Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Realme 9 Pro+. As always, my goal is to not just list specs, but to explain what these specs mean for you, the user. We're here to make sense of the tech, not just get lost in the numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the specs, broken down into key areas, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | A52s is a bit wider and thicker, the 9 Pro+ is slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 189g | 182g | Realme 9 Pro+ is a tad lighter, noticeable over extended use. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Both are similar in size with the A52s being negligibly larger. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer sharp, detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 405 | 411 | Pixel density difference is minimal, both displays are very sharp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | A52s is smoother for scrolling and gaming with a faster refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A52s is significantly better in bright sunlight. Data for the Realme is missing. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Dimensity 920 | A52s has a slight performance edge, especially in graphics. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 496,970 | A52s offers noticeably better performance in benchmarks. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MC4 | Different GPU configurations, A52s's Adreno is generally stronger in gaming. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera Res. | 64MP | 50MP | A52s has higher resolution, but it's not the whole story. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.7" | 1/1.56" | Realme has a slightly larger main sensor for better low-light performance. |
| Main Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.00 µm | Realme has larger pixels for better low-light capture. |
| Selfie Camera Res. | 32MP | 16MP | A52s's selfie camera captures more detail on paper. |
| Wide Angle Res. | 12MP | 8MP | A52s has a higher resolution for ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait mode | 5MP Depth | None | A52s has a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens Res. | 5MP | 2MP | A52s's Macro has better resolution for detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps with EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, and more slow motion options. | Realme has more slow-motion options. |
| BATTERY | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4500mAh | Both offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast | 60W Fast | Realme charges significantly faster. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 14 | Android 12, upgradeable to 13 | Realme comes with Android 12 out of the box, but Samsung will receive more upgrades. |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MiMo | Both feature Wi-Fi 6, with MiMo for the Realme |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 LE | Realme has a newer, more energy-efficient Bluetooth |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Realme has better satellite coverage |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB | Same storage options available for both. |
| RAM | 6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB | Both have similar RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support microSD cards. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme has superior audio hardware |
| SECURITY | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Standard fingerprint sensor for both. |
| BUILD QUALITY | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Both have the same level of screen protection. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | A52s has a compass, Realme has Heart Rate monitor and proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a noticeably smoother experience than the Realme's 90Hz, especially in gaming and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: With 800 nits of brightness, the A52s is much better in bright sunlight, which is crucial for outdoor visibility, and the Realme's data is missing here.
- Better Performance: The Snapdragon 778G chip delivers stronger overall performance and graphics rendering, making it a better pick for heavy users.
- Higher resolution camera: The 64 MP main sensor offers more detailed photographs and the higher resolution front camera is also a plus.
- Longer Software Support: Samsung commits to a longer software update cycle with Android 14 compared to Realme's Android 13.
- Extra Sensors: The A52s has a compass that can be useful in outdoor activities.
Realme 9 Pro+ Strengths:
- Better Low Light Photography: The slightly larger sensor and bigger pixels on the main camera will give better low light photos.
- Faster Charging: 60W fast charging makes a huge difference, especially when you are in a hurry.
- Superior Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers, Hi-Res Audio, and a noise cancellation microphone enhances audio quality significantly.
- Better Connectivity The newer Bluetooth 5.2 LE, and QZSS GPS, provide a more robust connectivity experience.
- More Slow Motion Video Options: Offers better slow-motion video recording capabilities.
Trade-offs:
- Display: The A52s's brighter and smoother display might be preferred by many even if the display isn't the best in low light.
- Charging: While the A52s has a more mature ecosystem, the slower 25W charging is a significant disadvantage for some compared to the 60W of the 9 Pro+.
- Camera: While the A52s has more resolution on several sensors, the larger pixel size in the Realme 9 Pro+ sensor may provide better low-light images.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Ideal for:
- Users who value a smooth and bright display, perfect for gamers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Those seeking consistent performance for gaming and everyday tasks.
- Users that value a long software update cycle.
- Those who like having the compass sensor built in.
- Use Cases: Gaming, outdoor use, media consumption, productivity.
- Ideal for:
- Realme 9 Pro+:
- Ideal for:
- Users who want faster charging and better audio quality for music and calls.
- Those who prioritize low-light camera performance, and enjoy slow motion photography.
- Users who like the latest Bluetooth standard.
- Those who want the best GPS capabilities.
- Use Cases: Music and media enjoyment, content creation, night photography, fast charging needs.
- Ideal for:
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How important is display smoothness and brightness to you? If you spend a lot of time gaming or using your phone outdoors, the A52s will be better here.
- How crucial is fast charging? If waiting to charge your phone is a drag, the Realme is the clear winner, with 60W.
- What's more important for your camera: more detail in well-lit conditions or better performance in the dark? The A52s has higher-resolution cameras, while the Realme is better for low-light shooting.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer/Outdoor Enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G for its smoother, brighter display, and superior performance.
- The Audiophile/Fast Charger: Choose the Realme 9 Pro+ for its better audio hardware, faster charging, and better low light images.
- The Balanced User: Consider the trade-offs. If slightly better low light camera performance and faster charging is preferable, the Realme may be the best option but the A52s has the better display and slightly more performance.
My Choice
If I had to pick one right now, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. The brighter and smoother 120Hz display, combined with the better performance, makes it more aligned with my usage patterns. I tend to value a smoother experience on the display more than some of the other features. The faster charging of the Realme is tempting, but I'm usually near a charger during the day. While the low-light camera of the 9 Pro+ is attractive, the higher-resolution cameras of the A52s with a capable processor are slightly more compelling for me. Ultimately, it comes down to your specific needs and priorities, but the A52s overall strikes a better balance.
