Samsung Galaxy M52 5G

Samsung Galaxy M52 5G Review

The Samsung Galaxy M52 5G, launched on October 3, 2021, is a mid-range smartphone offering a blend of performance and features.

Key Features

• Display: 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080 x 2400 resolution (393 ppi), and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) chipset.
• RAM/Storage: Available in 6GB or 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM, both paired with 128GB of UFS 2.2 storage.
• Cameras: Rear triple camera setup: 64MP (main), 13MP (ultrawide/macro), and 5MP (depth). Front 32MP selfie camera.
• Battery: 5000 mAh with 25W fast charging.
• OS: Android 11 (upgradable to Android 13).
• Connectivity: 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC.
• Build: Slim profile at 7.4mm thickness and weighs 173g.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Vibrant and smooth 120Hz Super AMOLED Plus display with good color reproduction and 800 nits peak brightness.
• Efficient and powerful Snapdragon 778G 5G processor provides excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
• Large 5000 mAh battery offering all-day battery life.
• Light and slim design for comfortable handling.
• Capable 64MP main camera and a versatile triple-lens setup.
• 5G connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 support for fast and stable network connections.
• NFC for contactless payments.

Cons:

• No microSD card slot for expandable storage.
• The ultrawide camera's sensor isn't the best in terms of image quality.
• No wireless charging.
• Plastic build may not feel as premium as some competitors.
• Ships with Android 11 (while upgradeable, the initial OS version was behind).
• Charging speed is adequate but not class leading at 25W.

User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy M52 5G provides a smooth user experience thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate display and the Snapdragon 778G chipset. Navigating through the interface is responsive and fluid. The AMOLED screen offers great color vibrancy and contrast, suitable for media consumption and gaming. The device handles demanding games with good frame rates, and multitasking is generally seamless. The battery can comfortably last a full day with moderate to heavy use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable. The included Samsung UI feels polished and feature rich.

Hardware & Design

The Galaxy M52 5G has a sleek and lightweight design, measuring 164.2 x 76.4 x 7.4 mm and weighing 173g. It uses a plastic frame and back, available in White, Icy Blue, and Blazing Black colors. Despite the plastic construction, it feels relatively sturdy and well-built. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor also acts as the power button and is easily accessible. The device has a USB Type-C 2.0 port with OTG support. There is no 3.5mm headphone jack, which may be a consideration for some users. The display features a hole-punch notch for the selfie camera and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (SM7325) processor, which is an octa-core chipset built on a 6nm process. The GPU is an Adreno 642L. The device has 6 GB/8 GB of RAM. Internal storage is fixed at 128GB of UFS 2.2. The phone also has an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The phone has dual microphones and supports Dolby Atmos.

Camera Capabilities

The Galaxy M52 5G features a triple rear camera setup. The main 64MP camera uses a Samsung GW3 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, while the 13MP wide-angle camera uses a Sony IMX258 sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The depth sensor is 5MP and does not have a dedicated sensor model. The front-facing 32MP selfie camera utilizes a Sony IMX616 sensor with f/2.2 aperture and supports pixel binning.

The main camera captures good detail and colors in well-lit conditions. The ultrawide camera is adequate, and the depth sensor provides good portrait separation. The selfie camera performs well with decent clarity. Video recording capabilities include 4K at 30fps, and 1080p at 30fps/60fps, as well as slow motion video at 240fps.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy M52 5G is a solid mid-range offering. Its strength lies in its vibrant Super AMOLED Plus display, strong processing power from the Snapdragon 778G, and a large battery. While it lacks some premium features like expandable storage and wireless charging, it delivers a well-rounded experience at its price point. It’s a good option for users seeking a capable smartphone for everyday use, gaming, and media consumption.