Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G and the Galaxy Z Fold4. This isn't just a spec sheet showdown; we're going to look at what these numbers mean for your day-to-day life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key specs, broken down into categories with an emphasis on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-09-01 | 2022-08-25 | The Z Fold4 is a year newer, suggesting more advanced technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold4 offers a larger screen via its foldable design. A52s is a more traditional phone. |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | 155.1 x 130.1 x 6.3 mm (Unfolded) | A52s is taller and thicker, Z Fold4 is wider when unfolded. Z Fold4 provides unique, tablet-like experience. |
| Weight | 189g | 263g | A52s is significantly lighter and more comfortable for prolonged use, Z Fold4 is heavier and bulkier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" (Unfolded) | Z Fold4 provides significantly more screen real estate, ideal for multitasking and media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1812 x 2176 | Z Fold4 has much higher resolution, providing sharper and more detailed image quality. |
| Pixel Density | 405 ppi | 373 ppi | A52s has a slightly sharper display due to the smaller screen size. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Not specified (likely AMOLED) | A52s has great contrast and vibrant colors, Z Fold4's tech is likely very good too, though not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, leading to a responsive user experience. |
| Brightness | 800 nits | 0 nits | A52s has excellent visibility in bright sunlight. Z Fold4's brightness isn't listed, but it's safe to say it will be very bright too given its high-end status. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Z Fold4's chipset is significantly faster, meaning better performance in games and heavy tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 570,752 | 1,232,800 | Z Fold4 has over twice the performance, ensuring a smoother experience across all apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 642L | Adreno 730 | Z Fold4’s GPU is much more powerful, giving it superior graphics processing capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4500 mAh | 4400 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity. Expect similar usage between these two. |
| Charging | 25W fast charge | 25W fast charge, Wireless charging 15W | Z Fold4 offers wireless charging and reverse wireless charging making it more flexible. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W, Non-removable | Z Fold4's bypass charging is ideal when gaming, and reverse wireless is useful for charging accessories. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", Samsung GN3 | Z Fold4 has a larger sensor, which will likely perform better in low-light conditions, despite a lower resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 32MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", Sony IMX374 | A52s has higher resolution for selfies, while the Fold4 has a larger sensor pixel size. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", Samsung S5K3K1 | Z Fold4 offers optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258 | Z Fold4 has a slightly wider field of view. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | A52s has an additional sensor for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | No | A52s is better for close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Z Fold4 supports much higher resolution video, better for capturing more detailed footage. |
| DXOMARK | N/A | 124 (Mobile) | Z Fold4 camera has been professionally tested, confirming its superior quality. |
| Features | OIS, PDAF, etc. | OIS, PDAF, Laser AF, RAW, Night Mode etc | Z Fold4 offers many advanced photography features like Night Mode and Manual focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 16) | Z Fold4 has a more recent OS with further updates guaranteed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6, MiMO | Z Fold4 supports MiMO which improves WiFi speeds and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE, APT-x | Z Fold4 has Bluetooth 5.2 LE which is more efficient and has improved data throughput. |
| GPS | Standard | L1+L5, etc | Z Fold4’s GPS is more accurate due to its support for multiple frequencies. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Z Fold4 supports eSIM for digital carrier switching, A52s offers Dual SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128/256 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Z Fold4 offers much more storage, crucial for multimedia and high-resolution content. |
| RAM | 6/8 GB | 12 GB | Z Fold4 has more RAM, supporting more intensive multitasking and apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Z Fold4 offers better audio with its dedicated stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Z Fold4's side fingerprint sensor is generally more responsive. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | Z Fold4 has better glass protection, making it more durable. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Z Fold4 includes a Barometer for atmospheric pressure readings, while the A52s has a virtual proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: The A52s is much lighter, making it comfortable for one-handed use and long periods of holding.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED screen with its high brightness and 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for everyday usage and media consumption in all conditions.
- Solid Camera: It has a versatile camera setup, including a high-resolution main sensor, wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors.
- Practical and Affordable: Offers a great balance of features at a more budget-friendly price point.
Trade-offs:
- Less Powerful: The Snapdragon 778G chipset is good, but it's not in the same league as the high-end Snapdragon found in the Z Fold4.
- No Wireless Charging: Lacks premium features like wireless charging and advanced video recording.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
Strengths:
- Unique Foldable Design: The expansive 7.6" display transforms from a phone to a tablet, offering unparalleled multitasking and media experiences.
- Top-Tier Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset provides unrivaled speed and power.
- High-End Camera System: The Z Fold4's camera excels in various lighting conditions with its larger main sensor, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses.
- Advanced Features: Offers wireless and reverse wireless charging, along with an advanced set of features for photographers.
Trade-offs:
- Bulky and Heavy: It's heavier and more cumbersome to use in a single hand than a standard smartphone.
- Premium Price: It comes with a high price tag, making it inaccessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Battery Life: Although it has a comparable capacity, the power-hungry display and processor can impact battery life.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G:
- Ideal for:
- Everyday Users: People who need a reliable and versatile phone for daily tasks, browsing, social media, and photography.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Users who want a great value phone with a solid set of features without breaking the bank.
- Comfort-Focused Users: Those who prefer a lighter, standard phone that's easy to handle for extended periods.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography, enjoying media, social media, web browsing, navigation, and day-to-day tasks.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4:
- Ideal for:
- Power Users: Professionals who need a powerful device for multitasking, productivity, and on-the-go work.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the most cutting-edge technology and unique features.
- Multimedia Lovers: Those who enjoy consuming media and gaming on a large, immersive display.
- Use Cases:
- Multitasking, professional work, heavy gaming, consuming media, content creation, and unique app experiences.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide between the two:
- What is your budget? The A52s is much more affordable than the premium Z Fold4. This is perhaps the biggest deciding factor.
- How important is the display size to you? If you prioritize having a large screen for immersive viewing and multitasking, the Z Fold4 is ideal.
- What kind of phone experience do you want? If you need a light, easy-to-handle device for daily tasks, the A52s is the better choice. If you want cutting-edge tech, a unique experience, and powerful performance, the Z Fold4 is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You need a reliable phone for daily communication, light browsing, and occasional photography. You have a strict budget.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G will provide excellent value for its price, with solid performance and a great display.
- Scenario 2: You need a device for work, heavy multitasking, and media consumption, and are willing to pay a premium for it.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the ultimate workhorse for professionals needing top-tier performance, unique functionality, and a large display.
- Scenario 3: You want to experience cutting-edge technology and unique phone design. Price is not the main factor.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 offers a futuristic, foldable design that delivers a very unique experience.
- Scenario 4: You need a basic phone to keep with you when running/hiking, and don't want it to be too heavy.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is more lightweight and will be easier to keep with you.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. While the A52s is a great all-rounder with excellent value, the Z Fold4's unique foldable design, expansive screen for multitasking, and bleeding-edge performance make it the clear winner for my personal use case. I enjoy the extra screen real estate for content consumption and I use my phone a lot when doing research, and the extra size really enhances that. It's also a device that pushes the envelope of what a phone can do, and as a tech journalist I love experiencing the most innovative tech out there. The premium price is the only drawback, but for me the added features justify the price, as I would make the most of them.
