Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Motorola Moto G (2023). We've got two compelling mid-range contenders here, each with its own set of strengths and trade-offs. I'm going to break it all down, from the tech specs to real-world usage, so you know exactly what you're getting.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 164 x 75 x 8.4 mm | The Moto G is slightly taller but both are nearly identical in width and thickness; should feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 189g | 189g | Both phones weigh the same, so neither will feel noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, but... |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 (FHD+) | 720 x 1600 (HD+) | A52s: Sharper, clearer visuals, better for detailed content. Moto G: Less sharp, may notice pixelation in text and detailed graphics. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 405 | 270 | A52s: Crisper text, smoother images. Moto G: Image detail is noticeably less sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A52s: More vibrant colors, deep blacks, better contrast, excellent for media consumption. Moto G: Good color accuracy, but less contrast, blacks appear less deep. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations; good for gaming. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A52s: Much better outdoor visibility, easily readable in sunlight. Moto G: likely not bright enough for direct sunlight, brightness data missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8nm) | A52s: Faster, more responsive for multitasking, demanding apps. Moto G: Capable but less responsive under heavy loads. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 380,000 | A52s: Noticeably faster loading apps, smoother gaming. Moto G: Good for basic daily tasks but may lag in demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 | A52s: Superior graphics performance, better for high-end gaming and GPU intensive apps. Moto G: Solid for basic games, not great for graphics-heavy tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm) | 48MP (f/1.7, 0.8µm) | A52s: More detail in photos, slightly less light gathering ability (smaller aperture). Moto G: Good detail in ideal lighting; wider aperture should help in low light, though lacking the dedicated OIS of the A52s. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.0, 1.12µm) | A52s: Higher resolution selfies with more detail. Moto G: Less detail, but bigger pixel size can help in low light. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP (f/2.2) | None | A52s: Versatile wide-angle shots. Moto G: No ultrawide option. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP (f/2.4) | None | A52s: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. Moto G: Relies on software for portraits. |
| Macro | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 1.75µm) | A52s: More detail in macro shots. Moto G: Basic macro capabilities, less detailed images. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS | 1080p@30fps | A52s: Higher resolution, sharper videos with good stabilization. Moto G: Decent video for social media use. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Moto G: Potentially longer battery life thanks to larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | A52s: Faster recharge time. Moto G: Slower charging speed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Moto G is newer out of the box, but the A52s gets Android 14 making both quite up to date. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | A52s: Faster Wi-Fi speeds on compatible networks. Moto G: Slightly slower Wi-Fi speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Moto G: Better energy efficiency, slightly more reliable connectivity, but less supported profiles overall |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB/256 GB | 128 GB | A52s: Option for more storage for apps, photos, videos. Moto G: Sufficient for average use, but only one storage option. |
| RAM | 6GB/8 GB | 4 GB | A52s: Better multitasking, more apps can stay active in the background. Moto G: Fewer apps can be kept active and might reload more often when switching between apps |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither has microSD card support. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Motorola has better audio quality due to the stereo speakers and two microphones, Samsung gives the option of Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic in screen | Side-mounted | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor tends to be faster and more reliable. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52s: Better resistance to scratches and minor impacts. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: This phone is a powerhouse in terms of display quality and performance. The AMOLED screen is significantly better, the Snapdragon 778G chip delivers a faster experience, and the camera setup is more versatile, giving you a lot more flexibility in shooting. The 25W fast charging is also a plus for faster top-ups. It's the superior choice for media consumers, gamers, and those who value a premium feel.
- Motorola Moto G (2023): While it lags behind the A52s in several key areas, the Moto G offers solid value. Its larger battery is a great advantage, ensuring it can last through a full day with ease, although it charges slower. It comes with a more up-to-date OS out of the box and its audio is superior. The Moto G is a reliable option for users on a budget or those who prioritize battery life over other features.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Ideal For: Media enthusiasts, gamers, photographers, and those who want a smooth experience and premium display.
- Use Cases: Binging shows, mobile gaming, capturing photos and videos, heavy app multitasking, and demanding productivity tasks.
- Motorola Moto G (2023)
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users, casual smartphone users, and people who prioritize long battery life.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, listening to music/podcasts, light gaming, and individuals that want a pure android feel.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you value vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high resolution, the Samsung A52s's AMOLED panel is a must-have. If you're okay with a less sharp but still usable screen, the Moto G will suffice.
- Do you need top-tier performance? For demanding tasks, the Snapdragon 778G in the A52s delivers a noticeable boost. The Moto G is okay for basic use, but the A52s handles apps more smoothly and games better.
- What’s your battery priority? While the A52s has faster charging, the Moto G has a larger battery, which will likely last you longer on a single charge. The A52s charges faster if that is a priority.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You love watching movies and playing graphics-intensive games.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G, due to its superior display, performance, and graphics.
- Scenario 2: You need a reliable phone for everyday use, with great battery life that is also affordable.
- Recommendation: Motorola Moto G (2023), because it nails the basics and has great battery life.
- Scenario 3: You want a good camera with versatile features.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G, due to the wide-angle lens, higher-resolution sensors, and OIS.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. Here's why:
As someone who works in the tech industry, I greatly value screen quality and responsiveness. The AMOLED display on the A52s is simply a joy to use for media consumption, and it feels much more premium. While I do appreciate the Moto G’s long battery life, the faster performance and higher quality camera system on the A52s make a bigger difference for me. The ability to capture high-resolution photos and record in 4K also makes it more aligned with my needs for content creation and social sharing. In my opinion, the enhanced overall user experience justifies its selection, so for me the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear winner.
