Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the newer Galaxy A54. I’ll break down the specs, focusing on what they mean for you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | A52s is slightly taller and thicker, while the A54 is a bit wider. This might impact in-hand feel, but both are similarly sized. |
| Weight | 189g | 202g | A52s is lighter by 13g; it could be noticeable during long use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Both have similar sized screens, the 0.1" difference is unlikely to be noticeable |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both screens are sharp and clear. Minor difference in pixel count is not likely to be visible. |
| PPI | 405 | 403 | Pixel density is essentially identical on both, so both displays are equally crisp |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colours, deep blacks, and good contrast on both devices |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; good for gaming and video playback |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A52s is much brighter and easier to view in direct sunlight; this is a significant difference that impacts outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | Different processors; the Exynos 1380 is a newer generation. Both offer similar performance levels in benchmarks, and will both be smooth for daily tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 578,600 | Both phones are roughly equal in terms of performance |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Mali-G68 MP5 | Different GPU architectures; both are capable for gaming, but the A54 may have an edge with newer games or more graphically intense tasks. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | A54 has a larger battery, likely providing longer use between charges, especially for power-users. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both phones support relatively fast charging; a complete charge will still take a little over an hour, so this is something to consider if you need a quick top-up. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm, IMX682 | 50MP f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm, IMX766 | A52s has a higher megapixel count, but the A54 has a larger sensor with larger pixels, potentially better in low-light; A54 camera is better on paper. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP f/2.0 | 32MP f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm, IMX616 | A52s has a slightly wider aperture, but the A54 has a dedicated sensor with a pixel size. A54 likely has an edge in image quality |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, S5K3L6 | A54 has a slightly better sensor and higher megapixel count. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP f/2.4 | None | A52s has a depth camera; The A54 may use software to handle depth instead. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP f/2.4 | 5MP f/2.4, 1.12µm | Both have similar macro lenses |
| Video | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@60fps, slow-motion 120fps | 4K@30fps, EIS, 1080p@60fps, 720p@480fps, slow-motion 240fps | Both devices offer stable 4K video, A54 can do slow-motion at a higher frame rate; the A54 has better features for video. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 107 (Photo 106, Video 115) | A54 has been tested by DXOmark and received a decent score; A52s has not been tested. |
| Features | Quad camera, PDAF, OIS | Triple camera, 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, DOL HDR, OIS | A54 has a lot of modern features, especially for video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | A54 has a newer version of Android and will receive longer software updates; If software longevity is your goal, the A54 is the obvious choice; |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6, MIMO | A54 has a slight edge here with Wi-Fi MIMO technology. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3, APT-x, LDAC, Apt-x Adaptive | A54 has the latest Bluetooth with newer codecs for better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A54 has better GPS accuracy thanks to the support of more systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM, eSIM | A54 offers eSIM support; If you need multiple plans on one device, the A54 is the better option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 256 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Both offer similar storage options |
| RAM | 6 GB or 8 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | Both offer sufficient RAM for smooth operation |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither offers expandable storage, so choose your storage option carefully; cloud storage is an alternative. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The A54 is better for music and immersive audio as it has a better setup of stereo speakers and support for Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have similar fingerprint technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass 5 | Gorilla Glass 5 | Both phones use similar screen protection, however, a case and screen protector is always recommended. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Full suite of sensors | Full suite of sensors | Both are equal in this field. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G: This phone holds its own as a reliable mid-ranger. Its standout feature is the higher brightness display, making it great for outdoor use. The Snapdragon 778G 5G is still a capable processor and it has a more traditional Quad-camera setup.
- Samsung Galaxy A54: The A54 brings improvements in several key areas: a newer, slightly more efficient processor, a larger battery, a better standard camera, better video features, a more advanced Bluetooth and better audio experience. The newer software and longer support are significant advantages, too.
Trade-offs: The A54 is heavier and slightly wider. It has a smaller, not as bright display. The loss of a dedicated depth camera might be noticed by some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Best for: Users who prioritize a bright display, or those who like having a depth sensor.
- Use Cases: Frequent outdoor usage, users who want a traditional camera setup, gamers who may find the Adreno GPU favourable, budget conscious users, people coming from a slightly older device.
- Samsung Galaxy A54:
- Best for: Users who want a device with modern features, extended software support, better low-light photography, and enhanced audio; this is good for content creators, people who enjoy consuming media.
- Use Cases: Social media users, budding photographers, people who like to consume media or anyone that wants the better more modern device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How important is screen brightness for outdoor visibility? If you're often in bright sunlight, the A52s is better suited for you. Otherwise, the A54 display is still good, but not as bright.
- How much do you value software updates and long-term support? The A54 will receive 4 android updates vs 3 for the A52s.
- Do you prioritize battery life and overall system performance? The A54 has a slight advantage in performance and battery life.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User If you are on a tight budget, the A52s is still a very capable phone and should fit your use case.
- Scenario 2: Tech Enthusiast The A54, with its modern features, longer software support, and better camera is the way to go.
- Scenario 3: Casual User For general use, either device is good but consider battery life with the A54.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy A54. While the A52s is still a solid phone, the A54's improvements across several key areas make it a worthwhile upgrade.
The larger battery, better camera, and more advanced software and support are crucial for me. As a tech journalist, I'd also prioritize the latest Bluetooth and audio features. While the A52s has a brighter display, I don't find that to be a dealbreaker for my use.
