1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 159.9 × 73.9 × 8.1 mm | The Poco M4 Pro is slightly thinner and narrower, potentially making it slightly more comfortable for one-handed use. The A52 is slightly more bulky. |
| Weight | 189g | 179.5g | The Poco M4 Pro is lighter by 9.5g which might be noticeable during long usage and carrying. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer a large enough display for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical resolution; both offer sharp visuals for daily usage and content consumption. |
| Pixel Density | 407 PPI | 409 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel density, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED screens offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good viewing angles; both phones will offer a similar visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | 90Hz refresh rate will provide a smoother experience when scrolling and navigating menus compared to a 60Hz display. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not specified, making it difficult to determine the display’s performance in bright outdoor conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G96 (12 nm) | The Helio G96 in Poco M4 Pro generally offers slightly better overall performance, especially for gaming. The Snapdragon 720G in the A52 is a capable chip but slightly less powerful. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 438,700 | The Poco M4 Pro has a significantly higher benchmark score, indicating that it will have a more fluid user experience, faster app loading times and can handle more demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The Mali-G57 MC2 in the Poco M4 Pro provides better performance for gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | The A52's higher megapixel count could allow for more detailed photos when conditions are ideal. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2.76" | The larger sensor on the A52 will capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range compared to the Poco M4 Pro. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.64 µm | The A52’s larger pixel size should provide slightly better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 32MP | 16MP | The A52's higher resolution should result in more detailed selfies in ideal lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | 1/2.8" | 1/3.06" | A slightly larger sensor on the A52 should capture more light and result in better low-light selfie performance. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Larger pixel size in Poco M4 Pro will capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance in selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 12MP | 8MP | The A52’s wide-angle lens with higher megapixel count should allow for more detail in wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | No | The A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, which provides a more natural-looking bokeh effect. The Poco M4 Pro lacks a dedicated portrait sensor, relying on software processing. |
| Macro Lens | Yes | No | The A52 has a dedicated macro lens which allows for close-up shots. The Poco M4 Pro lacks a macro camera. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | The A52 provides higher video recording resolution which is beneficial for higher quality video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS, OIS | EIS | Samsung has better video stabilization due to OIS. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Poco M4 Pro's larger battery capacity should provide a noticeably longer battery life, especially for power users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The Poco M4 Pro charges faster than the A52. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Better Camera System: Superior main camera, selfie camera, ultrawide, macro and depth sensor capabilities, offering more flexibility and potentially better image quality in various scenarios. Includes 4K video recording with OIS.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Helps to reduce blur in photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions and when recording videos.
- Slightly Better Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better screen protection than the Corning Gorilla Glass 3 found on the Poco M4 Pro.
- More RAM Options: Comes in more RAM variants providing better performance in multitasking.
- Software Support: Confirmed OS upgrades to Android 14, ensuring longer software support.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Advantages:
- Better Performance: The MediaTek Helio G96 chipset combined with higher Antutu scores result in better performance for daily tasks and gaming.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: The larger 5000mAh battery and 33W fast charging offers longer battery life and quicker charging.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 offers some efficiency and speed enhancements compared to 5.0 found in the A52.
- Improved Audio Features: Hi-Res audio support and 2 microphones provide an edge in sound quality.
- Lighter & Thinner Design: Might be more comfortable for some users.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A52 sacrifices battery life and performance for a better camera system, screen protection and software updates.
- The Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro offers better overall performance and battery but has a less capable camera system and no confirmed software updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User:
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, especially in low-light, will prefer the A52. This would include those who frequently take photos of people (selfies) or use their phones for social media.
- Users who value Software Support: Users who want long term software support.
- Users who value build quality and display protection: Users who want increased display protection will prefer the A52.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who enjoy high-quality video content and high-resolution videos can take advantage of 4k video capabilities.
- Users who value Optical Image Stabilization: Users who take a lot of videos might prefer the OIS.
Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro Ideal User:
- Gamers & Performance Users: Users who prioritize gaming, app performance and fast loading times.
- Battery Life Conscious Users: Users who need a long-lasting battery for extended usage will appreciate the Poco M4 Pro’s larger battery capacity and fast charging.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who use headphones frequently and value Hi-Res audio and good mic quality.
- Budget-conscious users: Users who are looking for the best value for their money, sacrificing camera quality for other enhancements.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Taking photos and videos of family and friends, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
- Watching movies and videos where color accuracy is important.
- Daily social media browsing and posting, requiring high quality images and videos.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro:
- Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
- Long days away from a charger.
- Listening to music through headphones.
- Users who want better overall performance from their phones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is camera quality and versatility to you? If it's a top priority, the A52 is the better option.
- Do you prioritize performance and battery life or would you sacrifice those for a better camera? If performance and battery life are paramount, the Poco M4 Pro is a good choice.
- How much do you value display protection and software support? If this is a priority, the A52 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: User needs a reliable camera for family photos and videos, particularly in low light.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52 for its superior camera system, OIS, and 4K video capabilities.
- Scenario 2: User is a mobile gamer who needs a smooth experience and long battery life.
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro for its better performance and larger battery capacity.
- Scenario 3: User is a budget-conscious individual looking for an all-around great smartphone for daily use.
- Recommendation: Depends on preference. If camera is a must, then A52, but if battery life and performance is more important, then Poco M4 Pro.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro. While the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a superior camera system with OIS and a better screen protection, my preference is performance and long battery life, which are key for my daily use, especially when gaming and browsing the web. The Poco M4 Pro provides better performance and a larger battery which are more important for me than camera. Although the camera is still very capable, I value other specs more in this comparison. The Hi-Res audio and faster charging are nice to have as well.
