Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 x 75.6 x 7.8 mm | 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm | S21+ is slightly taller and thinner, while A52 is more compact but thicker. S21+ feels more premium, A52 is more hand-friendly. |
| Weight | 200g | 189g | A52 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | S21+ offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for multimedia and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp, clear visuals; no difference in clarity. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 407 PPI | Both have similar pixel density. Negligible difference for most users |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, better for gaming and general UI experience |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ screen is significantly brighter, much better visibility in bright sunlight. A52 brightness is not provided, hard to say its performance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Snapdragon 750G (8 nm) | S21+ provides significantly faster processing speed for smoother performance and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 384,853 | S21+ has much better overall performance in benchmarks, ensuring better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Adreno 619 | S21+ has a superior GPU resulting in better graphics performance, particularly important for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 4500mAh | S21+ has slightly larger battery offering marginally better battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | Both offer same fast charging speeds. |
| Features | Wireless Charging, Reverse Charging | QC2.0, AFC | S21+ has wireless charging and reverse wireless charging capabilities; A52 has Quick Charge 2.0 and Adaptive Fast Charging |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | A52 has a higher-resolution main camera for more detailed photos. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0 | N/A | S21+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for better optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 | A52 has a higher-resolution selfie camera for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2 | S21+ uses the ultrawide as a macro lens, A52 uses a separate macro lens. |
| Portrait | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Macro | N/A | 5MP, f/2.4 | A52 has a dedicated macro sensor for close up photography |
| Video | Up to 8K 24fps | Up to 4K 30fps | S21+ records videos at much higher resolution, better for professional quality. |
| DXOMark | 111 | N/A | S21+ has better tested camera performance |
| Features | OIS, EIS | OIS, EIS, Ultra stable video | Both have OIS and EIS, while A52 has ultra stable video mode, S21+ has more advanced video features and RAW images. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 15) | Android 11 (up to 14) | S21+ is guaranteed longer software support with more Android upgrades |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6, 802.11ax | 802.11ac | S21+ supports faster and more efficient WiFi 6 standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth 5.0, S21+ has more profiles for better functionality with audio devices and accessories. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5),Galileo(E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S21+ supports more advanced GPS systems with better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | S21+ supports eSIM for more flexibility with carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256GB | 128/256GB | Both available in 128GB/256GB capacities |
| RAM | 8GB | 6GB/8GB | S21+ has a base of 8GB. A52 has either 6 or 8. 8GB option available for both |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo speakers | Dolby Atmos | S21+ offers more advanced audio capabilities with Hi-Res and Stereo speakers for better sound quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard fingerprint scanner security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 5 | S21+ offers more robust screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Compass, Barometer | N/A | S21+ has additional sensors useful for navigation and fitness apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly faster processing, better for demanding tasks, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Brighter Display: 1300 nits brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, much better for outdoor usage.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, higher video resolution (8K), optical zoom, and RAW support offer more versatility for photography enthusiasts.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, and noise cancellation microphone provide a richer and clearer audio experience.
- Better WiFi standard More efficient WiFi 6 for faster connection
- eSIM Support: Offers more flexibility with carrier switching.
- Longer Software Support: Guaranteed 1 more year of major android updates
- More Robust Build: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- More Sensors: Compass and barometer, which are useful for navigation and fitness applications
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more comfortable for long use.
- Higher-Resolution Cameras: Main and selfie cameras offer higher megapixel counts, potentially better for detailed shots.
- Ultra stable video: This feature is missing in the S21+
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: Offer more creative photography options, especially for close-up and portrait shots.
- Cheaper Price: The A52 is usually sold at a cheaper price than the S21+
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21+: Higher cost, heavier, and slightly larger, no dedicated macro lens
- A52: Significantly lower performance, lower display brightness, lower audio quality, missing the telephoto lens, missing advanced GPS and WiFi
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who appreciate high-quality displays for content consumption, streaming, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who need advanced camera features, zoom capabilities, and high-resolution video recording.
- Outdoor Users: Those who need great screen visibility in bright sunlight
- Professional Users who want a phone with better build quality and extended software support
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Using the phone in bright outdoor conditions.
- Frequent use of GPS and fitness tracking.
- Professional video creation.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G Ideal Users:
- Casual Users: Those who need a reliable phone for everyday use with a focus on camera flexibility and good battery life.
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize value over top-tier performance.
- Photography Focus If macro and portrait photos are important.
- Users with Small Hands: Those who prefer a lighter and more compact phone.
Use Cases:
- Taking everyday photos and videos.
- Social media browsing and communication.
- Casual gaming and media consumption.
- Users needing good battery life for everyday use.
- Users who need a good value for money
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21+ is more expensive, A52 is more value oriented.
- How important is performance? The S21+ offers much better performance, whereas the A52 is more oriented for casual usage.
- How important is camera versatility? The S21+ offers a better overall camera quality, while the A52 offers some additional features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance and Gaming If you are a gamer or use demanding apps, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2: Budget and Everyday Use: If you are on a budget and mainly use your phone for social media, casual gaming and communication, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Photography: If you need zoom and professional video features go for S21+. If you like macro and portrait photography the A52 is a better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The significantly better performance, brighter display, and more versatile camera system offer a much better overall experience that aligns with my needs for a daily driver, even with the higher price tag. The enhanced audio and better build quality are also considerable advantages. While the A52 is good value, the S21+ is overall a better quality phone.
