1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Sony Xperia 1 III | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Sony is taller, narrower, and slightly thinner. A52 has a larger overall volume, potentially feeling bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 186g | Virtually identical weight. Negligible difference in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1644 x 3840 | Sony has a significantly sharper display. Text and images will appear much clearer. |
| PPI | 407 | 643 | Sony display is considerably sharper. Details are more refined. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Similar display technology offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Sony offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, indicating a missing specification |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Sony's chipset is substantially more powerful. Noticeably faster performance in demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 889,100 | Sony scores much higher. Faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 660 | Sony has a significantly more capable GPU, beneficial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 12MP | Samsung captures more detail in well-lit conditions due to higher resolution, while Sony's larger pixel size may perform better in low light. |
| Rear Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | Sony has a wider aperture letting in more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Rear Main Camera Sensor | Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | Sony Exmor RS | Both use Sony sensors, however different models leading to unique characteristics. |
| Rear Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | Sony's larger pixel size means better low-light sensitivity. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 32MP | 8MP | Samsung captures more detail in selfies with higher resolution. |
| Front Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Sony's wider aperture might capture slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Front Camera Sensor | Sony IMX616 | Samsung S5K4H7 | Different sensors, each with its unique characteristics. |
| Front Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.12 µm | Sony's larger pixels lead to better light capture on its front camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 12MP f/2.2 | Sony offers optical zoom, useful for capturing subjects at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 12MP f/2.3 | Samsung's wide-angle has a slightly wider aperture. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | No | Yes | Sony can create better depth effects for portrait photos |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP f/2.4 | No | Samsung offers dedicated depth sensing for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | No | Samsung captures detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Sony is capable of higher framerate recording, great for advanced videography. |
| Slow Motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | Sony can record much higher slow-motion footage. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | N/A | 105 | Sony has a validated, high-quality camera system. |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, 4K, Night Mode | OIS, EIS, 4K, Optical zoom, PDAF, RAW | Sony offers more advanced camera features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Same battery capacity. Similar battery life expected. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Sony charges slightly faster. |
| Charging Features | QC2.0, AFC, Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Sony has a more modern charging system with Bypass charging to minimize heat while gaming. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 11, up to 13 | Samsung offers longer OS support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Sony has newer, faster Wi-Fi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Sony has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Sony has superior positioning accuracy due to more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512 GB | Sony offers larger internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12 GB | Sony has significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony includes Hi-Res audio which is better for premium audio listening. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Sony's side-mounted sensor is faster and convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass Victus | Sony has the most durable Gorilla Glass. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Barometer | Sony offers more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: Better detail in selfies (32MP vs 8MP).
- Dedicated Depth & Macro Cameras: More versatility in close-up and portrait photography.
- Longer OS support: Guaranteed longer software updates.
- Night Mode: A dedicated feature for low-light photography
Sony Xperia 1 III Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Much better performance in demanding tasks and gaming.
- Higher Resolution Display: Sharper, more detailed visuals.
- Higher Refresh Rate: Smoother scrolling and animations.
- Telephoto Lens with Optical Zoom: Can zoom without losing image quality.
- Faster Charging: Gets the phone charged quicker.
- Superior Video Recording Capabilities: Higher framerate, advanced features.
- More RAM: Better multitasking and future-proofing.
- Hi-Res Audio: Higher quality audio for music lovers.
- More Accurate GPS: Better for navigation due to more satelite systems.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is more durable.
- Barometer Sensor: Useful for more precise altitude data.
- Bypass Charging: Minimizes heat while gaming.
- RAW Support: Gives photography enthusiasts more options for post-processing.
Trade-offs:
- A52 sacrifices performance, premium display, and advanced camera features for a lower price and versatile camera setup
- Xperia 1 III trades the higher-resolution front camera and dedicated macro/depth cameras for a premium build, a more powerful chipset, and advanced video capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Prioritize affordability and value.
- Casual photographers: Want a versatile camera for everyday use, particularly selfies and close-ups.
- Users who prefer a simpler camera experience: Macro and depth lenses allow users to play with depth of field and close up details, without advanced controls.
- Users who want long term OS support: The A52 supports the most recent Android OS.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media use and casual photography.
- General multimedia consumption.
- Good for users who prioritize longer OS support, but do not need top performance.
Sony Xperia 1 III - Ideal User:
- Performance enthusiasts and gamers: Need a powerful device for demanding apps and games.
- Photography and videography enthusiasts: Appreciate a high-quality camera with advanced features and video quality.
- Multimedia lovers: Want a premium display and audio experience.
- Users who desire cutting edge technology: The phone has a better processor, screen, and features than the A52.
- Users with a higher budget.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming at high settings.
- Professional-level photography and videography.
- Demanding multitasking and productivity applications.
- High-fidelity audio listening experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your typical use? (Gaming, productivity, multitasking)
- What is your priority when it comes to cameras? (Selfies, versatility, low light, zoom)
- What is your budget and how much value are you looking for in each feature? (Do you need a premium phone or does a budget-friendly one suffice)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious user who wants a decent everyday phone: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52. You'll get a good overall experience with a solid camera and reliable performance.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer who values performance above all: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. It offers a superior processor, display, and a powerful GPU for smooth gameplay.
- Scenario 3: Photography/Videography enthusiast who wants high-quality features: Choose the Sony Xperia 1 III. The device has an amazing camera with features like optical zoom, RAW support, and high-resolution video recordings.
- Scenario 4: User who wants the most up to date software with longer support: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52, which provides software support to Android 14, one more version than the Sony.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would select the Sony Xperia 1 III.
My reasoning is as follows:
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a more versatile camera setup with dedicated macro and depth lenses, the overall experience of the Sony Xperia 1 III is far superior. The significant performance difference with the Snapdragon 888, the superior display, and the more advanced camera features such as the telephoto lens, RAW support, and high quality video are critical advantages for me. I do prioritize gaming and photography, and the Sony excels in those categories. The high refresh rate and premium build quality is also something that I would favor over the Samsung.
