1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | ZTE is taller, Samsung is wider. Similar thickness means both will feel alike in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 204g | Samsung is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long use. ZTE feels more substantial. |
| Build Material | Not specified | Not specified | Without specific materials, impact on durability is unknown. |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung screen is more resistant to scratches and impacts. ZTE has unspecified protection |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE has a slightly larger display, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1116x2480 | ZTE has slightly sharper display, but difference not very significant. |
| PPI | 407 | 400 | Both phones have very similar pixel density, so no visible difference in sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Similar quality, vibrant colors and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | ZTE has smoother scrolling and animations, more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE has much better visibility in direct sunlight. Samsung's brightness is not listed, making it difficult to compare. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 720G (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | ZTE has significantly faster and more efficient processor. Better app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 341,212 | 1,061,300 | ZTE is over 3 times faster. Noticeable speed difference for all tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 618 | Adreno 730 | ZTE has a much more powerful GPU, better for graphics intensive tasks and gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 64MP f/1.6, 1/1.72", 0.7µm | ZTE has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better low-light photos. Samsung has slightly larger sensor for better light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm | 16MP f/2.0, 1.22µm | Samsung has higher resolution, ZTE has wider aperture and larger pixels for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP f/3.5, 1/2", 0.7µm | ZTE has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, Samsung lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide angle camera. ZTE lacks this |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE has ToF 3D sensor |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | Samsung has depth sensor for portrait mode, ZTE lacks this |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | None | Samsung has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, ZTE lacks this |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 64MP f/2.3, 1/1.72", 0.7µm | ZTE combines wide-angle and macro functionality in a single sensor |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | ZTE can record higher resolution video and at higher frame rates. Superior video recording capabilities |
| Camera Features | OIS, EIS, Digital zoom, HDR, etc. | OIS, EIS, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, HDR, Under display camera, RAW, etc. | Both phones have basic camera features, ZTE additionally has 8K video, optical zoom, and RAW support. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | ZTE has a larger battery, likely longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W | 65W | ZTE charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | QC2.0, AFC | None | Samsung offers older Qualcomm and Samsung fast-charging technology. ZTE doesn't offer that, but it has faster charging speed. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages
- Lighter Design: At 189g, it is noticeably more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Wider Selection of Camera Lenses: Offers dedicated macro and depth lenses, and a wide angle camera for versatile photography.
- Screen Protection: Has Corning Gorilla Glass 5, providing better scratch resistance
- More Mature Software: Samsung has better software support for longer, with Android 14 as the highest version available.
- Wider Availability: Generally more accessible in many markets.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers significantly better processing and graphics performance, ideal for demanding tasks.
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 120Hz screen provides a smoother user experience.
- Brighter Screen: 1500 nits brightness ensures better outdoor visibility
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: Provides longer battery life and significantly faster charging times.
- More Advanced Video Recording: 8K recording, 4K at 120 fps, and advanced video features.
- Telephoto Lens: Dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, a feature absent in the Galaxy A52.
- Under Display Camera: Offers a more immersive, unobstructed display experience.
- More Storage Options: Offers a massive 1 TB option for storage.
- Advanced Camera Features: Offers features such as RAW and Phase detection autofocus (PDAF).
Trade-offs
- Samsung: While it offers a good overall experience, it is significantly less powerful and has a lower display refresh rate. The battery is smaller and charging slower.
- ZTE: Although it excels in performance and has more advanced features, the lack of Gorilla Glass protection for the screen is a downside, and its availability and software support are not as widely established as Samsung. It lacks a macro and depth sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52 Ideal User
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a reliable, mid-range phone with good everyday performance.
- Casual photographers: Who want versatile camera lenses for varied shots and easy operation.
- Users who prefer lightweight devices: Find comfort in a lighter device for long use and ease of carrying.
- Users that prioritize long term software support: Who want to stay on the latest OS versions for as long as possible
- Users with Established Brand Preference: Preferring the familiarity and reliability of the Samsung brand.
Specific Use Cases: Social media, web browsing, moderate gaming, casual photography, general everyday use.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Ideal User
- Power users: Who demand the best possible performance for gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Mobile content creators: Who need top-tier video recording capabilities and advanced features.
- Users who prioritize display quality: Enjoy a smooth and bright display for immersive media consumption.
- Users wanting the most storage: Requires the most storage capacity
- Users who enjoy cutting-edge tech: Appreciate innovative features such as the under display camera and fast charging.
Specific Use Cases: High-end mobile gaming, professional video recording, editing, viewing HDR content, heavy multitasking, and mobile productivity.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- How important is raw performance? (If you're a power user or gamer, the ZTE is the better choice.)
- What's more important: Camera versatility or video quality? (Samsung has more lenses, while ZTE has better video features and quality.)
- Is long term software support a priority? (If yes, the Samsung is better.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. It offers good value for the price with reliable performance, a good set of cameras, and a lighter design.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and High Performance:
- Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Its superior chipset, GPU, and high refresh rate make it ideal for demanding gaming and performance tasks.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Content Creation:
- Recommendation: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. The 8K video recording, advanced video features, and telephoto lens provide a better experience for mobile video production.
- Scenario 4: Casual User:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52. It provides a great user experience for all everyday activities.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would go with the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. Although both phones have their ups and downs, the superior performance of the ZTE makes it a more appealing phone overall. I want a phone that can handle demanding tasks, and the ZTE clearly outshines the Samsung in this category. I also value the smoother display, brighter screen, and the higher quality video recording capabilities which makes this phone a much more compelling option. The faster charging and greater battery capacity are also very valuable features for someone who is on their phone a lot. While I acknowledge the potential downsides of a less established brand, the raw power and cutting-edge features of the ZTE make it my preferred choice.
