Alright, let's dive deep into this head-to-head between the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Galaxy S24 Ultra. It's a classic case of mid-range champ versus the ultimate flagship, and the specs paint a clear picture, but let’s make sure we understand what that actually means for you and me.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, along with what they mean in the real world:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | 162.3 × 79 × 8.6 mm | S24 Ultra is slightly larger and bulkier; A52s is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 189g | 232g | A52s is significantly lighter, better for extended holding; S24 Ultra feels more premium, but can be fatiguing after a while. |
| Build Material | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra utilizes the latest Gorilla Glass offering the best screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S24 Ultra has slightly more screen real estate; both great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra has much sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 405 | 505 | S24 Ultra: images appear smoother; A52s: still good, but less crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | A52s: Vibrant colors and deep blacks; S24 Ultra: Display tech is not specified, could be either AMOLED or IPS panel. | |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is much more readable in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | S24 Ultra: far faster, handles heavy apps/games with ease; A52s: smooth for everyday tasks, struggles with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra: Significantly higher performance; A52s: can lag when pushed too hard. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra: much better graphics for gaming and demanding applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | S24 Ultra likely offers longer battery life; will definitely outperform the A52s, but depends on usage. |
| Charging | 25W | 45W | S24 Ultra charges much faster; Less time tethered to the wall. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Wireless, Reverse | S24 Ultra has a wide array of power features, allowing for wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 200MP, f/1.7 | S24 Ultra has dramatically higher resolution, much larger sensor, better light capture and image detail. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | - | 50MP, f/2.4 | S24 Ultra has dedicated Telephoto and portrait camera to take better portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A52s takes detailed selfies with a wider aperture, but S24 Ultra has a better overall camera system. |
| Telephoto lens | - | 10MP, f/3.4 | S24 Ultra has a telephoto lens for better optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2 | Similar performance for wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | - | A52s has a dedicated portrait camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | - | A52s has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps w/ EIS | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@120fps w/ HDR/EIS | S24 Ultra can capture extremely high-resolution video; both phones have good stabilization. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 144 (Mobile), 144 (Photo), 137 (Video) | S24 Ultra: great all-around camera performance; A52s camera performance isn’t tested. |
| Features | Quadruple, OIS | Quadruple, OIS, Night Mode, 8K Video, RAW | S24 Ultra offers advanced features for more control. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 21) | S24 Ultra: newer OS, longer support; A52s: older software, will receive less software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 | WiFi 6E | S24 Ultra: faster speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks, access to 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | S24 Ultra: more efficient power usage, more stable connections, wider array of audio codex. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24 Ultra has more accurate location tracking using more satellite networks. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/eSIM | S24 Ultra: more versatile dual SIM options, eSIM support; A52s: simpler dual physical SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 256/512/1024GB | S24 Ultra has more internal space; both have plenty for most users. |
| RAM | 6/8GB | 12GB | S24 Ultra provides smoother performance with plenty of RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither allows external storage; choose storage wisely. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Noise Canceling, Stereo Speakers | S24 Ultra: better audio for calls/media consumption; A52s: Dolby Atmos is great for headphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both phones have basic fingerprint readers. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | S24 Ultra: More comprehensive sensor suite; Both good enough for regular use. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Strengths:
- Value for Money: A solid mid-ranger that provides a great balance of features without breaking the bank.
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Easier to handle and use one-handed for extended periods.
- Good Display: The AMOLED screen is vibrant and enjoyable for media consumption.
- Decent Performance: Handles daily tasks smoothly and is capable of some gaming.
- Capable Cameras: Takes great looking photos and has various camera lenses for different uses.
- Price: You’ll have significant savings choosing this phone!
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Strengths:
- Unmatched Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a beast, handling any task you throw at it.
- Top-Tier Display: Super sharp, incredibly bright, perfect for outdoor use, and stunning quality.
- Exceptional Camera System: Offers incredible image quality with versatile shooting options, amazing zoom capabilities, and superior video recording.
- Advanced Features: Cutting-edge tech like advanced charging, wireless power sharing, latest software, best in class connectivity, and more
- Build Quality: A premium build with an excellent screen protection and an all round flagship feel.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- A52s 5G: Lacks the raw power of a flagship, struggles with demanding games/apps, and offers a lower quality camera system overall. Will receive fewer software updates in comparison to the S24 Ultra.
- S24 Ultra: It's large and heavy, very expensive, and likely overkill for casual users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who want a good all-around phone without spending a fortune.
- Casual users: Great for everyday tasks like social media, browsing, and media consumption.
- Users who prioritize ergonomics: Its lighter weight makes it a great daily driver for extended use.
Use Cases:
- Daily driver for most smartphone tasks.
- Enjoying streaming services on its vibrant display.
- Capturing casual photos and videos.
- Smooth everyday browsing.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is best for:
- Power users: Those who need the absolute best performance for demanding tasks like gaming and editing.
- Photography enthusiasts: It offers top-tier image quality and versatile shooting options.
- Users who want the latest tech: It boasts cutting-edge features and premium build.
- Users who prioritize screen quality: The stunning display is worth it if you enjoy watching videos or taking photos outdoors.
- Professionals: It's capable of capturing high-resolution videos and is a great device for multi-tasking.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with ultra-high graphics settings.
- Shooting high-resolution photos and videos in diverse conditions.
- Multi-tasking with demanding apps.
- Power users who want the latest technology.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? If budget is a major concern, the A52s 5G offers incredible value. The S24 Ultra is a big jump in price, it may not be worth it for you.
- What are your primary use cases? If you're just browsing, messaging, and doing light social media, the A52s 5G is plenty. But if you want to push the limits of what a smartphone can do, you should opt for the S24 Ultra.
- How much do you prioritize cutting-edge technology and camera quality? If you need the best display, the fastest performance, and an incredible camera system, then the S24 Ultra is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Average User: If you're mostly using your phone for calls, social media, and light web browsing, the A52s 5G is a smart choice that saves money.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer/Content Creator: If you're a mobile gamer who demands high-performance or need the best possible camera system, the S24 Ultra is well worth the investment.
- Scenario 3: The Tech Enthusiast: If you crave the latest features and the absolute best specs, then the S24 Ultra is your clear upgrade.
- Scenario 4: Budget focused: If you are looking for an efficient and capable phone while still wanting the "Samsung experience", then the A52s 5G provides great value.
My Choice:
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. As a tech journalist, I often need the best possible camera for capturing photos and video in various situations, the S24 Ultra’s camera system would be a huge advantage. Also, I like testing the latest features and pushing devices to their limits, and the S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is what would allow me to do that. The bigger, sharper, brighter screen would also be useful when I review the devices and the features.
While the A52s is a great value proposition, the S24 Ultra's performance and camera capabilities align with my daily needs and desires. While it's expensive, the investment in top-tier performance, display, and camera would enhance my work. I value the seamlessness that the S24 Ultra provides.
