Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Realme 12 Pro+. These two phones represent a fascinating matchup of mid-range contenders, each with its own set of strengths and trade-offs. As a tech journalist, my goal is to cut through the marketing hype and give you the real-world implications of these differences. So, let's get started.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | Realme is taller & thicker, Samsung slightly wider. Minimal difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 189g | 196g | Samsung is a bit lighter, might be noticeable over long usage times |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme offers slightly larger viewing area. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Practically identical sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 405 PPI | 394 PPI | Barely noticeable difference in screen clarity |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | Samsung is better for outdoor use in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme's newer chipset offers a slight performance boost & energy efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 603,400 | Realme has a slightly better benchmark performance, a bit faster in general |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 710 | Different architectures, likely similar gaming performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Main) | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | Samsung has higher MP but Realme has a slightly larger sensor for better low-light photos |
| Rear (Telephoto) | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" | Realme offers dedicated zoom capabilities |
| Rear (Wide Angle) | 12MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung has a dedicated wide-angle lens |
| Rear (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a depth sensor for portrait shots |
| Rear (Macro) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung can take dedicated macro photos |
| Rear (Ultrawide+Macro) | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | Realme features a combination ultrawide + macro lens |
| Front | 32MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" | Samsung has a wider aperture for better low light selfies |
| Video | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, OIS | Triple camera, OIS, RAW, Optical zoom | Different camera setups with unique features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | Realme has a larger battery for potentially longer use |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme charges much faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 | Realme is on a more recent version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, Wi-Fi MiMO | Similar WiFi capabilities. Realme has extra WiFi support |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Realme has newer version of Bluetooth |
| GPS | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme has better satellite coverage for positioning |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme has a 512GB option |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme offers higher RAM options |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports memory expansion |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme has enhanced features for better audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic Biometric Security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | Samsung has a much better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung features more sensor options |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Strengths: Excellent screen brightness, a versatile camera system (including dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses), slightly lighter and more compact design, a wide array of connectivity features and a more advanced sensor suite.
- Trade-offs: Slower charging speed, an older chipset, slightly lower benchmark performance, lacks a telephoto lens, no expandable storage, slightly older Android OS, basic fingerprint sensor.
- User Experience: The standout is the excellent screen visibility in bright sunlight, making it great for outdoor use. The camera setup is also very flexible.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: Faster charging, slightly better chipset performance, larger battery, newer Android OS, telephoto lens and better audio quality.
- Trade-offs: Lacks dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses, screen brightness is unknown (but likely not as good as the A52s), heavier design, lacks a compass and hall sensor.
- User Experience: The key advantages here are the significantly faster charging speed, telephoto lens, better audio experience and slightly better general performance, making it a great choice for users who need power and speed.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
- Best for: Users who frequently use their phone outdoors, those who value versatile photography (with a dedicated wide-angle lens and macro), and those who appreciate a slightly more compact and lighter design.
- Use Cases: Taking photos and videos in various environments, browsing social media and reading articles in bright sunlight, and general daily usage where the variety of sensors is necessary.
Realme 12 Pro+
- Best for: Power users who need fast charging and better performance, those who value the telephoto zoom, better audio quality, a larger battery and the most up to date Android software.
- Use Cases: Playing graphic-intensive games, taking photos with a telephoto lens, watching videos, and using the phone all day on a single charge while enjoying better sound.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is screen visibility in direct sunlight to you?
- If outdoor visibility is a priority, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G’s brighter display will be better.
- Do you prioritize fast charging and better performance?
- If so, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the better choice. It charges significantly faster and has a more modern chipset for a smoother experience.
- Which camera setup aligns with your needs - more lens options or telephoto zoom?
- The Samsung offers dedicated wide-angle and macro lenses for versatility, while the Realme provides a telephoto lens for more optical zoom.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the outdoor enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is a better choice due to its superior screen brightness.
- For the power user on the go: The Realme 12 Pro+ wins with its faster charging and better performance.
- For the photography enthusiast: The choice depends on your needs. The Galaxy A52s 5G offers versatility with its wide-angle and macro lenses, but the Realme provides a dedicated telephoto zoom.
- For the media consumer: The Realme offers better audio and larger battery capacity, resulting in more multimedia immersion.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Realme 12 Pro+. While the Samsung's brighter screen is appealing, the Realme 12 Pro+ provides a newer chipset, and a much better charging speed, and more refined sound, making it a more enjoyable and efficient overall daily experience. As someone who's always on the go and uses their phone extensively, the larger battery and faster charging times are a must for me, the newer telephoto camera is something I would take advantage of daily and the extra RAM and internal storage are a bonus. The Realme's focus on core performance and audio improvements makes it a more practical choice for my needs.
