Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Blackview A96. These two phones, while both aiming for the mid-range market, have some key differences that will appeal to different users.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their specs, broken down into categories, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm | A52s slightly shorter and wider, A96 is taller and a bit thinner. |
| Weight | 189g | 193.9g | Both are fairly lightweight, with very minor differences. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes for comparable viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 405 PPI | Similar clarity and sharpness on both displays. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers richer blacks, higher contrast, and better power efficiency for dark themes. A52s display is superior. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A52s has a much brighter screen for better visibility in sunlight. The A96 has no listed brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Helio G99 (6nm) | The Snapdragon offers better CPU and GPU performance for smoother multitasking and gaming. A52s is significantly faster. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 423,393 | A52s has higher benchmark scores for faster app loading and overall performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G57 MC2 | A52s Adreno 642L offers better graphics performance, useful for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 64MP (f/1.8) | 48MP (f/1.6) | A52s has higher resolution, A96 has slightly wider aperture. Samsung has a better sensor. |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/2" | A52s sensor captures more light for better low-light images. |
| Selfie Camera | |||
| Resolution | 32MP (f/2.0) | 16MP | The A52s offers higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle | |||
| Resolution | 12MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.4) | A52s captures wider shots with greater detail. |
| Depth Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | - | A52s offers better depth sensing for portrait shots. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | A52s captures close-up details more clearly. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS | 1440p@30fps | A52s offers higher video resolution, and video stabilization. |
| Additional Features | OIS, EIS, Quad Camera | Front Flash, Triple Camera | The A52s offers better stabilization, A96 front flash is better for low light selfies |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4380mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for comparable daily usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charge | 18W Fast Charge | A52s charges faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | A96 has newer OS out of the box, A52s has upgrade option but may not be updated for long. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | A52s offers faster WiFi speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, multi-feature | 5.0 (A2DP) | A52s has more robust Bluetooth profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A52s is slightly more accurate and faster due to more satellites. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256GB | Both offer similar storage capacity, with options for the A52s. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12GB | A96 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers | A96 offers slightly better audio separation, A52s has Dolby Atmos enhancements. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic, in display | Side-Mounted | The A96 has a more convenient fingerprint scanner. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52s has known, solid screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Proximity, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | A52s has a more comprehensive set of sensors for additional features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Strengths: Superior display quality (AMOLED with high brightness), faster performance (Snapdragon 778G), better main camera, higher resolution selfies, better stabilization for videos, faster charging, more comprehensive WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS capabilities, and better screen protection.
- Competitive Advantages: This is the phone to pick for a high-quality screen, processing power, solid photography and video recording, and a comprehensive user experience. It's also got a higher refresh rate of 120hz.
- Trade-offs: No expandable storage, less RAM (depending on the configuration), side fingerprint scanner.
Blackview A96
- Strengths: More RAM, stereo speakers, more modern Android out of the box, and front flash.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone aims for users who want a budget-friendly device with solid multi-tasking capabilities and value features for audio, and selfies.
- Trade-offs: Inferior display (IPS LCD with no listed brightness), lower camera quality, weaker performance, slower charging, less comprehensive connectivity, no known screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Ideal For: Users who prioritize a great viewing experience, smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, good photography, faster download/upload speeds.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, playing games, taking high-quality photos and videos, users who rely on robust connectivity.
- Blackview A96:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who need solid RAM for multitasking, enhanced audio, and want to take selfies in low light.
- Use Cases: Basic social media browsing, general app use, music listening, and users looking for decent selfies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen quality and brightness to you? If you use your phone outdoors a lot or are picky about screen quality, the Galaxy A52s 5G is the better choice.
- Do you need a device with high performance or basic functionality? If you need demanding apps or games, the Galaxy A52s 5G is a better choice. If basic functionality is all you need, the Blackview A96 will suffice.
- Do you take lots of selfies? The A96 has front flash to enhance your selfies, which might make it the best choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Power User: If you're into gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear winner.
- Scenario 2: Budget Conscious: If you prioritize budget, the Blackview A96 might be the right one, but understand the trade-offs that come with a more affordable price.
- Scenario 3: Photo Enthusiast: If you value overall camera performance, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G provides better image quality, particularly in low light, and better video capabilities.
Which Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go for the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. While it's an older device, the specifications show that it is far superior in most areas. The AMOLED display with its high brightness, the more powerful Snapdragon chipset, a higher quality main camera, a better selfie camera, a richer suite of software features, faster connectivity, all of these contribute to a much more enjoyable and capable user experience.
The Blackview A96 has more RAM and is more up to date in terms of Android, but it doesn't make up for the massive compromises on display quality, performance, and camera quality. For me, these are core to the user experience and can't be ignored. The A52s is simply a much more capable device that would be more satisfying for the long run. The A96 is fine as a very low-budget option but it falls short of most of what an average user needs.
