Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable; A52 is larger, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 189g | S21 is lighter, feels less bulky and fatiguing during long usage periods. |
| Build Quality | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21 has better scratch and drop resistance. The S21 will likely last longer with less wear and tear |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | A52 has a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a sharp and clear viewing experience for everyday use. |
| PPI | 421 | 407 | Both have similar pixel density, meaning very comparable sharpness, differences are not noticeable by eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the user experience more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is significantly more visible in bright sunlight, making outdoor use much more comfortable. A52 specs are missing |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | S21 offers significantly faster processing and smoother performance. Better for gaming and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 384,853 | S21 is much faster in real-world tasks and gaming. S21 is 95% faster in benchmark tests. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21 has more powerful graphics for demanding games and multimedia. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.8µm) | 64MP (f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.8µm) | A52 captures more detail in good lighting, while S21 has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.8µm) | None | S21 offers optical zoom capabilities and better portraits with depth information. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm) | S21 uses a wide-angle macro lens, while A52 has a dedicated ultra-wide lens, providing more versatility. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm) | 32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.8µm) | A52 captures more detailed selfies in good light, while S21 excels in low-light with larger pixels. |
| Additional Lenses | N/A | 5MP Depth, 5MP Macro | A52 provides more camera versatility with dedicated depth and macro lenses, though not always better than software enhancements. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps, 720p@960fps | Up to 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps | S21 offers much higher resolution video with more options, suitable for professional quality. A52 is decent for everyday videos. |
| DXoMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 90 Selfie: 132, Photo: 125, Video: 145 | Not tested | S21 has been tested by DXoMark and has a higher score indicating better camera quality |
| Camera Features | 8K Video, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, RAW | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video | S21 has additional features for more control and pro level results. A52 has Ultra stable video for better video recording |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | A52 will likely last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both charge at similar speeds, filling up faster for the same time. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, Reverse Charging, 4.5W Reverse Wireless | QC2.0, AFC | S21 provides added flexibility with wireless and reverse charging, while A52 is more conventional. No charger in the box for S21 |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience for all tasks, especially gaming and intensive apps.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness for excellent outdoor visibility, essential for use in bright sunlight.
- More Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens, higher video recording capabilities (8K), and better low-light performance on the main camera.
- Wireless Charging and Reverse Wireless Charging: Offers flexibility for charging on the go, and charging of accessories.
- Superior Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better protection.
- More Satellite Systems Provides a more accurate and reliable GPS system.
- Better Audio Quality Enhanced spatial audio, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion.
- More Camera Features: Offers pro-level camera features like optical zoom, RAW support
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery for longer battery life.
- Larger Display: 0.3" larger screen for a slightly better viewing experience for media consumption and games.
- Versatile Camera Lenses: Includes dedicated ultra-wide, macro, and depth lenses for more shooting options.
- Better selfie camera: Larger resolution and sensor on the front camera for better selfies in good lighting.
- More affordable: A52 will typically be cheaper to purchase due to its mid range status.
Trade-offs:
- S21: Smaller battery, no charger included in box, and less camera versatility.
- A52: Slower performance, inferior outdoor screen visibility, lacks wireless charging and reverse charging capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, and those who prioritize performance and camera quality above all else. Users who prioritize a compact, high-performance device with excellent screen quality.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Demanding games with smooth frame rates.
- Multimedia Editing: 8K video recording and smooth 4K video editing.
- Outdoor Use: Bright screen for excellent visibility in sunlight.
- Professional Photography and Video: High quality and advanced video features for more control.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G:
- Ideal User: Users who need a dependable device with a large screen, long battery life, versatile camera system, and a lower price tag. Users who want a larger device that can last a long time on a single charge.
- Use Cases:
- Daily Social Media: Versatile camera for social media content.
- Streaming and Media: Larger screen for watching videos and shows.
- Long Battery Use: Better battery life for all-day usage.
- Travel: Versatile camera with extra features like ultra stable video.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21: Offers significantly higher performance and a more advanced camera for a higher price point. The S21 is a top-tier flagship level phone, though it is now a few years old, will still command a higher price compared to the mid-range A52.
- A52: Provides good value for a budget-conscious user with a larger screen, longer battery, and versatile camera system for a mid-range price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is raw performance for you? (Gaming, app loading, multitasking)
- How much do you value outdoor visibility on the screen? (Using phone under bright light)
- Which features do you care about most? (e.g., Battery life, camera zoom capabilities, wireless charging)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance Matters Most If you play demanding games or use resource-intensive apps, the Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice due to its superior chipset and GPU.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Daily Use are Key If your budget is limited and you need a reliable device for daily tasks with good battery life and a versatile camera, the Galaxy A52 5G will be suitable.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Viewing is a Must If you spend a lot of time outdoors and need to easily see your screen in bright sunlight, the Galaxy S21 5G is significantly better due to its much brighter display.
- Scenario 4: Camera Versatility Needed If you value having more options when taking pictures, and do not mind not having a telephoto lens, the Galaxy A52 5G is better as it has extra lenses for Macro, Depth and Ultra Wide images.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While the A52 5G has a larger battery and screen, for me, the performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Exynos 2100 provides a much smoother experience for all tasks, and the higher screen brightness is a must-have for outdoor use. I also value the better camera with telephoto lens and higher video capabilities, and the addition of wireless and reverse wireless charging is a plus. While the A52 is more affordable, I am willing to pay a premium for the better overall experience offered by the S21.
