Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | A52 is slightly taller and thicker, while S23 FE is slightly wider. |
| Weight | 189g | 209g | A52 is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Minimal difference; both provide ample screen space for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both offer sharp images. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 403 PPI | Virtually identical sharpness, no noticeable difference in daily usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness, but the specific values are not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE's chipset offers significantly faster performance, improved multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE will handle demanding tasks and games much better. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE's GPU provides a far better gaming experience and graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S23 FE's larger sensor and pixels mean it likely performs better in low light; A52 has a higher MP count, but sensor size is more important. |
| Telephoto Camera | N/A | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.0µm | S23 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | A52 has higher resolution for selfies; S23 FE has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 has a dedicated wide-angle lens |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | N/A | A52 has a dedicated macro lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm | S23 FE has a single lens for both wide and macro shots |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | S23 FE has higher video recording capabilities and more frame rate options for smoother video. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | Overall: 127, Photo: 124, Video: 131 | S23 FE's camera performance is rated and is of higher quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Similar battery life expected for everyday tasks. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both support 25W fast charging, filling the battery quickly. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0, AFC | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Non-removable, Reverse wireless 4.4W, No charger in-box | S23 FE has more features, including wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | S23 FE offers a newer Android experience and a longer upgrade lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | S23 FE supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | S23 FE provides better range and connection stability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both have the same maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | S23 FE has a minimum of 8 GB of RAM, providing smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: 20 grams lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- More Dedicated Lenses: Offers separate wide, depth, and macro lenses.
- Slightly Larger display: Offers 0.1" larger screen size.
- Potentially Lower Price: Being an older model, the A52 will likely be cheaper on the used market.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Might be important for certain audiophiles.
Practical Implications: The A52 might be better for users who prioritize comfort, and a more traditional multi-lens camera setup.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Exynos 2200 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience, handling demanding tasks with ease.
- Superior Gaming: The more powerful GPU translates to better gaming performance and graphics.
- Higher Refresh Rate: The 120Hz display provides smoother animations and a more fluid experience.
- Better Camera Performance: Larger sensor and pixel sizes in the main camera improve low-light photography. The S23 FE also has an 8MP telephoto lens.
- Advanced Video Recording: Supports up to 8K video and more frame-rate options.
- Wireless Charging: Includes 15W wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Modern Software: Comes with Android 13 out of the box and is expected to receive newer updates.
- Advanced connectivity: Supports WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3
Practical Implications: The S23 FE excels in performance-intensive tasks, mobile gaming, photography, and video recording, while also having a more modern feature set.
Trade-offs:
- The A52 sacrifices overall performance and modern features for a lighter design and potentially lower cost.
- The S23 FE is heavier and lacks dedicated lenses for wide, depth, and macro, but features better image processing, a telephoto lens, and higher quality camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a capable device at a potentially lower cost, especially on the used market.
- Users who prioritize comfort: A lighter phone for better handling and comfort.
- Casual photographers: The multi-lens setup with dedicated lenses may appeal to those who value versatility in shooting modes.
- Users who don't need the most modern tech: Those who are not heavily into gaming or demanding applications and may prioritize battery life.
Use Cases:
- Daily social media use
- Web browsing and communication
- General photography
- Basic mobile gaming
- Lightweight video streaming
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers and power users seeking fast, smooth performance.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want higher-quality images, especially in low light, and the ability to shoot 8K video.
- Tech-forward individuals: Users who prioritize the latest features like wireless charging, modern software, and better connectivity.
- Users with demanding multitasking needs: Those who juggle multiple apps simultaneously or run intensive programs.
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming
- Professional-level photography and videography
- Demanding multitasking and productivity tasks
- Heavy media consumption
- Modern connectivity and wireless features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A52 is likely more budget-friendly, especially as a used device.
- How important is performance and gaming? S23 FE offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- What are your photography needs? The S23 FE excels in low-light, video, and zoomed photography, while the A52 has a more traditional multi-lens setup for versatility.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Comfort Focused: If your primary concern is cost and a lighter phone, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Modern Tech Focused: If you need the best possible performance, gaming capabilities, and features like wireless charging and a telephoto camera, choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use Case: If you desire a balanced smartphone for everyday usage with the ability to play modern games, watch HDR content, and take good quality photographs, the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE will meet this requirement.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the A52 has some advantages in design and a more versatile camera lens setup, the performance gap is too significant to ignore. The S23 FE's Exynos 2200 chip, better camera sensor, faster refresh rate, wireless charging, and modern software offer a more premium and future-proof user experience. I would prioritize performance and future proofing over the slightly lighter weight, multi-lens camera system of the older A52. For me, the advantages of the S23 FE significantly outweigh its minor drawbacks.
