since it is an older phone the A52 can be acquired for a cheaper price.
Samsung Galaxy A52 Use Cases:
- Everyday social media, browsing, and casual use
- Users who like taking lots of selfies.
- Users who need better portrait photos.
- Users looking for an older device at a cheaper price point
Samsung Galaxy M35 Ideal User:
- Performance-Focused Users: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who use resource-intensive applications will benefit from the M35's faster processor.
- Heavy Smartphone Users: Users needing long battery life, who value a phone they can depend on all day.
- Users who value a more premium feeling experience: The phone feels newer and more feature rich.
- Users who want advanced software: Pro video mode and AI powered photo features.
- Users who value a high refresh rate display: 120Hz smoothness is more responsive than the 90Hz on the A52
Samsung Galaxy M35 Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming
- Video editing and other resource intensive tasks
- Heavy social media usage, and content creation
- Users who want the newest software experience
- Users who don't want to recharge the device often.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you?
- If smooth multitasking, gaming and overall responsiveness are essential, the M35 is the clear choice.
- How important is battery life for you?
- If you need a phone that lasts all day (and potentially beyond), the M35's larger battery is critical.
- Do you prefer a lighter phone or a more feature-rich experience?
- The A52 is lighter and more compact, while the M35 has better software and better hardware.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a budget-conscious user primarily using the phone for light social media and browsing: The Samsung Galaxy A52, if found at a significantly cheaper price point, offers a balanced experience. However, be aware that it's an older phone and will not receive updates for as long as the M35.
- For a user who needs a reliable device with great battery and performance: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is a better choice with a newer chipset, much larger battery, and 120Hz display.
- For a user who wants more details in selfies and portrait photos The Samsung Galaxy A52 has much better sensors for those types of images
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would personally opt for the Samsung Galaxy M35. While the A52 has a slightly better main camera and selfie camera on paper, the performance jump from the Exynos 1380 chipset, the superior 120Hz display, and significantly larger battery of the M35 far outweigh the benefits of the A52. The improvements that the M35 offers such as software, newer screen protection, and better satellite location also makes it the more compelling device despite the larger size. The longer software support provided by the M35 will also be a key factor for longevity and value over time. For anyone looking for a reliable phone that can keep up with demanding tasks and not need to recharge as often, the M35 is the more sensible option.
