Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. These two phones, while both vying for your attention, are aimed at slightly different user needs and preferences. I'll break down the specs and give you my take on which one might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specifications, organized into meaningful categories, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Motorola Edge 30 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-01 | 2022-03-04 | The Edge 30 Pro is significantly newer, likely benefitting from newer tech. |
| Size | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 163.1 x 76 x 8.8 mm | The A52s is slightly smaller and thinner, which may feel more comfortable for some hands, while the Edge 30 Pro is taller and thicker, but not by much. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | The A52s is marginally lighter, which can make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Edge 30 Pro has a slightly larger screen for more immersive media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 405 | 393 | Both offer great pixel density, almost the same. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both use high quality display technologies, offering excellent color reproduction and deep blacks |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 144Hz | The Edge 30 Pro has a slightly smoother scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A52s will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight. The 0 nits listed for the Edge 30 Pro doesn't make sense so it may have to be updated. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G (6nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Edge 30 Pro’s flagship chip provides substantially better performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 1,061,400 | The Edge 30 Pro has 86% higher score which means faster performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | The Edge 30 Pro's GPU enables better graphics performance for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55" | The A52s has a higher megapixel count but the Edge 30 Pro has a larger sensor for better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 60MP, f/2.2 , 1/2.8" | The Edge 30 Pro has higher resolution selfie camera, A52s has wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | No | The A52s has a dedicated wide-angle lens for versatile shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A52s has a slightly higher resolution depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | The A52s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | No | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" | The Edge 30 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens that also functions as a Macro. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The Edge 30 Pro offers much higher video recording capabilities, up to 8k resolution. |
| DXOMARK | No Result | 101 | The Edge 30 Pro is tested and scored well in DXOMARK tests. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera | Triple Camera | Samsung has a dedicated quad-camera setup while Motorola has a triple camera setup. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4800mAh | The Edge 30 Pro has slightly larger battery, which may translate to slightly longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 68W Fast | The Edge 30 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-Removable | Reverse, Wireless 15W | The Edge 30 Pro has more features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 13) | The Edge 30 Pro launched with a newer Android version, but A52s is expected to have longer software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both support fast and reliable wireless internet. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | The Edge 30 Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512 GB | The Edge 30 Pro offers more storage options, a higher 512GB option. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12 GB | The Edge 30 Pro offers configurations with more RAM, which can improve multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither have expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Motorola has better audio quality overall. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Strengths: Well-rounded midrange device with a very good AMOLED display, a versatile camera setup including a dedicated wide-angle and macro lens, and good battery life with decent fast charging. It also is expected to have longer software support. Its brightness makes it more suitable for outdoor usage.
- Competitive Advantages: The A52s offers a more complete camera package with its quad-lens setup, which is especially appealing to mobile photographers on a budget. Its bright display makes it better suited for outdoor usage.
- Trade-offs: The A52s will fall short in raw processing power compared to the Edge 30 Pro, and it's a bit older than the Motorola device.
Motorola Edge 30 Pro
- Strengths: Flagship-level performance with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, a large and smooth display with a higher refresh rate, fast charging, a larger battery and more ram/storage options and a very capable main camera and selfie camera. Also supports wireless charging, and has much better video recording capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: This phone is for those who need top performance, a premium display experience, and quick battery top-ups, as well as wireless charging.
- Trade-offs: It lacks dedicated wide angle and macro lenses (however the ultrawide functions as macro), and it has a higher price point and doesn't have as bright a display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Ideal User: Everyday user, students, social media enthusiasts, mobile photographers on a budget.
- Use Case: Great for capturing everyday moments, browsing, media consumption and casual gaming. Its display makes it suitable for outdoor use.
- Motorola Edge 30 Pro:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, content creators, and those who appreciate a premium experience.
- Use Case: Perfect for heavy multitasking, demanding games, video editing, and anyone who needs top-notch performance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize raw performance and higher refresh rate display? If yes, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is the better choice.
- Is a versatile camera system with dedicated wide and macro lenses important to you? The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the stronger option for that.
- How important is software support and bright display for outdoor usage? The A52s is expected to have more software support and has a much brighter display making it more suited for outdoor use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Casual Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G with its full range of lenses and bright display gives you a better camera experience, although the Edge 30 pro offers better overall image quality.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Motorola Edge 30 Pro’s superior processor, GPU and high refresh rate screen will give you a much better experience.
- The Power User: If you’re doing heavy multitasking and using more demanding applications, the Motorola Edge 30 Pro is the clear winner.
Personal Choice
If I had to choose, I'd pick the Motorola Edge 30 Pro. My decision is based on a few key factors that align with my personal preferences and use cases. I value the flagship performance, as I run many demanding applications, including video editing and graphics-intensive tools and also enjoy gaming on the go. The Edge 30 Pro's processor provides a noticeable difference in responsiveness and speed. I also prefer a smoother display, which the higher refresh rate delivers. Although the A52s does have a more versatile camera setup, the Edge 30 Pro does offer a much higher overall image quality. The additional battery features like reverse and wireless charging are also a big plus. I'm willing to give up a little bit of brightness and a few more camera options, knowing that I'm getting a significantly better all-around device for my workload.
