Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 157.4 × 75.8 × 7.6 mm | A52 is slightly taller and thicker, S22+ is more compact and thinner; S22+ may feel more pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | A52 is slightly lighter, could be a minor factor for some users during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes; both are good for media consumption and everyday use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both offer a good visual experience. |
| PPI | 407 | 393 | Practically identical sharpness; both displays are sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology for rich colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S22+ offers a smoother experience during scrolling, gaming, and other animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S22+ offers vastly superior outdoor visibility, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) (Europe) | S22+ offers significantly faster processing speeds, better app loading, and more fluid multitasking; Snapdragon 720G is more of a mid-range chipset. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 890,774 | S22+ has significantly higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Xclipse 920 (Europe) | S22+ offers superior graphics performance for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, expect similar battery life, but real usage may vary depending on user usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S22+ charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Bypass Charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W | S22+ offers wireless charging capabilities and faster-charging. The S22+ can also charge other devices using reverse wireless charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm (IMX682) | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00µm (GN5) | S22+ has a larger sensor with bigger pixel size for better low-light performance, despite lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm (IMX616) | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm | A52 has a higher resolution selfie camera; S22+ has larger pixels potentially better for low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Available | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.00µm (S5K3K1) | S22+ offers optical zoom capabilities, which is missing from the A52. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.40 µm (IMX713) | S22+ has a larger pixel size, giving it slightly better low-light performance; Both are comparable wide angle lenses. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | Not Available | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; S22+ uses software processing for portrait. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm | Not Available | A52 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography; S22+ does not have a macro lens. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/EIS, 1080p@60fps w/EIS | 8K@24fps HDR, 4K@60fps w/HDR w/EIS | S22+ records higher resolution video (8K) with more frame rates and better video stabilization and sound. |
| DXOMark | Not Available | 125 (Main), 122 (Photo), 124 (Video) | S22+ scores higher in camera testing indicating better overall image quality. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Continuous autofocus, Night Mode | Triple camera, Optical zoom, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW | S22+ provides optical zoom and better focus; A52 has digital stabilization and a dedicated night mode, offering more versatile options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (max 14) | Android 12 (max 16) | S22+ starts with a newer version of Android and is likely to receive more updates and support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S22+ supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | S22+ has more advanced Bluetooth features, like a wider range of profiles, and more efficient power usage. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, Additional systems | S22+ supports additional satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S22+ offers eSIM compatibility for carrier flexibility. A52 allows using 2 physical sim cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options, providing sufficient space for most users. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | S22+ provides better multitasking capabilities thanks to its 8 GB RAM; A52 options may be sufficient for lighter users. |
| Expandable | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Stereo Speakers | A52 offers enhanced spatial and surround sound, resulting in slightly better audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint sensor based biometrics |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | S22+ offers superior screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S22+ has more sensors for broader functionalities (barometer) and gaming (compass). |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: Offers more versatility for close-up shots and better depth effects in portraits.
- Slightly Lighter: May be more comfortable for some users to hold for extended periods.
- Enhanced Audio: Offers slightly better audio with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus.
- Option for two physical sim cards: Great for users who need to use two sim cards simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Superior chipset, GPU, and RAM for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Display: Higher refresh rate, dramatically brighter screen for better outdoor visibility.
- Superior Main Camera: Larger sensor with bigger pixel size for better low-light photos, telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Supports 45W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2, more satellite systems for accurate GPS.
- Better Build Quality: Superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+.
- Updated Software: Comes with Android 12 and will receive future updates till Android 16.
- eSIM Support: Allows digital carrier switching.
- Better Video Quality: Offers higher resolution (8K) video with improved sound and stabilization.
- More sensors: Includes more sensors like compass and barometer for additional functionalities.
Trade-offs:
- A52: Offers less overall performance and camera prowess compared to the S22+ but has better macro and depth cameras, and slightly better audio.
- S22+: Higher price and no dedicated depth and macro cameras and might be heavier for some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a good all-around phone for everyday use with a focus on photography features like macro and depth cameras.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography and social media use.
- Everyday tasks such as web browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Users who don't need top-tier processing power.
- Users who want two physical sim cards.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a decent value proposition at its price point, particularly for users who want additional camera features like macro and depth cameras, and an enhanced audio experience.
Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users who demand top-tier performance, photography, and battery features, and want the latest software and connectivity.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming and running demanding applications.
- High-quality photography and video recording, including low-light.
- Users who need to maximize outdoor screen visibility.
- Professionals who need fast performance and reliable connectivity.
- Users who want the latest software and features like eSIM compatibility.
- Price-to-Value: A higher investment but offers a premium experience with cutting-edge performance, features, and build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my budget? The A52 is significantly more affordable.
- How important is performance for me? The S22+ is far superior for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Do I need the best camera quality, especially for low light? The S22+ has a superior main sensor and optical zoom.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Casual User: If you prioritize price and need a reliable phone for basic tasks, the Galaxy A52 is a good choice, especially for those who prioritize a macro camera and slightly better audio.
- Scenario 2: Demanding User with Performance Needs: If performance, high-quality camera, and top-tier features are paramount, the Galaxy S22+ 5G is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If you are interested in taking photos with macro and depth cameras, the A52 is better, but if the photos are taken with the main camera and you value optical zoom, then the S22+ is better.
- Scenario 4: User who prioritizes battery: The S22+ is better because of its fast charging speed and wireless charging capabilities.
- Scenario 5: User who wants two physical sim cards simultaneously: The A52 is better as it allows using 2 physical sim cards simultaneously, the S22+ only supports one physical sim and one eSIM.
My Choice:
Given my needs as a demanding user who needs top performance for everyday usage and enjoys photography, and values future software support, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G. While it's more expensive, the significantly better performance, superior display, better camera (especially for low light), faster charging, and modern features such as eSIM, wireless charging and better video recording capabilities are essential to me. Although I appreciate the inclusion of the macro camera in the A52, the overall package offered by the S22+ is much more appealing and worth the price difference for my specific use case. The enhanced performance and better cameras are a significant difference that I value more than having a macro lens or slightly better audio. Also the superior display with better refresh rates and brightness makes it more future proof.
