Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A52 vs. Xiaomi 12 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi 12 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.6 × 74.6 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12 Pro is taller and slightly thinner; A52 is a bit wider. Feel will be slightly different in the hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 204g | Samsung A52 is lighter making it more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.73" | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a slightly larger display, better for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3200 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a significantly sharper display, resulting in better clarity for text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 521 PPI | Xiaomi 12 Pro display will look noticeably more crisp, with finer details. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12 Pro has slightly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Xiaomi 12 Pro screen is significantly more visible in bright sunlight. Samsung Galaxy A52 has missing brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much faster processor, leading to quicker app loading and smoother performance in demanding applications and games. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 1,177,498 | Xiaomi 12 Pro is significantly faster, providing a better overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has better graphics performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and better visual fidelity. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4600mAh | Similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. Actual usage will vary. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro charges significantly faster, allowing for quicker top-ups. |
| Charging Features | QC2.0, AFC | 120W Wired, 50W Wireless, 10W Wireless reverse charging | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significantly more convenient and faster charging options, including wireless. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.28", 1.22µm | Xiaomi 12 Pro's larger sensor may capture better low-light images, despite the lower MP. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 32MP, 1/3.14", 0.7µm | Samsung A52's has slightly larger sensor for better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a higher resolution wide-angle camera. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a much higher resolution portrait lens and wider aperture, offering potentially better depth of field. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | Samsung A52 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | Xiaomi 12 Pro supports higher resolution and frame rates for video recording, offering better video quality and flexibility. |
| DxoMark Score | N/A | 129 (Mobile) | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a known camera score, while A52 doesn't have any information available, making the Xiaomi the better option in this comparison. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, OIS | Triple Camera, OIS, 8k Video, RAW | Xiaomi 12 Pro provides enhanced flexibility with its recording options and camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has newer version of Android. Samsung A52 is upgradable to Android 14 which puts them on par. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a more recent Bluetooth version for better performance and newer audio codecs. |
| GPS | Multiple | More advanced systems | Xiaomi 12 Pro has a more advanced GPS systems, giving a higher accuracy and precise navigation. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both phones have equal options for storage. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers more RAM, which is better for multitasking and running demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Xiaomi 12 Pro is better for audiophiles, offering more features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both phones share the same basic security features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12 Pro has superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for more durability against scratches and drops |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Basic set, Proximity | More advanced set, Ultrasonic Proximity | Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a more comprehensive set of sensors for advanced features and improved functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (15g), more comfortable for extended use.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up photography.
- Price: Likely to be more affordable, providing good value for basic use cases.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, better for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Higher Resolution & Brightness Display: Sharper and brighter screen, providing a superior visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Faster Charging: Significantly faster wired (120W) and wireless (50W) charging.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher resolution portrait and wide-angle lenses, 8K video recording.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- More RAM: 8GB or 12GB providing smoother experience with heavy multitasking and demanding games
- Hi-Res Audio: Superior audio playback with Hi-Res Audio support.
- Better Build Quality: Superior Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes a barometer and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Better GPS: More accurate with more satelite systems
- Better DxoMark Camera Score: Higher score and better camera overall
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro is more expensive.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52 offers slightly better sensor for the front camera and dedicated macro lens, but the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better all around camera features.
- The Xiaomi 12 Pro is slightly larger and heavier.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Users seeking a reliable phone for everyday tasks with a good display.
- Those who prioritize lightweight design and comfortable handling.
- Users interested in macro photography.
- Users looking for a more affordable option.
Use Cases:
- Casual social media browsing and communication.
- Basic photography and video recording.
- Everyday productivity tasks.
- Users who do not heavily rely on intense gaming or multimedia content consumption.
Xiaomi 12 Pro Ideal User:
- Power users and gamers who demand top-tier performance.
- Users who prioritize a high-quality display for multimedia and visual content.
- Users who value fast charging speeds and want to charge their phones quickly.
- Those who want an advanced camera system for diverse photography and video needs.
- Users who appreciate the best of connectivity options.
Use Cases:
- Heavy gaming and demanding application use.
- High-quality video recording and editing.
- Content creation and professional photography.
- Immersive multimedia consumption with a sharp, vibrant display.
- Traveling with a need for great navigation and GPS
- Users who value having the best technology.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy A52 is likely to be more budget-friendly.
- How important is performance? The Xiaomi 12 Pro offers a much better performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Do you value fast charging? The Xiaomi 12 Pro's 120W charging is significantly faster than the Samsung A52's 25W.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you only need the basics, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better option.
- Performance Seeker: If you value performance and plan to use your phone for gaming and demanding tasks, the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the best choice.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you enjoy streaming content and want a great viewing experience, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers better display quality and brightness.
- Photography Buff: If you prioritize the best camera quality for a range of photography conditions the Xiaomi 12 Pro is the better option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi 12 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 is a competent device for general usage, the Xiaomi 12 Pro offers significant advantages in key areas that are important to me. I value the higher performance for gaming and demanding apps, as well as the vastly superior display and faster charging speeds. The camera system of the Xiaomi 12 Pro is a big selling point, allowing for more versatility in photo and video capture, and the higher DxoMark score gives me confidence in it. Though the price is likely higher, the enhanced experience and future-proofing offered by the Xiaomi 12 Pro are worth the investment for me.
