1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.1 x 75 x 7.9 mm | Poco F5 is slightly taller and thinner, A52 has a slightly larger volume. |
| Weight | 189g | 181g | Poco F5 is slightly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-foldable phones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Poco F5 offers a slightly larger screen for a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 395 PPI | Both have very similar pixel density with no significant difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Poco F5 provides a smoother scrolling and gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is listed as 0 nits for both phones, which is incorrect; actual peak brightness should be verified through external sources. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) | Poco F5's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster performance, better multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 1,134,558 | Poco F5 has dramatically higher benchmark scores, indicating superior speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 725 | Poco F5's GPU is much more powerful, providing enhanced graphics performance, especially in gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 64MP | Both offer a 64MP main camera. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Poco F5 has a slightly wider aperture which may allow slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | A52 has a larger sensor, which usually leads to better low-light performance and more light capture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | Omnivision OV64B | Different sensors; real-world performance varies based on image processing. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | A52 has slightly larger pixel size, potentially better light capture per pixel. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | A52 has higher resolution for more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | A52 has a wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/3.1" | A52 has a larger sensor for potentially better low-light and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Sony IMX616 | Samsung S5K3P9 | Different sensors, with real-world performance depending on processing. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.12 µm | Poco F5 has larger pixel size for the selfie camera, potentially better low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | A52 has higher resolution wide-angle shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.2 | Both have same aperture for wide angle. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | N/A | 1/2.8" | Poco F5 has a listed sensor size for wide angle, but not available for A52. |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Model | N/A | Sony IMX355 | Only Poco F5 has the sensor model listed. |
| Wide Angle Lens Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.12 µm | Both have same pixel size for wide angle. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP | None | A52 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP | 2MP | A52 has a higher resolution macro lens for more detailed close-up shots. |
| Macro Lens Aperture | f/2.4 | f/2.4 | Both have same aperture for macro lens. |
| Macro Lens Sensor Size | N/A | 1/5" | Only Poco F5 has a listed sensor size for macro lens. |
| Macro Lens Sensor Model | N/A | GalaxyCore GC02M1 | Only Poco F5 has the sensor model listed for macro lens. |
| Macro Lens Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.75 µm | Poco F5 has larger pixel size for the macro lens, potentially better low light. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS | Both offer 4K recording but Poco F5 offers 1080p @ 120fps. |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 240fps | Poco F5 has higher slow motion recording capabilities |
| Camera Features | OIS, Ultra stable video, Quad camera | OIS, Manual Focus, PDAF, Triple camera, Front Flash | A52 has ultra-stable video and a quad camera. Poco F5 includes Manual focus, PDAF and front flash. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Poco F5 has a larger battery, which likely provides longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Poco F5 charges significantly faster, which is very convenient. |
| Battery Features | QC2.0, AFC | Non-removable | A52 supports QC2.0 and AFC, Poco F5 is non-removable. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11, up to 14 | Android 13, up to 14 | Poco F5 ships with a more recent Android version. Both will get same max version. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Poco F5 supports Wi-Fi 6, offering faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Poco F5 has a newer Bluetooth standard, offering better range and efficiency, and more codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Poco F5 has a more comprehensive GPS system for better location accuracy, and additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Poco F5 supports using two SIMs actively at the same time. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Internal Storage | 128GB or 256GB | 256GB | Both offer a 256GB option, but A52 offers a lower 128GB option too. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 8GB or 12GB | Poco F5 has more RAM options, leading to better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports microSD card expansion. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Poco F5 has features for better audio playback and call quality. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Poco F5 has a more modern and convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same screen protection. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco F5 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both have a good suite of sensors; Poco F5 includes Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, and A52 has Hall, Geomagnetic, and basic proximity. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages
- Better Main Camera Sensor Size: Larger sensor size on the main camera (1/1.7" vs 1/2"), potentially offering better low-light performance and image quality.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 32MP front camera vs 16MP for more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Includes a dedicated 5MP depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Additional Audio Feature: Dolby Digital Plus audio.
- Quad Camera Setup: includes a dedicated depth sensor, where Poco F5 has a triple camera system.
- Ultra-Stable Video: Includes an "Ultra stable video" feature for smoother recordings.
- Wider Selfie Aperture: Wider aperture (f/2.2 vs f/2.45) on the selfie camera for better low light selfies.
- Larger Selfie Sensor Size: Larger sensor size (1/2.8" vs 1/3.1") on the selfie camera for better image quality.
- Geomagnetic sensor: A52 offers Geomagnetic sensor
- Hall sensor: A52 offers Hall sensor
Xiaomi Poco F5 Advantages
- Significantly Faster Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 (4 nm) vs Snapdragon 720G (8 nm), offering much better performance.
- Superior Benchmark Scores: AnTuTu score of 1,134,558 vs 341,212, indicating vastly better overall speed.
- More Powerful GPU: Adreno 725 vs Adreno 618, resulting in superior graphics for gaming and apps.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz display vs 90Hz for smoother scrolling and animations.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh vs 4500mAh, resulting in longer battery life.
- Much Faster Charging: 67W fast charging vs 25W, significantly reducing charging times.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.0.
- More Advanced GPS: includes more satellite systems.
- Newer WiFi Standard: WiFi 6 vs Wi-Fi ac.
- More RAM Options: Offers 8GB or 12GB RAM vs a maximum of 8GB on the A52.
- Hi-Res Audio: Has Hi-Res audio for better audio quality.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone : Has a noise cancellation microphone for clearer calls.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More modern and ergonomic design.
- Dual SIM Full Active: Supports using both SIM cards at the same time.
- Front Flash: Includes front facing flash for better selfies in low light.
- Manual focus: Includes Manual Focus.
- PDAF: Includes Phase Detection Autofocus.
- Better Main Camera Aperture: Wider aperture (f/1.79 vs f/1.8) for potentially better low-light performance.
- Larger Selfie Pixel Size: Larger pixel size (1.12 µm vs 0.80 µm) for better low-light selfies.
- Better Macro Pixel Size: Larger pixel size (1.75 µm vs 1.12 µm) for better macro shots.
- 1080p @ 120fps Recording Offers 1080p recording at 120fps.
- Higher Slow-Motion Recording: 240fps slow-motion vs 120 fps.
- Compass: Has a compass sensor.
- Ultrasonic proximity virtual: Poco F5 has ultrasonic proximity virtual
- Better Audio Codecs: Has APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC for Bluetooth audio.
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung A52: sacrifices performance for better camera sensors.
- Xiaomi Poco F5: sacrifices some selfie camera quality for much better performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal Users
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially selfies and low-light performance, will appreciate the larger sensors and higher resolution of the A52.
- Casual Gamers: Users who don't demand top-tier gaming performance but still want a decent screen and smooth everyday performance.
- Users seeking Additional Audio Features - Those who value enhanced sound capabilities will appreciate the Dolby Digital Plus inclusion.
Specific Use Cases:
- Taking high-quality selfies.
- Capturing detailed photos in various lighting conditions.
- Basic video shooting with a focus on good audio.
- General daily use with a reliable camera experience.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
Xiaomi Poco F5 Ideal Users
- Performance Seekers: Users who demand smooth and fast performance, excellent gaming capabilities, and fast multitasking.
- Gamers: Users who need a high refresh rate screen, powerful GPU, and overall responsive performance.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who value the latest technology, including newer chipsets and fast charging capabilities.
- Users seeking superior audio for music playback: Users who want a high quality audio for media consumption.
Specific Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games.
- Multitasking between several apps smoothly.
- Heavy media consumption (videos, movies).
- Fast, responsive performance for all types of tasks.
- Extended battery life for daily use.
- High Quality Bluetooth Audio Playback
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Photography, gaming, general use)
- How much do you value performance vs camera quality?
- How important are battery life and charging speed to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography is the priority.
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 for its superior selfie camera and slightly better main sensor.
- Scenario 2: Performance and gaming are paramount.
- Recommendation: Choose the Xiaomi Poco F5 for its significantly faster performance, superior gaming capabilities, and faster refresh rate.
- Scenario 3: Balanced, daily use:
- Recommendation: Choose Xiaomi Poco F5 for it's superior performance, better battery life and faster charging, even though it has slightly lower selfie and wide angle camera.
- Scenario 4: A lower priced alternative:
- Recommendation: Choose Samsung A52 if it is significantly cheaper, and you do not value performance as much.
My Choice:
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would select the Xiaomi Poco F5.
Here's Why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A52 has some advantages in camera quality, particularly with the selfie camera, the performance difference between the two phones is simply too great to ignore. The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 in the Poco F5 offers a vastly superior experience in terms of speed, multitasking, and gaming. For everyday use, the faster performance, better battery life, and much quicker charging are more important to me.
Although the selfie and wide angle camera is slightly worse in Poco F5, the improvements in performance, screen refresh rate and battery life are substantial. The side mounted fingerprint sensor is also a plus for me. The inclusion of better audio codecs, and noise cancellation is a bonus that pushes the Poco F5 over the top.
I believe the Poco F5's overall benefits justify sacrificing the slight camera advantage of the A52, especially given how much more enjoyable it will be to use every day due to its fast performance and charging. The performance difference is likely to be more impactful in the long run.
