Alright, let's dive deep into this showdown between the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Motorola Edge (2022). I've got my engineering hat on, and I'm ready to break down what these specs mean for you, the everyday user. Let's see who comes out on top in the real world!
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | The Motorola Edge (2022) is a touch taller but slightly narrower and thinner, making it feel a bit more svelte in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 170g | The Motorola Edge (2022)'s 19g weight difference makes it noticeably lighter, which is great for comfortable, long-term usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar, with the Motorola Edge (2022) offering just a bit more screen real estate. Unlikely to feel drastically different. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp and clear visuals, suitable for all daily tasks and media consumption. |
| PPI | 405 | 399 | Both phones have nearly identical pixel density, ensuring sharp text and images. Very difficult for the average eye to tell the difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both technologies deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks, which is great for watching movies, gaming and everyday use. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | Motorola Edge (2022) has slightly smoother scrolling and animations, though the difference is only really noticeable if you put them side by side. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The Samsung A52s 5G wins by a mile here. The Motorola Edge is not rated and has therefore no information regarding nits. This makes the A52s great in bright daylight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Different chips, but both built on the 6nm process. The Snapdragon is known for its more mature software and processing; MediaTek is more about price/perf ratio. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 522,375 | The Samsung A52s 5G benchmarks slightly higher, translating to smoother operation when multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Different GPUs mean different graphics architectures. Both are capable for daily tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.00µm | Samsung has higher resolution; Motorola has a larger sensor and pixel size for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Lens | 32MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.45, 0.70µm | Samsung's wider aperture might mean slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/1.5, 1.12µm | Motorola's wider aperture and larger pixel size indicates potentially better wide-angle low-light performance. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP | None | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 20MP, f/2.4, 1/2.83", 0.90µm | Motorola's dedicated Macro lens has significantly higher resolution and a larger sensor for better close-ups. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps with EIS | Both capture stable 4K video, but the Motorola Edge (2022) has an edge with 1080p at 120fps. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS | Triple camera, OIS | Both offer OIS and great core functionalities, but each setup is slightly different. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Motorola Edge (2022) has a larger battery, likely translating to longer usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 30W | Motorola Edge (2022) offers slightly faster charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | 15W Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | Motorola Edge (2022) adds convenient wireless charging and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Samsung A52s comes with Android 11 but the great thing is that it can be upgraded to the latest available software. Motorola is unfortunately limited with updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the latest Wi-Fi standard, ensuring fast and stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Motorola Edge (2022) has a newer version, which may translate to better energy efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Motorola Edge (2022)'s eSIM allows for more flexibility in switching carriers digitally. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 128GB or 256GB | Both have the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Ample RAM on both for multitasking and smooth operation. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both are limited in that neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise-cancelling microphone, 3 mics | Motorola's audio system has more features like noise cancelling mics and 3 microphones |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide a basic and reliable way to secure your phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Samsung A52s 5G uses the slightly stronger Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Motorola Edge offers a wider variety of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Strengths:
- Brighter Display: The significantly brighter 800-nit screen ensures better outdoor visibility, particularly in direct sunlight.
- Stronger Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers slightly better scratch resistance and protection than Gorilla Glass 3.
- Superior Benchmarks: The Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset shows a slight edge in performance benchmarks.
- Depth Camera: Includes a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode effects.
- Upgradable OS: While it launches with Android 11, it can be upgraded to the latest Android versions.
- Competitive Advantages: The screen is brighter and performs better in outdoor conditions. The extra depth camera enhances the quality of portrait mode photos.
- Trade-offs: Heavier and thicker than the Motorola Edge (2022), and lacks wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities. Older Bluetooth Version.
Motorola Edge (2022):
- Strengths:
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable for extended use, thanks to a lighter and slimmer design.
- Larger Battery: A 500mAh larger battery offers a better chance of extended battery life.
- Faster Charging: 30W charging is a bit faster than Samsung's 25W.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Charging: Adds convenient wireless and reverse charging features.
- Better Macro and Wide Angle Lens: Superior macro lens and wide angle aperture and sensor allows better close up and wide angle shots
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Offers better energy efficiency with Bluetooth 5.2.
- More Sensors: Environmental sensors, including a barometer, which makes for a more feature-rich device overall.
- Better Audio: Features stereo speakers, 3 microphones, and noise canceling microphone.
- Competitive Advantages: The Edge (2022) boasts a more modern feature set, with wireless charging, reverse charging, and enhanced camera features making it a great choice for those who need a well-rounded, day-to-day device.
- Trade-offs: Not as bright of a screen for outdoor use. The Android OS is not the latest and has limited updates.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize screen visibility in bright environments, slightly better processing power, and better portrait photos.
- Use Cases: Outdoor photographers, users who work in bright environments, frequent social media users, or users who like having the latest Android OS.
- Motorola Edge (2022):
- Best for: Users who need a lightweight phone with long battery life, convenient wireless charging, excellent macro photography, and more audio capabilities.
- Use Cases: Travel, media consumption, and users who need a well-rounded phone with multiple functionalities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to guide your decision:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you spend a lot of time outdoors or work in bright conditions, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the better choice, thanks to its impressive brightness.
- Do you need wireless charging and reverse charging? If these are important to your lifestyle, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear winner.
- Which camera system is better? Both phones take great photos, but the A52s is better for portraits, while the Motorola is better for macro and wide-angle photos. If you are looking for superior audio capabilities, the Motorola Edge wins in that category as well.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Outdoor Enthusiast: If you're often outdoors, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the better fit due to its brighter screen.
- The Multi-Tasker: If you want the convenience of wireless charging and longer battery life, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the superior choice.
- The Social Media Enthusiast: If you want the best portraits, the A52s has a dedicated depth camera, making it a great choice. If you like macro shots, the Motorola edge has the better macro sensor.
My Pick
If I had to choose between these two, I'd lean toward the Motorola Edge (2022). Its balance of a lighter design, better battery life, wireless charging, a great Macro and wide-angle lens, and the inclusion of a newer Bluetooth version and improved audio system make it a more compelling all-rounder. While the Samsung A52s 5G is excellent in its own right, the Edge (2022) aligns more closely with my personal needs for daily use. I prioritize a good balance of performance, battery life, and convenience which the Edge delivers. The slightly higher display refresh rate is a bonus too. The A52s wins on screen brightness and better portrait quality, but not enough to sway my decision from the Edge.
