1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 285.4 × 185.4 × 6.5 mm | Tab S9 FE+ is significantly larger and less portable. A52 is pocketable, Tab S9 FE+ is tablet-sized. |
| Weight | 189g | 627g | A52 is much lighter and easier to handle one-handed. The Tab S9 FE+ may require two hands for comfortable use and prolonged use might cause fatigue. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding devices. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 12.4" | Tab S9 FE+ offers a much larger screen for immersive media consumption and productivity tasks, A52 is better for single handed use. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1600x2560 | Tab S9 FE+ offers a higher resolution, resulting in more detail on the larger display. A52 appears sharper for its size |
| PPI | 407 | 243 | A52 has a much sharper display, text and images appear crisper. Tab S9 FE+ is less sharp for its size, but the resolution is still good. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52 has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, superior power efficiency for dark themes compared to the Tab S9 FE+'s IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer the same smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness; however, the listed value seems incorrect. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | Tab S9 FE+ offers better overall performance, being based on newer 5nm technology. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 507,000 | Tab S9 FE+ is significantly faster for heavy apps and gaming due to its higher benchmark score. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G68 MP5 | Tab S9 FE+ has a newer GPU that is better for gaming and graphically intensive tasks |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12MP | A52 captures more detailed photos, better for larger prints or crops. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.0 | A52 has slightly better low light performance due to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 8MP | A52 produces much higher-resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP | 8MP | A52 captures more detailed wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | 5MP | None | A52 can take portrait photos with a more realistic background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A52 can capture close-up shots of tiny objects. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS; Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: Yes, 60 fps | A52 offers more versatile video recording with better image stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Night Mode | Dual camera | A52 offers more camera features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 10090mAh | Tab S9 FE+ has a much larger battery, offering significantly longer battery life especially during heavy usage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 45W fast charging | Tab S9 FE+ charges faster, reducing the time spent plugged into a wall. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Tab S9 FE+'s bypass charging might help preserve battery health, A52 includes QC2.0 and AFC for faster charging with supported adapters. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages
- Superior Camera System: The A52 has a significantly more versatile camera setup including a higher resolution main sensor, selfie camera, a dedicated depth sensor, and a macro lens. It also offers better video recording capabilities and stabilization options.
- Sharper Display: The higher pixel density (407 PPI) of the A52 provides a sharper display for its size, making text and images appear crisper than on the Tab S9 FE+.
- More Compact and Portable: The A52's smaller size and lighter weight make it ideal for one-handed use and carrying around in a pocket.
- Better Screen Protection: It uses Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for the screen, offering better protection.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: Includes a gyroscope, which enhances mobile gaming and augmented reality experiences.
- Dual SIM Support: The A52 can hold two SIM cards simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Advantages
- Much Larger Display: The 12.4" screen of the Tab S9 FE+ is significantly better for media consumption, multitasking, and productivity.
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides much better benchmark performance, faster app loading, and smoother operation in demanding tasks.
- Massive Battery Capacity: The 10090 mAh battery provides significantly longer battery life compared to the A52.
- Faster Charging: It supports 45W fast charging, reducing the time needed to recharge.
- Newer Bluetooth Version Features Bluetooth 5.3 with more advanced codec and profiles for a richer experience
- Newer WiFi Standard: Supporting WiFi 6 (802.11ax) providing faster speeds.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Offers more modern experience than the basic fingerprint sensor on the A52.
- Upgraded OS: Comes with a more recent version of Android.
Trade-offs
- The A52 trades a larger display and longer battery life for better portability and a more versatile camera system.
- The Tab S9 FE+ trades camera versatility and screen sharpness for a larger display, much more powerful performance, and greatly extended battery life.
- The Tab S9 FE+ is considerably less portable than the A52 due to its size and weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User
- Everyday user: Someone who needs a reliable phone for daily tasks, social media, and communication.
- Photography Enthusiast: Users who want a versatile camera system for taking high-quality photos in various scenarios, including macro, depth, and wide-angle photography.
- Content creator: Users who want high-quality selfie camera and video recording.
- Mobile Gamer (casual): Users who enjoy mobile games and appreciate a smooth display experience.
- On-the-go user: Someone who values portability and pocketability, as the phone will be easily carried.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Ideal User
- Media Consumer: Someone who wants an immersive experience for watching movies, shows, and other videos.
- Productivity User: Users who need a large screen for multitasking, editing documents, and managing work tasks.
- Heavy Mobile Gamers: Users who play demanding games and want superior performance and battery life for prolonged gaming sessions.
- Students/Readers: Users who want a larger screen for reading textbooks, articles, and other documents.
- Travelers: Those who need long battery life while on the go and appreciate having a large display for entertainment on trips.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Portability vs. Immersive Display? Do you prioritize a phone that can easily fit in your pocket and be used one-handed, or do you need a larger display for more immersive multimedia consumption and productivity tasks?
- Camera Quality vs. Performance? Is having a superior camera system with versatile lens options more important than having the best possible performance and long battery life?
- Do you need a tablet or phone? Do you want a phone for calling, texting and daily use, or do you want a tablet for entertainment and productivity?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Everyday use, photos: If you prioritize portability, photography, and a good everyday experience, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption and Productivity: If you prioritize a large display, superior performance, long battery life, and mainly want a tablet, choose the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.
- Scenario 3: Gaming: If gaming is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ will provide a better experience due to its superior performance and large screen.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the Tab S9 FE+ has a bigger screen and better performance, it is not practical for daily phone use. The A52 offers a much better camera system which I value for daily photos and videos, also making it more pocketable than the S9 FE+. Ultimately it comes down to my preference for a smartphone vs a tablet.
