I have known it, touched it, and tested it for a week as a mobile phone. And this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is postulated as one of the great bets within the mid-range. Of course, from the upper mid-range, it raises the price to have 5G above 420 euros, when other manufacturers like Xiaomi or Realme stay below 300. Is it worth spending a little more for the screen 120Hz SuperAMOLED, its processor with 5G, or its 64-megapixel main camera? Well, I try to answer this question throughout this analysis. Accompany me.
SOLVENCY IN THE MID-RANGE
Betting on the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is stepping up the ladder of Samsung’s mid-range performance. And, although on the outside, it is the same as the Galaxy A52, having the last name 5G implies a couple of very interesting extra points. A Snapdragon 750G is inside, with a solvent and a fluid brain to move any current application without problems. My experiences with WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, and other common tools are agile and comfortable, unlike in a high-end, but without stops or problems.
It seems that Samsung has also fine-tuned its customization layer so that all this happens smoothly. All this is having access to many applications that remain inactive in the background to return to them quickly. The truth is that these days, and thanks to the agility of the screen, moving around on your mobile is a delight. Gone are the experiences of the Samsung Galaxy A50 and some of its downtimes. Samsung knows how to do its homework.
Of course, we must not forget the rest of the technical sheet accompanying this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. Along with this main processor is the Adreno 619 graphics processor, which has helped me reliably enjoy most of the filters and effects of Instagram Stories and TikTok. Don’t look for the fluidity of an iPhone here, but also no incompatibilities with filters. I have even played a few games of the new Crash Bandicoot game these last few days of testing without ever noticing frame drops. You may not have the textures, shadows, and effects at full resolution. But having a Samsung Galaxy A52 5G does not mean missing out on these experiences.
Of course, I have enjoyed all this with the 8GB RAM model, which also represents an important boost for the team. For this reason, there is good multitasking, agility in terminal processes, and solvency in using applications. Of course, remember that Samsung has launched two versions: 6GB of RAM with 128GB of storage or 8GB of RAM with 256GB of capacity. By the way, this capacity is of the UFS type, which is another reason why this mobile is fast in using apps.
In short, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is fast and works with whatever you throw, although it can’t cope with the most current and demanding games. But it has allowed me to run casual applications and games without problems. A few moments during this week of use, and in terms of performance, have reminded me that I was looking at a mid-range terminal.
DATA SHEET
| Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | |
|---|---|
| Screen | 6.47 inches with Super AMOLED technology, 2,400 x 1,080 resolution and up to 120Hz frequency |
| main camera | – 64-megapixel main sensor and f/1.8 focal aperture and OIS stabilizer – Secondary sensor with a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens and f/2.2 focal aperture (123 degrees) – Tertiary sensor with a 5-megapixel macro lens and f/2.4 focal aperture – 5-megapixel quaternary depth sensor |
| selfie camera | 32-megapixel main sensor and f/2.2 focal aperture |
| Internal memory | 128 or 256 GB UFS type |
| Extension | Via micro SD cards |
| Processor and RAM | Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 6 or 8 GB of RAM |
| Battery | 4,500 mAh with 25W fast charging |
| OS | Android 11 under Samsung One UI 3.1 |
| Connections | 5G, 4G LTE, dual-band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.00, GPS, USB Type C, NFC for mobile payments… |
| SIM | Dual nano SIM hybrid |
| Design | Polycarbonate finish Colors: blue, purple, black and white |
| Dimensions | 75.1 x 159.9 x 8.4mm and 189 gr weight |
| Featured Features | In-display fingerprint sensor, software face unlock, 25W fast charging, camera with built-in Snapchat filters, Android 11, 120Hz refresh rate, IP67 water and dust resistance |
| Release date | Soon |
| Price | From 429 euros |
YES, WITH REAL 5G. BUT FOR WHAT?
I want to dedicate a special section to the 5G connection of this mobile to try to explain what is interesting about it. It is another of the tools derived from having the Snapdragon 750G processor since it includes a module with this connectivity. It is compatible with the SA and NSA 5G networks, ensuring this terminal works with the maximum current Internet speed as long as we have adapted rates that take advantage of these networks and/or access to this infrastructure still under development. Well, it is quite a plus point in this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. But it’s not going to change your life.
The good thing is that the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a dual SIM tray, although a hybrid one. Either two SIMs or SIM plus microSD for storage. And with this, we can have two different cards with this connectivity. Very practical. But again, it’s not life-changing.
5G speed is useful for loading content with little delay. But who watches Netflix, HBO, or Disney+ series on the subway or in the middle of the street? This connectivity technology is designed for other things. For fast data sending, yes, but not necessarily so that you notice, in the user experience, on a day-to-day basis, how you download an app or a web page faster. You’ll barely notice it. Does this mean that this 5G version of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is not worth it? No. Yes, it deserves it due to the advances that come with having the Snapdragon 750G inside, which are intended for this 5G module, and its most interesting feature: the screen with a 120Hz refresh rate in a mid-range.
Of course, for Samsung’s marketing, the almost 100 euros difference between the Samsung Galaxy A52 and the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is precisely this connectivity, which seems to me to be an error in approach. Or at least something that the user should understand: you will notice the jump from 90 to 120Hz screen more than from 4G to 5G.
THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS SAMSUNG GALAXY A52 5G: THE SCREEN
But if there is something that I have enjoyed during these days of using the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G and that makes more sense than 5G, it is the screen. Samsung has brought all its advances and potential in panels from other ranges to this affordable terminal. And that’s why it has a bright, colorful, and efficient SuperAMOLED screen to enjoy everything shown on it. Samsung’s tendency to saturate colors or vividly calibrate the panel matters little. This only makes each image have better contrast and colors. And it’s nice to see it.
It has a generous 6.5-inch screen. The server is already used to this size of panels, and, honestly, it is ideal for me. Its longer proportion means I can control it with one hand if I’m walking the dog, for example. However, it may seem large for users who come from smaller phones. The resolution is FullHD+, which translates to 2,400 x 1,800 pixels, and the density is 407 pixels per inch. But the best thing is the luminosity and the colors it can display.
However, the best excuse for the price increase compared to the base Samsung Galaxy A52 of this new family comes from the characteristic of the refresh rate. And this panel, despite having the same characteristics, does have enough processing to reach a 120Hz refresh rate. And this gives a twist to the user experience. The screen seems snappier, apps seem snappier, and games (supported) move faster. It is a pleasure for the general experience of the terminal. However, it is something that is paid for with battery consumption. However, I recommend taking advantage of it from the moment you start this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. You’re going to notice it.
The “but” for the screen comes from the generous black frames surrounding it. They clarify that we are in a mid-range terminal where this aspect has not been considered as much. It subtracts integers from the design, although not from the visual experience.
Another positive point is the presence of the fingerprint sensor under the screen. It is not the fastest or most accurate way to unlock the terminal, but it is very practical in times of pandemic when facial recognition does not work due to the mask.
FOUR CAMERAS, BUT NOT ALL ARE GOOD
Samsung boasts in the photographic section of this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, and it knows that it is aimed at a young audience interested in photos, videos, TikTok, Instagram Stories, and other content. And, after my days of use, the truth is that it is a very versatile terminal. But the devil is in the details, and more is not always better in photography.
The 64 megapixels of the main sensor are enjoyed and used quite well in this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. Of course, if I have learned anything from this terminal, you can’t trust what you see on the screen. You will see the real result in the photograph, where aspects such as contrast and luminosity are retouched. A lack of judgment will make you think that your photo is horrible until you see the result. Here, you will appreciate that it can display and process more contrast and respects colors more than on the framing screen. It solves complicated solutions such as backlights with a certain elegance and, if there is natural light, with enough definition. Of course, this is processed with an algorithm that tends to watercolor the photographs. I notice it every time I zoom in on photos.
When the power goes out, the sensor holds the type quite well but forgets about maintaining the definition. Or, rather, get used to that touch of watercolor that tries to avoid this problem of lack of detail. The colors are also not respected in very dark areas, but they help the photo generally look better than it does at night.
The problem comes when I have taken the same photo with different lenses. The software that processes the information from the different sensors is fine-tuned. But the result differs quite a bit in terms of quality. Especially for ultra-wide angles, in this case, the definition and detail are lost much sooner than with the main sensor. And the colors may vary from the main lens photograph. Something quite striking when I compared the results. Of course, the fisheye effect is marked, so the way to get the most out of it is to take advantage of this deformation and not necessarily the quality of the result.
In the case of the macro sensor, the improvement compared to previous generations is notable. Its 5-megapixel sensor achieves good details in close photos of up to 4 cm. The depth sensor delivers to help improve cropping in portrait mode. However, Samsung’s software continues to do its thing, paying little respect to the issue of loose hair and elements that protrude from the figures. Of course, you can use this mode for anything, not just people.
As for selfies, the 32-megapixel sensor achieves good results in light. Don’t expect to see every hair or the texture of your clothing defined unless you have direct light on them. But it solves complicated situations well, so you can have eye-catching selfies. Of course, the sensor invents the colors quite a bit, so don’t be scared when you see oversaturated photos. It is the Samsung brand.
The novelty in this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G and the rest of the A family comes from the Fun mode. It is a new camera mode within the mobile that integrates masks and filters that come directly from Snapchat. And well… maybe the younger audience will enjoy it, but it contributes a lot. The good thing is that you don’t have to download Snapchat to use any of its legendary filters. And that the function is well integrated into the camera app. You will only notice a half-second pause to load the filters before using them.
And if we talk about video recording, there are a couple of interesting news that you should know. The first is that the front camera allows 4K recording at 30 frames. The second is that, for the rear camera, there is now a professional mode (not as advanced as those of the S21) to take your first steps in this area. The results are quite good as long as there is light in the scene. The software regulates the compensation to apply more or less live ISO quickly, and the stabilizer makes a noticeable difference. Of course, if you use the latter, forget about 4K quality.
GOOD AUTONOMY, BETTER SOUND
But what about the autonomy of this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G? Well, it resolves quite well throughout the day. My usual mobile phone use involves constant conversations on WhatsApp, uploading and consuming a lot of Instagram, surfing the Internet, and using some games and apps that take advantage of GPS location to geolocate you. It is quite intensive use and with which, generally, I get to the end of the day without too many problems. And all this without forgetting the 120Hz screen. Of course, the two days of autonomy that Samsung claimed in its presentation are far away unless you stop actively using the mobile.
The key point is not the 4,500 mAh or the autonomy management, which seems correct. The negative point where Samsung begins to fall far behind is the concept of fast charging. The charger has the power to supply 25W, which implies one hour of charging to complete the battery 100%. It’s not much, but it’s not useful when you only have a few minutes to charge. While other manufacturers already offer between 50 and 65 watts to charge half the battery in just 10 minutes, this Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is far behind those times. Enough to not run out of battery if you are careful. But without this technology, it saves your life, as in the case of other manufacturers, where a couple of minutes of charging allows you to make calls or finish games without being left
Samsung has put more effort into the sound. Here, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G does stand up and can laugh at other mid-range terminals. The stereo sounds are also powerful and defined. If you want to turn up the volume, although it tends to be canned, the sound responds with strength and clarity. Something is missing in other terminals in the same range from other manufacturers.
PLASTIC FINISH BUT VERY ATTRACTIVE
I leave the design section for last to give a couple of touches on what may not be obvious in the photos of this review. Samsung usually surprises with the quality of its finishes. The appearance of the A52 is fresh, young and attractive. I especially liked the lilac and white colors, although the blue one I tried, in a pastel tone, is not bad at all. But to taste the colors.
Of course, the sensations in the hand are not so Premium, and the case offers a certain plastic sensation that breaks with Samsung’s usual line. In its favor is the integration of the camera module, which stops standing out and stands out slightly in the same color as the rest. And all this while avoiding footprints quite well. Those who are passionate about colored mobiles will enjoy it. Those who want the feeling of a heavy, glass mobile with the most Premium finish on the market will have to aim for higher ranges.
CONCLUSIONS AFTER A WEEK OF USE
As I always say, a week of use is barely enough to wet your lips with a new terminal. Details are left out, such as the evolution of autonomy according to different situations, more photographic options to test your cameras or more depth and detail in the experience of apps and games. However, as a first start, the sensations are good for a mid-range. Samsung raises the price compared to its competitors, especially in this 5G version, but also applies interesting details.
The screen is what I have enjoyed the most by far. House brand and with a large number of technologies. The performance is also very good for a mobile in this range. Little by little, things are becoming more democratized unless you are a gamer and want to get the most out of it. The sound accompanies, and the autonomy complies. As for the photographic section, we encounter the general problems of last year’s mid-range: the differences in results in the photographs with the different lenses. No one will compare them, but each objective is used for each situation. But the ultra-wide angle remains unconvincing, especially in complicated lighting situations.
Is it worth jumping to the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G above the price of the general mid-range? Well, it depends on what you like about this brand and the quality of its finishes. But don’t do it for 5G; do it for the extra performance and the 120Hz screen.
I am a writer with eight years of experience writing in business and technology. I always carry a passion for learning and discovering new knowledge.