Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). These two devices represent interesting options in the mid-range market, each with its own set of strengths and trade-offs. As always, we’ll focus on what these specs mean for you, the user, in everyday situations.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, 189g | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm, 202g | The Moto G is taller and thicker, and also a bit heavier, making the A52s feel a bit more compact in hand. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphone designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference; both are good for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both are Full HD+ panels; sharp and detailed visuals. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 399 PPI | Practically indistinguishable sharpness; both offer crisp text and images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes and is better in sunlight. LCD will be more color accurate. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | The A52s is significantly brighter, making it much better for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | Both are capable mid-range chips but the Gen 1 is newer. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 565,000 | Very similar performance in day to day use. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 | Both are capable, but the Adreno 710 in the Moto G is a newer architecture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | The Moto G should offer noticeably longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | The A52s charges a bit faster but has the smaller battery. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard in modern smartphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | A52s has a higher megapixel count, but the Moto G has a larger sensor and pixel size; Moto G may be better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.5 | The A52s captures more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | The A52s offers an ultra-wide-angle perspective. |
| Depth Sensor (Portrait) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52s has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | Moto G has a combined wide-angle and macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps, EIS | Up to 4K@30fps | Both offer 4K recording and video stabilization, the Moto has 240FPS slow motion while the A52s has 120FPS. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, OIS, EIS | Dual camera, OIS, Ultra stable video | Samsung has more lenses while the Moto has 'ultra stable' recording features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Moto G comes with a newer Android version; A52s should have one more system update, however. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer the latest WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Moto G has a more advanced, power-efficient Bluetooth version, with better codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both have accurate positioning, but the Motorola has dual-band GPS for greater accuracy in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | The A52s offers dual SIM capability for managing two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Both offer the same storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Both offer multiple variants, RAM can impact multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Moto G has a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Moto G has a modern, more convenient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has a superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A52s has more sensors while the MotoG has all the necessary ones. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Display Champion: The AMOLED display with its vibrant colors and high brightness is a clear advantage for those who value visual quality.
- Camera Versatility: The quad-camera setup offers more flexibility, including a wide-angle lens, macro lens, and a depth sensor.
- Fast Charging: Slightly faster charging capability means less time tethered to a power outlet.
- Dual SIM: For those needing multiple phone numbers, the A52s offers dual SIM functionality.
- Screen Protection: The Gorilla Glass 5 provides a degree of protection against scratches and accidental drops.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Stylus Integration: The built-in stylus adds unique value for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
- Battery Life: The larger battery capacity ensures extended usage time.
- Modern Audio: Stereo speakers and dual microphones offer a better media consumption experience.
- Newer Chipset: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 is newer and more power-efficient than the 778G.
- Upgraded Bluetooth: The 5.2 LE standard provides faster speeds and better power efficiency.
- Dual Band GPS: For better navigation accuracy.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: This is more modern and ergonomic.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung: The A52s has the smaller battery and lacks the stylus and improved Bluetooth. It also has an older Android version at launch.
- Motorola: The display technology is not as good, and it has only the single camera compared to the multiple lenses on the A52s, it also lacks the Gorilla Glass protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Here’s a quick look at who each phone is best suited for:
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: Ideal for users who value a vibrant, high-brightness display, camera versatility, and dual-SIM capabilities. This phone is great for media consumption, social media, and photography enthusiasts.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): Best for users who need long battery life, a stylus for productivity or creativity, better audio, and a device with the latest bluetooth. Great for note-takers, artists, and those who use their phones for multimedia.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these two:
- How important is display quality? If you prioritize vivid colors, deep blacks, and high brightness for outdoor use, the A52s’ AMOLED screen is a clear winner. If color accuracy matters more and you're not often in bright sunlight, the Moto G's LCD screen will work just fine.
- Do I need a stylus, or do I value a multi-lens camera more? The Moto G Stylus offers a built-in stylus that can be quite useful, if that is not important to you then the versatility of the A52s multiple lenses will likely be more useful.
- What is my priority; Battery or Speed? If you need all day battery then the Motorola will win, if you can plug in more often then the faster charging of the Samsung might be more ideal.
My Choice
If I were to choose between the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), I would go with the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023).
Reasoning: As a tech journalist, I often need to multitask, take notes, and have access to clear audio for recording and consuming media. The Stylus functionality is a key differentiator and enhances productivity with note-taking and creative expression. While the AMOLED display of the A52s is great, the newer chipset, improved battery life, enhanced audio features, and stylus of the Moto G, are more compelling to my needs. In real-world testing the slightly more modern processor may perform better, and the improved battery and bluetooth will be something I use every day.
Both devices are impressive, but the Moto G’s distinct advantages align better with my preferences and workflow.
Ultimately, the best phone for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you in daily life, and your budget of course, then you'll make the best decision!
