Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. vivo V30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | vivo V30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 mm | vivo V30 is taller and thinner, while A52 is slightly more compact but thicker, affecting handling. |
| Weight | 189g | 186g | Both feel similar in hand; a minor difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | vivo V30 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for multimedia. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | vivo V30 provides a sharper, more detailed display with more pixel density, making images clearer. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 453 PPI | vivo V30’s higher pixel density results in a finer image, useful for text readability and image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; display quality is comparable. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | vivo V30’s 120Hz display will feel smoother, especially when scrolling or gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, however peak brightness is missing making it impossible to compare. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm) | vivo V30’s newer 4nm chip is significantly faster, more efficient, and offers better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 866,863 | vivo V30 offers significantly superior performance, noticeable during multitasking and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 720 | vivo V30's Adreno 720 results in faster graphics and gaming experience |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50E | Samsung A52 has slightly more megapixels but vivo V30 has a larger sensor; both will perform well in good light. |
| Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | vivo V30’s front camera offers slightly better performance in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | vivo V30 wide angle camera offers more detail and performs better in low light |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth sensor while vivo V30 does not. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated macro lens while vivo V30 does not. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | Both offer similar video recording with stabilization. |
| Slow Motion Video | 120fps | 240fps | vivo V30 allows for smoother slow-motion recording. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, OIS, Ultra stable video | Dual camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW | A52 has ultra-stable video and a quad-camera setup, while V30 has PDAF for quicker focus and RAW capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | vivo V30’s larger battery will likely offer longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W | 80W | vivo V30 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has additional charging features |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 16) | vivo V30 offers the latest Android version with longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | vivo V30 provides faster WiFi speeds and better performance on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | vivo V30 offers a newer Bluetooth version for better connectivity and energy efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | vivo V30 supports more satellite systems providing more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones support dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512 GB | vivo V30 offers a 512GB storage option for users needing more storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | vivo V30 has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | Samsung A52 provides higher quality audio with stereo speakers, and immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensor security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung A52 has better screen protection against scratches and damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have common sensors with slightly different configuration. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Offers better audio experience for media consumption.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: Provides greater flexibility for various photography scenarios.
- Better screen protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides more durable and scratch-resistant protection.
Practical Implications for Samsung Galaxy A52: The A52 is suitable for users who value multimedia consumption and versatility in photography. The enhanced audio experience makes it better for those who watch a lot of videos or play games without headphones. The additional cameras offer more creative options for casual photographers.
vivo V30 Advantages:
- Significantly More Powerful Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 provides much faster performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Larger Higher-Resolution Display: Provides a more immersive viewing experience with sharper image quality.
- Faster Charging: 80W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Larger Battery: Offers better battery life for all-day use.
- Better Selfie Camera and Wide Angle lens Higher megapixel count and aperture.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Better connectivity and performance on compatible networks.
- More RAM: Better multitasking
- More Internal storage: 512 GB option available
Practical Implications for vivo V30: The V30 excels for users who need high performance for gaming and productivity. The display is better for media consumption, and the faster charging is essential for those who need quick power-ups. The newer connectivity standards and larger storage option keep the phone future-proof.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung A52: Offers slightly less processing power and battery life compared to the vivo V30.
- vivo V30: lacks the dedicated macro and depth cameras, and stereo speakers.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal User: Casual users, media consumers, and hobbyist photographers.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, listening to music, capturing family moments with diverse camera options, and casual gaming.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good balance between features and price for budget-conscious users.
vivo V30:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, and those needing top performance for demanding tasks.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, running graphic-intensive apps, multitasking, and frequent traveling where battery life and fast charging are important.
- Price-to-Value: A higher price for higher performance, targeted towards users who need top-tier features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, media consumption, photography, everyday use)
- How important is performance and processing speed for you?
- Do you prioritize advanced features (e.g., macro/depth camera) or enhanced audio experience?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Casual Users and Media Consumers: The Samsung Galaxy A52 is a solid choice, offering good camera versatility and an enhanced audio experience.
- For Gamers and Power Users: The vivo V30 is superior with its powerful processor, larger higher resolution display, and fast charging capabilities.
- For Photography Enthusiasts: Both offer capable cameras, however the Samsung A52 offers more versatility due to the macro and depth cameras.
My Choice:
I would choose the vivo V30.
Although I appreciate the Samsung Galaxy A52’s focus on multimedia consumption with its enhanced audio, the vivo V30's advantages are more aligned with my needs and preferences. The significantly faster Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor will provide smoother performance in demanding tasks and gaming. The higher resolution, larger screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and better connectivity standards offer a smoother overall experience. Although I do enjoy a dedicated depth and macro camera, I would happily compromise for the superior performance, better front facing camera, larger battery, and faster charging of the V30. The better selfie and wide angle lens cameras also tip the scales in vivo’s favour. I also value the newer software with longer support. The lack of a dedicated depth and macro camera, and the basic audio are acceptable trade-offs, for the V30's significantly improved performance and user experience.
