1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 159.9 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and thinner, A52 slightly more compact but thicker. Difference may be negligible in daily use, but might affect comfort in small hands. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | S21+ is slightly heavier, might be noticeable during long use sessions. A52 will feel marginally lighter and thus may be more comfortable for longer usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ offers slightly more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking. A52 is easier to handle for those who prefer a more compact phone. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness on both screens; both are Full HD+ and will look sharp in daily usage. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 407 PPI | Very similar pixel density, meaning both will look very sharp with no visible pixelation. The slight difference will not be perceptible to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and excellent contrast. No difference in display quality in this aspect. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive, especially noticeable for gamers and heavy users. A52 is still smooth, but will not feel as fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ offers significantly higher brightness, crucial for outdoor visibility in sunny conditions. A52’s brightness specification is missing and cannot be compared. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8 nm) | S21+ has significantly faster processing, which translates to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. A52 is good for daily tasks but will struggle more with intensive apps or games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 341,212 | S21+ offers much higher performance. It will be significantly faster for all types of usage, gaming in particular, and the difference is substantial and easily noticeable. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 (ARM Mali-G78 MC14) | Adreno 618 | S21+ has a significantly more powerful GPU, better performance in graphics intensive tasks. This will primarily affect games with high graphic settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76", 1.80µm pixels | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", 0.80µm pixels | A52 has a higher resolution sensor, potentially allowing for more detail in well-lit conditions, but will not always outperform the S21+ in other lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72", 0.80µm pixels | None | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait mode, while A52 lacks this feature which means it will rely on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm pixels | A52 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more expansive shots while S21+ relies on software processing and thus may lose some image quality when using ultrawide angle. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2", 1.22µm pixels | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80µm pixels | A52 has a higher-resolution front camera that will likely produce more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm pixels | None | S21+ has a dedicated sensor for capturing wide-angle and macro shots and thus may produce superior results. The A52 lacks this feature and does not allow for proper macro photography. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait mode with more accurate background blur. S21+ lacks this feature and uses the main lens and processing algorithms for bokeh effect. |
| Macro lens | None | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm pixels | A52 has a dedicated macro lens for capturing extremely close up shots of small objects while S21+ lacks this feature and is not suitable for this purpose. |
| Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps | S21+ is capable of recording at higher resolutions and frame rates, better for video content creation and is more future-proof, while A52 is limited to 4K at 30fps. |
| DXOMark Score | 111 | Not Available | S21+ has been benchmarked by DxOMark while A52 was not, which indicates that the S21+ has a superior camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has a slightly larger battery, which may translate to slightly better battery life; however, more powerful chipsets might offset this advantage. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging | 25W fast charging | Both support the same fast charging speed, meaning charging time will be roughly similar. |
| Features | Wireless charging, reverse charging, no charger in-box | No Wireless charging, QC2.0, AFC charger in box | S21+ has wireless charging, reverse charging and no charger in box, while A52 has wired fast charging, QC2.0, and a charger included in the box. A52 is much more convenient in this regard. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 15 | Android 11, upgradable to 14 | S21+ will receive 1 more software upgrade compared to A52. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21+ supports newer Wi-Fi standards, providing faster speeds and lower latency if paired with a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE + various profiles | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, EDR, ANT+ | S21+ supports additional audio profiles, potentially offering better wireless audio quality. The difference is relatively marginal. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21+ supports more advanced GPS frequencies, potentially offering better location accuracy in urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ offers an eSIM in addition to dual nano-SIM support which is convenient if one has a data-only eSIM and can be used for traveling. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both phones offer similar internal storage options, suitable for most users. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | S21+ has 8GB as a standard which ensures smooth multitasking. The A52 has multiple RAM versions, with lower ram being more affordable. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, which may be a limitation for users with extensive media libraries. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo Speakers | S21+ has additional features which could translate to superior audio quality in terms of playback and better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones offer basic biometric security through a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The S21+ provides more resistance to damage, which is especially important if the phone is prone to being dropped. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | S21+ offers more sensors, useful for certain specialized applications like navigation, augmented reality and gaming, while the A52 lacks the compass and barometer. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better performance for demanding tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience, particularly noticeable when scrolling.
- Brighter Display: The much higher brightness makes it much better for outdoor visibility in direct sunlight.
- Advanced Camera Capabilities: Offers a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, higher resolution video recording, and better DxOMark score, and a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens for a greater range of shooting options.
- Wireless Charging: Offers convenient wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- eSIM Support: Supports eSIM technology, which provides additional options for carriers, especially useful when traveling.
- More Advanced GPS: Offers better location accuracy in urban environments due to GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) support.
- More advanced Audio Features: Offers Hi-Res Audio, and noise cancellation microphone, for superior audio playback and call quality.
- More Robust Build Quality: Uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, offering better screen protection against scratches and drops.
- More Software Upgrades: Receives 1 more software update compared to A52.
- More Sensors: Features a Barometer and Compass, making it better suited for gaming and augmented reality applications.
Practical Implications: The S21+ is a performance-focused flagship phone that is better for gaming, intensive multitasking, and overall power usage. Its better display and camera also make it the better choice for users who consume media, take photos or record videos often.
Samsung Galaxy A52 Advantages:
- Lower Weight: Slightly lighter, which may provide added comfort during prolonged usage.
- Wide Angle Camera: Has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing more expansive shots.
- Selfie Camera: Higher-resolution front camera which allows for greater details in selfie photos and video recording.
- Dedicated Portrait Mode (Depth): Dedicated depth sensor can improve portrait mode with more accurate bokeh effect.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens allows for capturing extremely close-up shots.
- Charger Included in Box: A charger is included, a point of convenience and potentially more suitable for budget-conscious customers.
- Expandable RAM Options: Has multiple RAM options, where the 4GB version is the most affordable choice.
Practical Implications: The A52 is a more budget-friendly option, it prioritizes camera flexibility, featuring additional lenses, and provides a slightly lighter build and the convenience of a charger included in the box. It is more suitable for the average user who does not engage in performance intensive tasks.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21+ sacrifices an included charger, macro lens and wide-angle lens for significantly superior performance, a better display, and wireless charging capabilities.
- The A52 prioritizes camera flexibility (various lenses) and is more affordable, but lacks the performance, display quality, and wireless charging of the S21+.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G:
- Ideal Users:
- Gamers who need high performance for demanding titles.
- Power users who heavily multitask and need smooth performance.
- Users who prioritize display quality and want a vibrant, smooth, and bright screen.
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best camera features, including optical zoom and higher video quality.
- Users who are willing to sacrifice some convenience for a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- Playing graphics-intensive games at high settings.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Consuming multimedia content in bright environments.
- Using the phone for professional photography and videography.
- Traveling often and making use of the eSIM functionality.
- Price-to-Value: Offers premium performance and features, justifies its higher price for demanding users.
Samsung Galaxy A52:
- Ideal Users:
- Casual users who want a reliable smartphone for everyday tasks.
- Budget-conscious consumers who want a good all-around experience without premium pricing.
- Users who prioritize camera versatility and want multiple shooting options, with a focus on the selfie camera.
- Users who prefer a lighter and slightly more compact phone.
- Those who want a charger included in the box.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday tasks like browsing the web, social media, and messaging.
- Taking casual photos and videos for social media.
- Basic mobile gaming, not necessarily the most demanding titles.
- Users who find the wide-angle and macro lenses useful in their daily life.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for the price, balancing features and performance at a more affordable point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for the phone? (Gaming, photography, everyday use, professional needs)
- How important is performance and display quality to me? (Do I need a blazing fast phone, or is adequate performance enough?)
- What are my priorities regarding camera features and battery? (Do I need a versatile camera system, or do I need longer battery life and wireless charging capabilities?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A user who plays demanding mobile games often and needs the best performance should choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 2: A casual user who wants a good overall experience and prioritizes camera versatility on a budget should opt for the Samsung Galaxy A52.
- Scenario 3: A professional photographer who needs the best camera quality and recording capabilities should go with the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, due to its telephoto lens, high video quality, and overall benchmark.
- Scenario 4: A user who often finds themselves in bright environments, and needs good visibility in direct sunlight should opt for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G.
- Scenario 5: A budget-conscious user who needs a basic but reliable phone with good camera flexibility and wants a charger included in the box should choose the Samsung Galaxy A52.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. While the A52 provides additional camera lenses and is cheaper, the S21+ significantly outperforms it in terms of processing power, display quality, and video recording capabilities. I personally value smooth performance and a high-quality display for gaming, multitasking, and media consumption, which makes the S21+ the better choice for my needs. Additionally, the S21+ offers more advanced features such as wireless charging, eSIM, and a more robust screen protection, which further justifies its price for me. While it is more expensive, the overall performance and premium features provided in the S21+ are worth the additional cost. The better performance will also mean the phone lasts me longer, as it is more capable, thus offsetting the higher initial cost.
