Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Nokia G60. As a tech journalist, I'm less interested in marketing fluff and more concerned with how these devices perform in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side look at the specs, focusing on what they actually mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Nokia G60 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 166 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Nokia is a bit taller and slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Virtually identical weight; both feel comfortable in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.58" | Very similar sizes, a negligible difference in the real world. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Sharpeness is practically the same. |
| PPI | 405 | 401 | Both offer a sharp display; no noticeable difference in clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Major difference: AMOLED delivers richer blacks, better contrast, more vibrant colors and higher energy efficiency on dark mode compared to IPS LCD |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits (not provided) | Significant difference: Galaxy A52s is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | 778G offers better CPU and GPU performance; translates to smoother, faster app loading, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 410,072 | Galaxy A52s performs significantly better, roughly 40% faster in benchmarks; noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 | Adreno 642L provides smoother graphics, making it slightly better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, OIS | 50MP, f/1.8 | Galaxy A52s has a higher resolution and optical image stabilization (OIS), enhancing low-light and clarity |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Galaxy A52s takes much more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.0 | Galaxy A52s' ultrawide captures significantly more detail with a bigger sensor. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Galaxy A52s' depth sensor produces better portrait shots with smoother background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | Galaxy A52s has a macro camera that allows you to capture detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | Galaxy A52s has superior video recording capabilities, with higher resolution and image stabilization. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF | CDAF, Night Mode | Galaxy A52s offers more image stabilization options, while the Nokia has a dedicated night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity; expect comparable daily battery life. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 20W fast charging | Galaxy A52s charges a bit faster, reducing the time spent tethered to an outlet. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 12 | Nokia G60 has a slightly newer base OS, but the Samsung has a higher max upgradable OS version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6 | Both offer similar WiFi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Nokia G60 has a slightly more modern and efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Nokia G60 supports additional GPS satellite systems (QZSS). |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Nokia G60 offers additional flexibility with eSIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Galaxy A52s offers higher maximum storage options. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB | Galaxy A52s offers higher maximum RAM options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic Audio | Galaxy A52s provides an enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos spatial sound. |
| Security | |||
| Biometric | Fingerprint (basic) | Fingerprint (side-mounted) | Nokia G60 has a more modern and efficient side-mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both offer similar screen protection with Gorilla Glass 5. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Galaxy A52s has a more comprehensive sensor suite |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen is a significant advantage, offering better visuals and efficiency, especially in dark environments.
- Stronger Performance: The Snapdragon 778G chipset provides a noticeable boost in speed, making the phone better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Camera System: With higher-resolution sensors, OIS, and a macro lens, the Galaxy A52s offers a more versatile and capable camera system.
- Brighter Display: Having 800 nits brightness, it is significantly more usable in direct sunlight.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support for enhanced spatial audio.
Nokia G60 Strengths:
- eSIM Support: The inclusion of eSIM adds flexibility for users who frequently switch carriers or travel.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 LE gives a slight edge in battery efficiency and connection reliability.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Considered more convenient and modern than the A52s basic fingerprint sensor.
- Wider Aperture on the Ultrawide lens: Although the resolution is less, f/2.0 aperture might help with better quality images in low-light conditions.
- Night Mode: A dedicated night mode might enhance low-light images.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G60's Lower Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chipset is less powerful than the A52s' 778G.
- Nokia G60's Inferior Display: The IPS LCD screen doesn't match the visual fidelity of the Galaxy A52s' AMOLED.
- Nokia G60's Camera: While it is a great camera, it is considerably less detailed than the Galaxy A52s' camera setup.
- Both Lack Expandable Storage: Neither phone supports microSD cards, limiting future storage upgrades.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is Ideal For:
- Visual Media Consumers: Anyone who watches a lot of videos or enjoys vibrant, high-contrast content.
- Gamers: Those who need a smoother, more responsive gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system for various scenarios.
- Users in Sunny environments: The brighter screen will be much more practical in direct sunlight.
Nokia G60 is Best Suited For:
- Travelers and Tech-Savvy Users: Those who need eSIM flexibility for switching carriers.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Efficiency: The newer Bluetooth 5.1 LE might offer minor improvements.
- Users preferring a side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Users focusing on night-time photos: A dedicated night mode might be beneficial.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider when choosing between these phones:
- Do you prioritize visual quality, performance, and camera versatility? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the clear winner with its AMOLED display, faster chipset, and superior camera system.
- Do you need eSIM support and a more modern side fingerprint reader? The Nokia G60 is worth considering if you value these features, but be aware that you will have some trade-offs with its less capable display and processing power.
- Are you mostly interested in basic smartphone functionalities The Nokia G60 is still a capable phone and is the budget option.
My Choice
If it were my money, I'd pick the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G without a second thought. The AMOLED screen alone is a game-changer, and the superior performance and camera are significant advantages. While the Nokia G60 has a few appealing features like eSIM and side fingerprint sensor, the overall user experience on the A52s would be a much more satisfying. The brighter display also makes it a clear winner for sunny day usage. For me, the vibrant display, the extra power, and the significantly better camera make the A52s the superior choice.
