1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | S21 FE is more compact, making it easier to handle with one hand. A52 is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 189g | 177g | S21 FE is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible difference; both are similar in screen real estate for media consumption and general use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both are FHD+; Difference is minor and won't be noticeable in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 403 PPI | Both offer sharp images and text, with negligible difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S21 FE has smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user interface, particularly beneficial in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 FE is much brighter, offering significantly better visibility under direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 888 5G (5nm) | S21 FE offers much faster processing, better gaming performance, and quicker app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 923,836 | S21 FE has significantly superior overall performance for demanding applications, heavy gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | S21 FE's GPU provides a much smoother gaming experience with higher frame rates and better graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both have similar battery life, lasting a full day for moderate use. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer similar charging speeds. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging, No charger in-box, Non-removable | S21 FE offers wireless charging convenience and reverse charging capability but doesn't include a charger in the box. A52 lacks wireless charging but includes a charger and QC2.0, AFC. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm | A52 has higher resolution but the S21 FE has a larger pixel size leading to better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S21 FE has telephoto camera for better zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | Both have similar selfie camera performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | None | A52 has dedicated wide angle lens for landscape shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | None | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | None | A52 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", 1.12µm | S21 FE features an ultrawide lens that can also be used for macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps, EIS | S21 FE has better video recording quality with higher frame rates in 4K and 1080p, plus more slow-motion capabilities |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile: 117, Selfie: 127 | S21 FE has been rated and it is a good camera phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradable to 16) | S21 FE will receive longer software support and newer Android features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | S21 FE has faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | Both have similar Bluetooth. S21 FE has additional audio codecs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer similar storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | S21 FE has slightly better multitasking performance with 6 or 8GB RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Both phones have good audio output, with minor differences in specific features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 FE offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S21 FE includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lower Price: Generally, the A52 is more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Lenses: It has dedicated macro and depth sensors, catering to specific photography styles.
- Charger included in box: The box includes a charger.
- Included Charger and QC2.0, AFC: The phone comes with a charger and supports QC2.0 and AFC.
Practical Implications: The A52 is better suited for users who prioritize cost savings and prefer dedicated macro and depth photography.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 offers significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall speed.
- Brighter Display: The 1300 nits brightness improves outdoor visibility considerably.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a more fluid user experience.
- Better Video Recording: Higher frame rate 4k and slow motion video recording.
- Better Camera Performance: Larger pixels on main sensor, better image processing.
- Telephoto lens: The included telephoto lens allows for optical zoom capabilities.
- Better Software Support: Likely to receive more software updates.
- Wireless Charging & Reverse Charging: Convenient wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices wirelessly.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Superior Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6.
- More Audio Codecs: The S21 FE has more bluetooth codecs.
Practical Implications: The S21 FE is aimed at users who demand high performance, prefer a more modern display and need advanced features like telephoto lens and wireless charging.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A52: The major trade-off is the lower performance and older software.
- S21 FE: The trade-off is the higher price and no included charger in box.
- A52: The A52 does not have wireless charging capabilities.
- Both: Both phones do not support expandable storage.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable smartphone at a lower price point.
- Casual Photographers: Users who appreciate dedicated macro and depth lenses for varied shooting options.
- Everyday Users: Suitable for general use like social media, browsing, and messaging.
- Users who want a charger in the box: The A52 includes a charger.
Specific Use Cases:
- Capturing close-up nature shots with the macro lens.
- Creating portrait photos with a bokeh effect.
- General daily use like streaming videos and browsing social media.
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who prioritize speed and smooth multitasking.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want better overall image and video quality, including zoom capabilities, more image processing and video capabilities.
- Users who prioritize the latest tech: Those who want the latest connectivity features such as Wi-Fi 6.
- Users who want a brighter display: Suitable for outdoor use in sunlight.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games at high settings.
- Recording high-quality video with 4k@60fps or 1080p@240fps for content creation.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright daylight.
- Using reverse wireless charging to charge accessories.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How important is it to save money?
- Performance Needs: Do you need top-tier performance for gaming or demanding apps?
- Photography Priorities: Do you prefer dedicated macro and depth lenses, or do you want better overall camera quality and telephoto lens?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is a primary concern: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. It offers good value for the money, decent performance for everyday use, and dedicated camera lenses.
- Scenario 2: Top performance is needed: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its Snapdragon 888 chipset and 120Hz display provide superior performance for gaming, and multitasking, as well as better camera capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Balanced needs with better display: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The S21 FE is a better option if you want a faster phone, a better display, wireless charging and a modern phone.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Here's why:
- Future-Proofing: The superior chipset, display, and software support of the S21 FE make it a more future-proof option, providing better performance for longer.
- Improved Performance: I prioritize smooth and responsive performance, especially for gaming and multitasking, which the S21 FE offers.
- Superior Display: The brighter display and 120Hz refresh rate would make the user experience significantly more enjoyable for me, especially in bright light environments.
- Better Camera: Although it has a lower megapixel count on its main camera, the larger pixel size and telephoto lens, along with the superior image processing would result in better images.
- Wireless Charging: I appreciate the convenience of wireless charging for a more modern smartphone experience.
While the A52 is a capable phone, the overall enhancements provided by the S21 FE outweigh the cost savings, especially for my use cases. The S21 FE is the better option if you need better performance, a better display, wireless charging, telephoto lens, and more software support.
