Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the OnePlus Nord 4. We'll go beyond the spec sheet to really understand how these phones stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | OnePlus Nord 4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 162.6 x 75 x 8 mm | Nord 4 slightly taller, A52s slightly thicker. Minimal difference felt in the hand, Nord 4 should be slightly more sleek. |
| Weight | 189g | 199.5g | A52s is slightly lighter, noticeable during extended use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Nord 4 offers more screen real estate for media and multitasking, makes the phone feel slightly larger. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | Nord 4 has sharper visuals, text and images look noticeably clearer. |
| PPI | 405 | 450 | Nord 4 has higher pixel density, contributing to a crisper screen image. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both phones have smooth scrolling and fluid animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2200 nits | Nord 4 offers significantly better outdoor visibility, clear even in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4nm) | Nord 4's chip is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app launches, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 1,366,982 | Nord 4 is much faster in benchmarks, indicating smoother performance and more efficiency. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 732 | Nord 4 handles graphics more smoothly for games and demanding applications. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5500mAh | Nord 4 likely offers longer battery life, comfortably lasting through a day of heavy use. |
| Charging | 25W | 100W | Nord 4 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. A 0 to 100 percent recharge would be a much shorter wait on the Nord 4. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", LYT-600 | A52s has more megapixels and a slightly larger sensor, but the Nord 4 sensor is more advanced, image quality differences should be small. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", IMX471 | A52s offers higher resolution and wider aperture for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", IMX355 | A52s has slightly better wide-angle capabilities. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52s provides an additional depth sensor for the portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A52s has dedicated macro lens. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps | Nord 4 can record higher frame rate 4K video. |
| Camera Features | OIS, PDAF, Quadruple camera | OIS, PDAF, Dual Camera | A52s has a dedicated depth sensor, a macro lens, OnePlus Nord 4 can record 4K video at 60fps. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 18) | Nord 4 has a more recent OS, and should receive more future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both use Wi-Fi 6 with standard features but the Nord 4 offers Wi-Fi MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Nord 4 has a newer Bluetooth version, better compatibility with more recent Bluetooth devices, offers APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC Bluetooth codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, GLONASS, etc | GPS, GLONASS, etc. | Nord 4 has more accurate positioning with more supported satellite systems including GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5). |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256GB | 128/256/512GB | Nord 4 offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 8/12/16GB | Nord 4 offers more RAM for better multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | Nord 4 has a better audio system due to the stereo speakers and dual mics. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both phones have a basic fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | A52s has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity (Ultrasonic) | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Gravity | A52s has more sensors; the proximity sensor for A52s is ultrasonic which is generally better. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Camera Versatility: The A52s provides a more versatile camera system with dedicated portrait and macro lenses, appealing to those who enjoy varied photography.
- Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides solid scratch resistance, a definite plus in terms of daily durability.
- Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: A more advanced proximity sensor, this is generally more accurate than the sensor on the OnePlus Nord 4.
OnePlus Nord 4 Strengths:
- Raw Power: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset offers a massive leap in performance, leading to a faster and smoother user experience overall.
- Superior Display: The higher resolution, pixel density, and much brighter screen make the Nord 4’s display noticeably better, especially outdoors.
- Battery Life and Charging: The larger battery and much faster 100W charging mean you'll worry less about running out of power, and be back up to full power quickly.
- Newer Software: The Nord 4 comes with a much more recent version of Android out of the box and is slated for more future updates.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung A52s 5G: Slower performance, older OS, limited battery life, and slower charging, makes it feel more dated compared to the Nord 4.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Lacks a dedicated depth and macro camera, and comes with unknown screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is Best For:
- Casual Photographers: Users who want a versatile camera system and aren't necessarily looking for top-tier image quality.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: If you need a good, durable phone and value camera flexibility on a budget, it might be a solid choice for you.
- Users Who Value Screen Protection: If protection against scratches is of utmost importance, the Gorilla Glass 5 screen can provide greater peace of mind.
OnePlus Nord 4 is Best For:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers, heavy multitaskers, and those who demand snappy performance will appreciate the Nord 4's powerful chipset.
- Media Lovers: The superior display, especially the 2200 nits brightness, offers an immersive viewing experience for videos, photos, and games.
- Heavy Users: The larger battery and 100W charging are ideal for those who rely heavily on their phones throughout the day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Questions to Ask Yourself:
- How important is raw performance to me? (If high, choose the Nord 4; if medium, A52s)
- Do I need a very good camera system? (If yes, prioritize Nord 4 for higher image quality or A52s for camera versatility).
- How important is long battery life and fast charging? (If very important, choose the Nord 4)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile Gamer - Choose the OnePlus Nord 4. It's processing power and improved GPU will provide a much better gaming experience.
- Scenario 2: Casual User - If budget is a major concern, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G might be a reasonable choice, but the OnePlus Nord 4 is still the better device, for a bit of a higher price.
- Scenario 3: Photography Buff - Neither phone will provide the best camera quality, but the A52s has more camera versatility. Ultimately, the Nord 4 will provide a better photo.
- Scenario 4: Power User - The OnePlus Nord 4 is the obvious choice here. It's much more powerful, has faster charging, longer battery life, and a more modern OS.
Which One Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the OnePlus Nord 4. The primary reason is the massive jump in performance provided by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chip. This leap ensures a smoother, faster, and more future-proof user experience. Additionally, the higher brightness screen and longer battery life, combined with much faster charging, makes it a phone that can keep up with any usage scenario.
While the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G has a more versatile camera system on paper, the overall performance and user experience with the Nord 4 will be significantly better, making it the more compelling option for me. The significantly better performance of the Nord 4, along with its modern OS, is simply a dealbreaker for me.
