1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.6 × 75.8 × 8.8 mm | Redmi Note 11S 5G is slightly taller and thicker, might feel marginally less comfortable in hand |
| Weight | 189g | 195g | A52 is slightly lighter, potentially better for extended single-hand use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference, similar viewing experience |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity |
| PPI | 407 | 399 | Almost identical pixel density, very similar visual clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colours, and better battery efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to determine real-world brightness |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) | Dimensity 810 is slightly more efficient and has better performance, resulting in slightly faster app loading & smoother operation. |
| AnTuTu Score | 341,212 | 438,700 | Redmi Note 11S 5G is faster in benchmarks, should translate to better day-to-day performance |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Different GPUs, benchmark scores suggest Xiaomi has better graphics performance, suitable for gaming |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Redmi Note 11S 5G has better battery life, enabling longer usage between charges |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 11S 5G charges faster, reducing downtime |
| Features | QC2.0 and AFC | Non-removable | Samsung A52 supports Quick Charge and Adaptive Fast Charging for potentially faster charging speeds with compatible chargers |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | A52 has higher resolution and larger sensor, likely to capture more detail and better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616 | 13MP, f/2.4, Unknown | A52 has significantly higher resolution and slightly wider aperture, resulting in better selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown | A52 captures more detailed wide angle shots |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait effects |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown | A52 has a higher resolution macro camera which allows for better close up shots |
| Video Resolution | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps | A52 supports 4K video recording, delivering higher quality videos, both have 1080p recording support. |
| Video Stabilization | EIS | No | Samsung A52 has EIS for video stabilization. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | 65 (Mobile), 50 (Photo), 83 (Video) | Xiaomi's DXOMark scores are available, indicating average photo and good video performance. A52 doesn't have scores |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, Continuous autofocus, 4K video, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Triple camera, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode | Samsung A52 has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which allows for better low light performance. Xiaomi has manual focus option. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | Android 11, no confirmed max | Samsung A52 has confirmed upgrades to Android 14, offering extended software support and security updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support dual-band WiFi, offering similar wireless performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, ANT+ | 5.1 LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Redmi Note 11S 5G has newer Bluetooth with more codecs for better wireless audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | A52 supports more satellite systems (incl. Beidou), offering improved location accuracy, especially in challenging conditions |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM cards, allowing simultaneous use of two networks |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | A52 offers 256GB storage option, providing more room for files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | A52 offers up to 8GB of RAM for smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G offers enhanced audio quality features and voice recording capabilities while Samsung has Dolby Digital Plus |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xiaomi has a faster, more convenient side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung A52 has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung A52 includes Gyroscope, useful for gaming and VR; Xiaomi includes compass for navigation |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the Redmi's IPS LCD.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, plus the addition of OIS, resulting in better photo quality, especially in low light and better video stabilization
- More Versatile Camera: Features a dedicated depth sensor and a higher resolution macro lens.
- Higher Storage Option: Available with 256GB of internal storage, and more RAM configuration of 8 GB for demanding users.
- Guaranteed Software Updates: Confirmed updates up to Android 14 offer long-term security and feature enhancements.
- Additional GPS Support: Includes Beidou for more accurate GPS in various scenarios
- Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5 for better protection
- Battery Features: Includes QC 2.0 and AFC.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G Advantages:
- Better Performance: The Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset provides higher performance compared to the Snapdragon 720G, resulting in faster app loading and gaming.
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery capacity for longer usage between charges.
- Faster Charging: 33W charging significantly reduces recharge time.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with additional codecs (APT-x, LDAC, AAC) for improved wireless audio.
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: Uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Better Audio Features: Hi-Res audio playback, enhanced spatial audio, and better voice capture.
- Affordable Price: Generally more affordable than the Samsung Galaxy A52, offering a strong price-to-performance ratio.
Trade-offs:
- Display: Samsung Galaxy A52 has a superior AMOLED display, but the Xiaomi Note 11S 5G has a larger display.
- Camera: The A52 has a better overall camera system, but the 11S 5G has a DXOMark score indicating good video quality.
- Software Support: A52 is guaranteed more OS updates, but the max version of the Redmi Note 11S 5G is unknown.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more capable camera system for detailed photos, including low light and a better selfie camera.
- Long-Term Users: Users who value guaranteed software updates and security for long-term usage.
- Users who value better location accuracy Users who want better GPS support with Beidou.
- Users who want better screen protection: Uses Gorilla Glass 5.
Use Cases for Galaxy A52:
- Binge-watching videos on a vibrant display.
- Capturing detailed travel photos and everyday moments, including good selfies.
- Using the device for multiple years with consistent software support.
- Navigating through unknown locations.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is ideal for:
- Gamers: Users who want the highest possible performance for mobile gaming.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a good balance of performance and features at a lower price point.
- Heavy Users: Users who prioritize battery life and fast charging.
- Audio Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate high-quality audio through headphones and external speakers.
- Users who want fast fingerprint unlocking: side-mounted fingerprint.
Use Cases for Redmi Note 11S 5G:
- Playing graphically intensive games and multitasking.
- Using the phone heavily throughout the day without needing frequent recharges.
- Listening to music or watching videos with Bluetooth headphones.
- Quickly unlocking phone.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much do you value display quality? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD)
- How important is camera performance and versatility? (Higher resolution vs. good video capabilities)
- Do you prioritize performance, battery life, and faster charging, or long-term software updates? (Chipset performance and updates)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Premium Visual Experience - If your top priority is a vibrant and high-contrast display for enjoying media, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gaming and Performance - If you're a gamer or need a responsive device, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G delivers better performance.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User - If you're looking for the best value for the money and prioritize battery and speed, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S 5G is more budget-friendly.
- Scenario 4: Camera-Centric User - If you frequently take photos and videos and prioritize camera quality, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is the better option.
What I would choose and why!
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
My primary reasons are:
- Superior Display: As someone who consumes a lot of media and values a great viewing experience, the AMOLED display with its vibrant colors and deep blacks is a significant advantage.
- Better Overall Camera System: I value versatile photography capabilities and frequently use my phone's camera, and the better main, front, and macro cameras on the A52 make it more appealing. The inclusion of OIS for video stabilization is also a big plus.
- Long-Term Software Support: The guaranteed OS updates up to Android 14 are essential for security and access to new features, making the phone more future-proof. While the Redmi Note 11S 5G is a very capable device, especially when considering its price point and performance, I value the overall package that the A52 delivers more.
The slight performance trade-off is acceptable given my usage patterns, where display quality, photography, and long-term support are higher priorities. While faster charging and battery life are convenient, they aren't my primary decision drivers.
