Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Huawei nova 9 SE. These two phones are aimed at the mid-range market, but they each have their unique strengths. I'll break down the specs, talk about what they mean for you, and help you decide which one might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table with the key specs, highlighting what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Huawei nova 9 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164.6 x 75.6 x 7.9 mm | The Huawei is taller, but the Samsung is a bit thicker. Both are easy to handle, but the Huawei might feel slightly more slender in the hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 191g | Virtually identical, both feel substantial without being overly heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | The Huawei has a slightly larger screen, good for media consumption, but the Samsung's smaller size can be easier to handle one-handed. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2388 | Very similar sharpness; both displays look crisp and detailed for general use. |
| PPI | 405 | 387 | Almost identical pixel density, meaning both have great image sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Significant advantage for the Samsung. AMOLED means richer colors, deeper blacks, and better energy efficiency, especially with dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung is smoother when scrolling and gaming, making for a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The Samsung display is much brighter. Better outdoor visibility under sunlight. Huawei's brightness is not provided and assumed to be lower, making it difficult to use outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Snapdragon 680 4G | Clear win for the Samsung. The 778G is considerably more powerful, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking and much smoother gameplay. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 248,000 | This reflects the performance difference. Samsung’s score is significantly higher by 130%. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 642L in the Samsung is a more powerful GPU, meaning better gaming performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4000 mAh | Samsung has a larger battery, meaning it should last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 66W Fast Charging | Big win for the Huawei. The significantly faster charging makes a huge difference in day to day use, getting your phone topped up faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Non-removable | Reverse charging is a nice extra feature on Huawei, meaning you can use it to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9 | Huawei's higher resolution sensor theoretically captures more detail, but the Samsung's wider aperture may offer better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.2 | Samsung's higher resolution and wider aperture likely results in sharper, brighter selfies. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung gives you that extra option to fit more into the frame. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung has a higher resolution depth sensor, potentially better bokeh effect. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung has a higher resolution macro lens for close-ups. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2 | Huawei combines both features into one lens. |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS | 1080p@30fps with EIS | Samsung can shoot higher-quality videos and has EIS for steadier footage at 4K. |
| Slow-Motion | 120fps | 960fps | Huawei wins here with super slow-motion recording. |
| Features | OIS | 4K Video, Manual focus | Both have excellent features and video functionality, with the Samsung having OIS, and Huawei having 4k video, manual focus, and ultra stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | Both start with Android 11, with Samsung offering an upgrade path to 14, meaning it is more future-proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Both phones have WiFi 6, but the Huawei includes WiFi MiMO, which can improve wifi performance and stability in some networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 with many features | Bluetooth 5.0 with AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Samsung has much more bluetooth support with features while Huawei focuses on better audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Huawei's support for BeiDou (B1) is an advantage for precise location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 128/256 GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Enough RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not offer expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos on the Samsung offers an enhanced sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Huawei features a more modern, convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has a good protection on the screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Samsung has Ultrasonic Proximity, Hall and Geomagnetic sensors while Huawei only features Proximity. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate is noticeably better, with richer colors, deeper blacks and smoother animations.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 778G 5G processor provides significantly better performance for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Better Camera System: More versatile camera system with a wide-angle lens and higher resolution front camera.
- More Future Proof: Promised upgrade to Android 14.
- Larger Battery: The 4500 mAh battery will likely provide longer battery life.
Huawei nova 9 SE Strengths:
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging is a big advantage for quick power-ups.
- High-Resolution Main Camera: 108MP sensor for detailed photos, but performance depends more on processing.
- Super Slow-Motion Video: 960 fps offers unique creative options.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient and modern location.
- Reverse Charging: Ability to charge other devices.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung: Slower charging speed than Huawei.
- Huawei: Noticeably weaker performance, less vibrant display, lower-resolution selfie camera and no optical image stabilisation.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is Best For:
- Gamers: The powerful processor and smoother display make it ideal for mobile gaming.
- Media Enthusiasts: The AMOLED display provides an immersive experience for movies and videos.
- Photography Lovers: The versatile camera system, especially the addition of a wide-angle lens, offers lots of flexibility.
- Users who value a smooth user experience: The faster refresh rate and processing make every day use feel more fluid.
Huawei nova 9 SE is Best For:
- Users Prioritizing Battery Charging: The ultra-fast charging is ideal for those who need quick top-ups.
- Casual Photographers: The 108MP main camera and super slow-motion offer unique creative potential.
- Users who value aesthetics: The slender design and convenient fingerprint sensor add to the user experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To decide between these phones, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality? If you watch lots of videos and want rich colors and deep blacks, the Samsung’s AMOLED screen is a clear advantage.
- How much do you value performance? If you play games or need smooth multitasking, the Samsung's processor is significantly better.
- Do you need the fastest possible charging? If this is a priority, the Huawei’s 66W charging is a major draw.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Gaming Enthusiast - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G for its superior processing power and smoother display.
- Scenario 2: Busy Professional - Choose the Huawei nova 9 SE for its fast charging and great camera.
- Scenario 3: Media Lover - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G for its more immersive AMOLED display and better quality videos.
- Scenario 4: Casual User - If you are not planning to do too much gaming, and use your phone mainly for calls and social media, the Huawei offers an overall good experience, with fast charging.
My Choice
If I had to pick, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. For me, the superior display and performance are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable daily experience, and these outweigh the Huawei's faster charging. The AMOLED screen and 120Hz refresh rate are a real treat, and I find the versatility of the camera setup more compelling. Although fast charging is great, I value the longer battery life and higher-quality experience offered by the A52s 5G.
