Samsung Galaxy A52 vs vivo V21 5G - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date March 26, 2021 May 6, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 100.87 cm³ 86.15 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.44 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 189 g 176 g
Height 159.9 mm 159.7 mm
Width 75.1 mm 73.9 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 7.3 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Arctic White
  • Dusk Blue
  • Sunset Dazzle

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.44 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.9 % 84.8 %
Pixel Density 407 PPI 409 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 500 nits
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 106.51 mAh/in² 96.45 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.61 mAh/cm³ 46.43 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 4000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Kryo 465 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 465 Silver) Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 618 Mali-G57 MC3

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A52vivo V21 5GPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm159.7 × 73.9 × 7.3 mmA52 is slightly wider and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand, V21 5G more pocketable and feels thinner.
Weight189g176gV21 5G is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.5"6.44"Negligible size difference, both provide immersive experience.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both displays are equally sharp.
Pixel Density407 PPI409 PPINearly identical, sharpness is virtually indistinguishable.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Refresh Rate90Hz90HzBoth offer smooth scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness not specified; difficult to compare outdoor visibility.
Performance
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 800U (7 nm)Slightly different performance, everyday tasks should be smooth on both.
AnTuTu Score341,212343,150Performance virtually identical for most tasks.
GPUAdreno 618Mali-G57 MC3Slightly different gaming performance, both handle most games well.
Camera
Rear Camera (Main)64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX68264MP, f/1.79V21 5G has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low-light scenarios.
Rear Camera (Wide)12MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2A52 has a higher-resolution ultrawide lens for more detailed wide-angle shots.
Rear Camera (Portrait)5MP, f/2.4NoneA52 offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos.
Rear Camera (Macro)5MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4A52's macro lens offers more detail in close-up shots.
Front Camera32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX61644MP, f/2.0, 1/2.65", Samsung S5KGH1V21 5G has a higher resolution front camera and wider aperture for brighter selfies.
Video4K@30fps EIS4K@30fps OISV21 5G's OIS provides better stabilization, especially in lower light. A52 has EIS.
Battery
Capacity4500mAh4000mAhA52 has a larger battery; better battery life for heavy users.
Charging25W33WV21 5G charges faster, minimizing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 14)Android 11A52 has guaranteed OS upgrades up to Android 14. The V21 5G's max version is not stated, but runs Android 11 out of the box.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11a/b/g/n/acBoth support common Wi-Fi standards for stable internet.
Bluetooth5.0 LE5.1 LEV21 5G has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially better connectivity and audio quality.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoBoth offer accurate location services.
Storage
Internal128GB/256GB128GB/256GBBoth offer same internal storage options.
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB8GBV21 5G has 8GB of RAM, potentially better for multitasking, depending on A52 configuration.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports microSD card storage expansion
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersBasicA52 offers a superior audio experience for immersive media consumption.
Security
FeaturesFingerprint SensorFingerprint SensorBasic biometric security, fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 5UnknownA52 has superior screen protection.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic, FingerprintAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity, FingerprintBoth offer similar sensor suite, with slightly different features.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: 4500mAh vs 4000mAh in vivo V21 5G, means longer usage between charges.
  • Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers more versatility in portrait mode photos.
  • Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a superior multimedia experience.
  • Higher-Resolution Wide & Macro Lenses: Captures more details in wide-angle and macro shots.
  • Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better resistance to scratches and drops.
  • OS Upgrades: Guaranteed updates up to Android 14.

vivo V21 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry, also more pocketable.
  • Faster Charging: 33W vs 25W, shorter charging times to minimize downtime.
  • Superior Front Camera: 44MP with wider aperture for brighter selfies.
  • Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Better video quality, especially in low light.
  • Newer Bluetooth Version: Potentially better audio quality with APT-X and LDAC support.
  • Fixed RAM: Comes with 8GB of RAM for efficient multitasking.

Trade-offs:

  • A52 trades lighter weight and faster charging for a larger battery and better audio.
  • V21 5G trades larger battery and depth sensor for better selfies and video stabilization.
  • A52 has better screen protection compared to unknown.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:

  • Multimedia Consumers: Enjoys watching videos and listening to music.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Want a versatile camera system, including a dedicated depth sensor, high-res wide-angle and macro lenses.
  • Heavy Phone Users: Need long battery life for all day usage.
  • Users Prioritizing Durability: Appreciate better screen protection.
  • Users who want software upgrades: Benefits from upgrades to Android 14.

    Use Case: Watching movies on the go, taking detailed landscape pictures, enjoying music with better audio quality, using the phone all day with heavy usage.

vivo V21 5G Ideal User:

  • Selfie Lovers: Prioritizes high-quality front camera performance.
  • Video Creators: Need better stabilization for recording videos on the go.
  • Users Who Value Portability: Want a lighter and thinner phone.
  • Users Who Value Fast Charging: Want minimal downtime when charging.
  • Users who do not need software upgrades: Those who dont need upgrades to Android 14.

    Use Case: Taking high-resolution selfies, shooting stabilized videos, enjoying a phone with slim design, charging quickly before heading out, using the phone for basic tasks without intensive multimedia use.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions:

  1. How important is battery life for you? If you need all day power, the Galaxy A52's larger battery is better. If you prioritize fast charging, go for the V21 5G.
  2. Which camera is more important - front or rear? If you love taking selfies and recording videos, the V21 5G's front camera and OIS is better. If you want a versatile rear camera, go for the A52.
  3. How important is high-quality audio and screen durability for you? If you prioritize better sound and better screen protection, go with the A52.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: All-Day Power and Multimedia: If your day consists of multimedia consumption and phone usage, choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its larger battery, better audio, and higher-resolution wide and macro lenses.
  • Scenario 2: Selfies, Video, and Portability: If you take a lot of selfies, need stabilized videos, and prioritize a thin and light design, choose the vivo V21 5G.
  • Scenario 3: Software Updates: If you want a phone that gets software upgrades, go with the A52.

My Choice and Why

If I were to choose between these two phones, I would personally lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A52. While the vivo V21 5G has some compelling features, particularly its superior selfie camera, OIS, and faster charging, the A52’s larger battery, better audio experience, more versatile rear camera system, better screen protection, and guaranteed software upgrades make it a better fit for my typical usage.

I prioritize battery life and media consumption which is supported by a larger battery, superior audio, and better screen protection. While I appreciate the faster charging of the vivo, I think the extra battery of A52 wins in the long run. The additional sensors, such as the dedicated depth sensor and the higher resolution ultrawide and macro cameras provide more versatility, especially for travel photography. Also the guarantee of software updates up to Android 14 is a plus.

While the V21 5G's thinner and lighter design is appealing, it is not enough to offset the other advantages of the A52 for my use cases.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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