1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers a compact form factor when folded, larger screen when unfolded, enhancing portability and screen real estate. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 167.5 × 74 × 7.6 mm | Xiaomi Mix Flip is taller and thinner, Samsung Galaxy A52 is wider and thicker. Mix Flip is generally more pocketable, A52 fills up more space in the pocket. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Negligible difference in weight, both feel similar in hand |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.86" | Xiaomi Mix Flip provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption, gaming, and multitasking due to its larger screen size. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1224x2912 | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers noticeably sharper visuals with greater detail and clarity, improving the viewing experience, especially for text and images. |
| PPI | 407 | 460 | Xiaomi Mix Flip has higher pixel density for a sharper and clearer display compared to the Samsung A52. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy A52 has superior display technology (AMOLED vs Unknown) offering deeper blacks, better contrast, superior power efficiency for dark themes, more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user interface and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Xiaomi Mix Flip provides superior outdoor visibility and readability in bright sunlight conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM7125 Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers significantly faster performance, more responsive multitasking, better gaming, and improved efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 2,250,000 | Xiaomi Mix Flip is significantly faster in all aspects of performance, with much smoother app loading, improved multitasking and better gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 (Qualcomm Adreno 618) | Adreno 750 (Adreno 750) | Xiaomi Mix Flip provides superior graphics processing power for smoother gaming performance and enhanced visual experience. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 Exmor RS, 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.7, 1/1.55", Omnivision OV50 Light Hunter 800, 1.00µm | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a slightly wider aperture and larger pixels for better low-light performance, the Galaxy A52 has a higher resolution for greater detail in bright conditions. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 60MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8", Omnivision OV60A, 0.61µm | Xiaomi Mix Flip has an dedicated telephoto lens for better zoomed shots and portrait photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616, 0.80µm | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/3", Omnivision OV32B, 0.70µm | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies, while the Samsung A52 has a larger sensor that may capture slightly more detail in good light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 provides more versatility with a wide-angle lens, allowing users to capture expansive landscape shots, while the Xiaomi Mix Flip misses out on that. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for more accurate bokeh in portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A52 has a dedicated macro lens for capturing extreme close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS; Slow-motion: 120 fps | 8K@24fps with HDR, 4K@24/30/60fps with HDR, 1080p@30/60/120/240/960fps with HDR, 720p@1920fps with HDR; Slow-motion: 1920 fps | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers dramatically superior video recording capabilities with higher resolutions, frame rates and wider slow-motion options. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Night Mode | Dual camera, Tracking AF, Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), NPU AI Engine, Optical Stabilization (OIS) | Each phone has a different set of advanced camera features, impacting the overall user experience. Samsung A52 offers an ultrawide camera and a night mode, while the Xiaomi Mix Flip comes with a telephoto and the newest technologies. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4780mAh | Xiaomi Mix Flip has a slightly larger battery, potentially providing slightly longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Xiaomi Mix Flip provides significantly faster charging, reducing downtime and keeping you powered throughout the day. |
| Features | Non-removable, QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable, Xiaomi Pengpai G1 battery management chip × 2, Xiaomi Pengpai R1 | Xiaomi Mix Flip has advanced battery management systems for efficient power usage and optimized charging. The Samsung A52 has older fast charging tech. |
Software & Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Xiaomi Mix Flip comes with a newer operating system out of the box, while the Samsung A52 users will have to upgrade to achieve similar functionality. |
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be/6E | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers faster, more stable WiFi connectivity with the newest standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers newer standard with better stability and more feature. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers better GPS and positioning capabilities with support for more systems. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers significantly larger storage options, making it ideal for users who require ample space for media and files. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Xiaomi Mix Flip offers better multitasking, smooth app loading, and smoother overall performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, users are limited to the onboard storage options. |
Audio, Security, Build & Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Mix Flip | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Both have good audio capabilities, but the Xiaomi Mix Flip supports Hi-Res audio for a more premium listening experience. |
| Security | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers faster and more reliable unlocking compared to the basic sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung Galaxy A52 has better screen protection from scratches and damage with the Gorilla Glass 5, while the Xiaomi Mix Flip screen durability is unknown. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Xiaomi Mix Flip includes additional sensors for more advanced features and capabilities, such as pressure sensing. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages
- Wide Angle Lens Camera: The inclusion of a wide-angle camera offers more versatility for photography.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Allows for better close-up shots and portrait mode.
- AMOLED Display: Vibrant colors, deeper blacks, better contrast and superior power efficiency.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection against scratches and damage.
Xiaomi Mix Flip Advantages
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique form factor that combines portability with a larger display when needed.
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers significantly higher processing power.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Significantly Brighter Display: 3000 nits ensures excellent visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens and high quality main camera with advanced algorithms.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging for significantly faster battery replenishment.
- Larger Battery: Slightly larger battery capacity for potentially longer battery life.
- More Storage Options: Up to 1TB of internal storage available.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi: Support for newer standards, offering faster speeds and more features.
- Hi-Res Audio: Offers a premium listening experience.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Including barometer for more accurate environmental data.
- Newer Android Version: Comes with the latest version of Android from the box.
Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A52: Sacrifices performance and cutting-edge features for better display tech, a wide-angle camera and more traditional design. It also offers better durability thanks to Gorilla Glass 5.
- Xiaomi Mix Flip: Loses a wide angle and macro lens, but offers substantially better performance, display quality, and a cutting-edge foldable design, while sacrificing screen protection and having unknown display technology.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52
- Ideal User: Casual users, photography enthusiasts with focus on wide angle and macro photography, users who prefer traditional non-foldable designs.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media
- Casual photography with a focus on versatility.
- Users who prioritize the durability of their device.
Xiaomi Mix Flip
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, power users, gamers, those seeking a premium experience and the novelty of a foldable device.
- Use Cases:
- Heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Mobile gaming with high frame rates.
- Content creators needing high-resolution video recording.
- Users who prioritize portability and an immersive display experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Do you prioritize portability and a large screen experience, or do you prefer a traditional smartphone design?
- How important is top-tier performance for your usage, including gaming and heavy multitasking?
- Do you value a versatile camera setup including wide-angle and macro capabilities, or are you looking for the best possible image quality and zoom?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Budget-conscious, Everyday User:
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A52 might be a better fit. It provides a solid experience for daily tasks, a versatile camera setup, and a more affordable price.
Scenario 2: Performance-Driven User, Gamer:
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Mix Flip is the clear choice. Its vastly superior performance, higher refresh rate display, and faster charging provide a significantly better experience for demanding users and gamers.
Scenario 3: Mobile Photographer with Focus on Video and Zoom:
- Recommendation: The Xiaomi Mix Flip is the better pick here. Despite lacking a wide angle and macro lens, its vastly superior video quality, telephoto lens and higher quality sensors makes it the better pick.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Xiaomi Mix Flip.
Reasons:
- Future-Proofing Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers a dramatic performance advantage that would make the phone feel faster and smoother for years to come. The Samsung A52, on the other hand, has a considerably weaker chipset that would likely show its age more quickly.
- Foldable Novelty and Screen Experience: The foldable design offers a compelling experience, allowing for a compact form factor with a large and high-quality display when needed.
- Superior Display Technology and Outdoor Visibility: The incredibly bright screen would be essential for comfortable use outdoors, while the higher refresh rate would add to the smoothness of the experience. While the Samsung has better display technology in the form of an AMOLED panel, the dramatically brighter display of the Mix Flip makes it the more interesting choice, especially considering that the display tech of the Xiaomi phone is unknown and could very well be an OLED or AMOLED panel as well.
- Cutting Edge Technology: The Mix Flip also offers superior charging speed, latest connectivity standards (WiFi and Bluetooth), better GPS accuracy, all the features that you expect from a flagship in 2024.
- Better Camera: While the Samsung has a more versatile camera system, I value video quality and zoom capabilities more in a modern smartphone and the telephoto lens and superior video capabilities on the Mix Flip are the deciding factor here.
Although I appreciate the Samsung's wide angle camera and screen protection, the performance and the futuristic foldable design of the Xiaomi Mix Flip makes it the more compelling choice. The trade-offs in terms of camera features are acceptable, given the significantly better performance, display quality, and innovative design.
