Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. It’s a fascinating matchup, pitting a reliable mid-ranger from a tech giant against a newcomer with a unique design ethos. I'm excited to break down what these differences mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the specs, along with what they mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-01 | 2024-08-03 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a newer device, indicating newer tech |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional slab phones |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly taller and wider; similar thickness |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Both phones are very similar in weight and feel in hand |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Very similar sharpness on both screens |
| Pixel Density | 405 ppi | 395 ppi | Both are sharp and detailed, with a very minor difference |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both devices |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is much brighter, making it easier to see outdoors in sunlight |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus’s processor is newer and more efficient |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 805,721 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers faster performance in apps and games |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G610 MC4 | Different graphics processors; Nothing Phone (2a) Plus will generally perform better in demanding tasks |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 5000 mAh | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 50W fast charging | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges significantly faster |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, No charger in box | Both are non-removable. Nothing Phone doesn’t include a charger in the box |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | |||
| Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Samsung A52s captures slightly more details, especially on paper |
| Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | Similar low-light performance |
| Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.56" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a larger sensor for better low-light and dynamic range |
| Sensor Model | Sony IMX682 Exmor RS | Samsung GN9 | Different sensor manufacturers and characteristics |
| Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has larger pixels that capture more light |
| Front Camera | |||
| Resolution | 32MP | 50MP | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a higher resolution |
| Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | Samsung has better low-light performance with its wider aperture |
| Sensor Size | N/A | 1/2.76” | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a small sensor |
| Sensor Model | N/A | Samsung S5KJN1 | Different sensor characteristics |
| Pixel Size | N/A | 0.64µm | |
| Extra Lenses | |||
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | - | Samsung offers an additional wide angle lens |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | - | Samsung offers a dedicated portrait mode lens |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | - | Samsung offers a dedicated macro lens |
| Wide Angle + Macro | - | 50MP, f/2.2 | Nothing Phone uses its wide angle as a macro lens |
| Video | |||
| Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video recording quality and stabilization features |
| Slow-motion | 120fps | 240fps | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus allows slower slow-motion footage |
| Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Samsung A52s features a quad camera setup, and Nothing has features such as RAW capture mode. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a newer Android version out of the box |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Both have WiFi 6, but Nothing has MIMO for improved WiFi performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Newer Bluetooth standard on the Nothing, supports APT-x, LDAC, SBC and AAC audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | More accurate positioning on the Nothing with additional satellite support |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support two SIM cards |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 256 GB | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is only available with 256GB storage |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Significantly more RAM on the Nothing for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| AUDIO | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better sound with Hi-Res, Stereo and 3 microphones |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint security |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Similar levels of screen protection on both phones |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung features: Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, while Nothing has a proximity and gravity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus – The Modern Performer: This phone is the clear winner in terms of raw performance. It boasts a newer, more efficient processor, a significantly higher AnTuTu score, more RAM, a brighter display, and faster charging. The camera, while having a lower resolution on paper, has a larger sensor that will likely lead to better low light and dynamic range performance. The design is distinct and unique, appealing to those who like something different, which the Nothing is known for.
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G – The Feature-Rich All-Rounder: The A52s, while older, still holds its own. It has a more versatile camera system with dedicated lenses for wide angle, portrait, and macro shots. Its software experience is more mature and feature-rich than Nothing’s. The A52s also has a slightly sharper display and provides Dolby Atmos for immersive audio, which the Nothing lacks. It is also well established and supported by a strong manufacturer.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is ideal for:
- Power Users: Those who value performance, speed, and smooth multitasking, such as gamers and heavy app users.
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phone, benefitting from the larger, brighter display and higher-quality audio.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want something a bit different and appreciate new technology.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is best for:
- Casual Photographers: Those who want a variety of camera options and capture different kinds of photos regularly.
- Everyday Users: Those who want a reliable, feature-rich phone with a familiar user experience.
- Audio Lovers: Those who appreciate the immersive sound of Dolby Atmos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize raw performance, battery, and a modern Android experience, or camera versatility and established ecosystem?
- If performance and fast charging are more important, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice.
- If you prioritize camera versatility and a more feature-rich OS, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is better.
- How much do you value having the latest software and cutting-edge tech versus a proven device with good support?
- The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a more modern design and software experience.
- The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is a proven reliable performer and has a well-supported ecosystem.
- How much value do you place on a unique design and newer features over more common place design and established reliability?
- If you want a phone that stands out and has a more modern user interface, go for the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus.
- If a reliable experience with feature rich camera experience, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Mobile Gamer: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus wins with its higher AnTuTu score and larger RAM for better performance.
- Travel Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is more versatile with its wide angle, portrait, and macro lenses.
- Daily Driver: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is a solid, reliable choice with a more mature software experience. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is also a good choice if you want something a bit different and a faster experience, and can handle the lack of a charger in the box.
- Budget Conscious Buyer: Depending on the price you find each phone, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G could be a better price to performance option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two today, I would lean towards the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. I am always interested in exploring new tech and experiences, and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the more cutting edge of the two devices. The much improved performance, battery and modern experience trumps the mature camera system of the Samsung for me. I also like the design and unique nature of the phone. The lack of charger isn't a huge issue as I already have many.
However, the Samsung A52s 5G is a great all round device, and is a very reliable option. If you don't need the latest performance, this is a strong, tested device which is not to be dismissed.
