Review of the new Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 smartphones: comparison of almost doubles

In 2022, Samsung released two almost identical, at first glance, smartphones - Galaxy A52 and A72. They are like twins and have similar characteristics, so many buyers choosing between these two models cannot decide for a long time. That's why we compared the A52 and A72 and highlighted the differences that were reflected in the price. This review will help you figure out whether the overpayment for the A72 is justified or whether you can buy the Galaxy A52 and get virtually the same set of features and capabilities.

Photo: samsung.com

Almost identical design of Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72

Externally, the smartphones are very similar, with the exception of the difference in size, and you won’t notice it right away. You can understand that smartphones are different only by placing them next to each other. The Galaxy A72 is larger and heavier due to the larger display and increased battery capacity:

The front camera in both models is built into the screen at the top in the middle. The main camera blocks are also identical. Even the set of body colors is the same for both phones: black, lavender, blue and white. Both models have plastic back panels, and a shiny plastic frame runs along the outer edges.

Galaxy A72 and A52 come in the same colors. There are a total of 4 options available. Photo: notebookcheck.net

Comparison of Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 cameras

The main cameras of both phones are almost identical. There is only one difference between the models: the A52 has an image depth of field sensor (it is responsible for blurring the background), and the A72 instead has an 8 MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The remaining three modules are identical:

• Main camera – 64 MP with f/1.8 aperture
• Macro lens – 5 MP, f/2.4
• Ultra-wide angle - 12 MP, f/2.4

These new Samsung products have greatly undermined the position of competitors in their price segment. The optical stabilization in the A52 and A72 works excellently and greatly helps when taking photos at dusk or shooting videos on the go. In addition, the 5 MP macro camera is no longer useless, as was previously observed. And by the way, many direct competitors still have only 2 megapixels.

The block with the camera modules protrudes quite strongly above the body, but the transition smooths out this step and makes it invisible. Photo: root-nation.com

Optical 3x zoom is generally a rarity for this price category. Until recently, only expensive flagship devices were equipped with it. This module brought the Galaxy A72 into the ranking of the best camera phones on the market, and the A72 costs 20-30 thousand rubles cheaper than other gadgets with similar photography quality.

Samsung A32 and A52 review – comparison of characteristics

Recently, the cost of new smartphones from all manufacturers has increased, so now it is important to consider not the price of individual models, but what they can boast against the background of their cheaper predecessors and main competitors, the cost of which is at plus or minus the same level.

The new A32 and A52 certainly have something to surprise them with, and when you first look at their technical characteristics, they certainly do not disappoint. But let's take a more detailed review of the younger and older models and find out what capabilities each of them can offer to a potential user.

Performance

Perhaps this is where the most fundamental differences between the two smartphones await us, since they have two completely different processors. The A32 has a 12 nm Helio G80, and the A52 has an 8 nm Snapdragon 720G.

It’s worth noting right away that both chips are very average in performance, especially the Samsung A32 processor, which is also used on more affordable Redmi phones. The Snapdragon 720G in the older model is, of course, more powerful, but to make it more clear, let's look at the performance of each phone in benchmarks.

AnTuTu 8:

• Samsung A52 - 261279;
• Samsung A32 - 174328.

GeekBench 5 (multi-core and single-core);

• A52 - 1578 and 526;
• A32 - 1276 and 362.

Graphics test GFX Car Chase ES 3.1 (onscreen):

• A52 - 15;
• A32 - 8.2.

It is not surprising that the Samsung A52 on Snapdragon won in all tests, because the level of chips is still noticeably different. It is also important to consider that the phones have different graphics processors, the A32 has a Mali-G52 MP2, and the A52 has an Adreno 618. As for the rest of the device hardware, both smartphones are almost equal: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC module, Wi-Fi Fi 802.11ac.

In normal everyday use, the power of both smartphones will be quite enough for any task: watch a video, use any application, surf the browser or play even the most demanding mobile games at low-medium settings.

Autonomy

The battery capacity of the Galaxy A32 and A52 smartphones differs by only 500 mAh, which is not in favor of the older model. The A32 has a 5000 mAh battery, and the A52 has a 4500 mAh battery.

During testing, the battery life of the Samsung A32 when playing video at full brightness was 1116 minutes, while the older model had a similar figure of 972 minutes. However, in game mode it was the A52 that won the championship, which again can be attributed to the less economical Mali graphics compared to Adreno.

However, the autonomy indicators of both models are not at all inferior to competitors with almost identical battery capacity parameters, and in most cases, both Samsung “lived” even longer.

That is, the new devices from the A line will last a full day without recharging, and even two with not very active use.

Screen and interface

The screens of the smartphones are almost identical; both have Amoled matrices with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels. The only thing is that the display diagonal on the A32 is 6.4 inches, and on the A52 – 6.5 inches. The peak brightness in both cases is 800 cd/m2, however, devices are capable of demonstrating it only for a short time and only when the sun shines directly on the light sensor located on the front panel.

According to the test results, the screens produce truly identical characteristics: black brightness – 0 cd/m2, maximum contrast, color temperature – 6500K-7000K.

It should be noted that both phones do not receive HDR certification, but many streaming services, for example, YouTube, still provide them with high dynamic range content, which is good news.

As for the interface, smartphones by default have Android 11 with the proprietary One UI 3.1 shell.

Photo and video shooting options

The cameras of smartphones are still different; the Galaxy A32 has a 64 megapixel module without OIS, a wide-angle camera and a camera for macro photography. The Galaxy A52 also has a 64 megapixel camera, but with optical stabilization, which is of no small importance when trying to get a high-quality photo.

For the average user, the quality of photography will be quite acceptable on both smartphones, but for those who appreciate clarity and halftones, the difference in favor of the A52 is still noticeable. Compared to their predecessors, the new models produce sharper photos and perform much better in low light.

As for video recording, the A52 can record 4K video at 30 fps and 1080p at 60 fps. In the younger model, it will not be possible to shoot a video in 4K, and in Full HD resolution the frame rate will reach no more than 30. At the same time, both smartphones support slow motion, but the A32 only in 720p resolution and at 120 frames per second, while the Samsung A52 does this in 1080p and at up to 240 frames per second.

Selfie camera specifications.

Galaxy A32:

• 20 MP;
• photo resolution 5380 x 3620;
• aperture f/2.2;
• video resolution 1080p at 30 FPS.

Galaxy A52:

• 32 MP;
• photo resolution 6528 x 4896;
• aperture f/2.2;
• video resolution 2160p at 30 FPS.

Design

Finally, Samsung smartphones really began to look recognizable and the devices of the Korean brand can now be distinguished from many other phones. It cannot be said that the appearance of the Samsung A32 and A52 will surprise users in any way; they cannot be called breakthrough either, however, every element of the device is in its place and made with taste and attention to detail.

There are no drastic differences in the design of both devices, but in the A32 the back panel is shiny and even gives the impression that it is glass, although it is plastic. In the A52, the back panel is matte and looks more modest, despite the fact that the device is more expensive, but it is worth noting that it practically does not get dirty and does not become covered with permanent prints - and this makes the A52 a little more practical.

The cameras on the phones fit perfectly into the overall design and look modern, and their modules only protrude slightly above the lid. The devices look especially relevant against the background of past, even flagship models, for example, the Galaxy S10, which was previously considered almost a style standard.

On the front side, almost the entire area is occupied by the screen, so it’s unlikely that you can find any fault here, because all modern smartphones on the front are practically the same. Both Samsungs lie comfortably in the hand, do not slip out or weigh too much, and the thickness is very good, which can still be slightly spoiled by the case.

Equipment

Both smartphones come with a USB Type-C cable and a power adapter, but otherwise everything is standard: a paperclip for opening the SIM card tray and a quick user guide.

Unfortunately, this time the miracle did not happen again and the Korean manufacturer does not please the buyer with some cheap headset or, especially, a case that Chinese manufacturers usually put in the box with their mid-budget smartphones.

However, this is much better than Apple, which has completely reduced the contents of the packaging to a minimum and users have to buy a cable and power adapter separately.

Radiation level

To measure the potential risks of radiation from mobile devices on human health, scientists have proposed a unit of measurement that is the specific absorption rate of electromagnetic energy - SAR. This indicator always differs depending on the brand and model of the phone, and it is measured by various organizations and companies, based on whose results the rating is compiled.

The radiation level for the head of both smartphones is insignificant: 0.35 W/kg for the A52 and 0.45 W/kg for the A32.

As for the Samsung brand as a whole, their smartphones often have some of the lowest radiation levels, for example, in recent studies the Galaxy Note8 took first place, and other representatives of the Galaxy line were located not far from it, so there is little reason to worry that In new smartphones, radiation levels will increase and pose a serious threat to the health of the owner.

Technical content of Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 smartphones

In this regard, the gadgets are also very similar. Both received Snapdragon 720G processors, and differ only in the amount of RAM: Galaxy A52 - 4/128 GB or 8/256 GB; Galaxy A72 - 6/128 GB or 8/256 GB. Thus, the difference is only between the basic versions of the phones. By modern standards, 4 GB of RAM is not enough, so it’s better to choose an 8 GB model or buy an A72 if your budget allows (overpaying about 9,000 rubles).

If you use smartphones in standard mode (social networks, instant messengers, YouTube, calls, taking photos and videos), they have enough power to spare. For such tasks, the junior model in the basic version with 4 GB of RAM is quite enough. If you prefer to play on a smartphone, it is better to choose a Samsung Galaxy A52 with 8/256 GB or at least a Galaxy A72 with 6 GB of RAM.

Is the A52 worth the money, how does it differ from its predecessor (A51) and “big brother” (A72), says our friend and tech geek Ivan in a detailed video review on Fotosklad.TV

Review and comparison of the capabilities of Samsung A51 and A52 smartphones

Samsung Galaxy A52 went on sale in the spring of 2022, and the senior smartphone in the line was released 16 months earlier, but the devices are not very different in appearance. Our comparative review will help you find out the pros, cons and technical characteristics of each model and understand which phone is better.

Design and ergonomics

The new model has a matte body, is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, and also has more colors: black, white, blue, pink and light purple, unlike the red, turquoise, white, and black of the A51 (for the Russian market ). The platform for the cameras on the A52 is designed more elegantly - to match the body; on the older device, the block is highlighted in black.

The A51's plastic body is easily scratched (so you shouldn't use the smartphone without a case), while the A52 is made of a new material the company calls glastic (from a combination of the words glass and plastic) - also plastic, but reinforced with carbon fiber and more resistant to mechanical damage.

The front side of both smartphones is the same: a thin black frame and a front camera integrated into the display. The volume and power buttons are located on the right and fit comfortably under your hand. The card slots for the A52 were placed on the top edge, while for the A51 they remained on the left side.

Unlike the A52 (and most other modern smartphones with a smooth back panel), the A51 is decorated with an unobtrusive geometric pattern that plays nobly in the light, giving the impression of a glass surface.

Fingerprint scanner and unlocking

Both devices have a fingerprint scanner built into the display - the Samsung Galaxy A51 and A52; comparison of its performance with top-end smartphones, of course, leaves much to be desired, but still the gadgets are quite responsive to pressure.

The response speed of the fingerprint sensor on the A52 is noticeably higher than that of the older model.

Face unlocking in both budget smartphones is implemented even more reliably than that of the Samsung Galaxy flagships and has two modes: accelerated and normal. The second cannot be “deceived” by a photograph or video recording of a person.

Screen and graphics

If we compare the Samsung A51 and A52 smartphones in terms of screen-to-body ratio, then the new device is beyond competition - its display area occupies 87.4% of the front edge. For A51 this parameter is 84.9%.

Otherwise the screens are identical:

• Super AMOLED matrix;
• diagonal 6.5'';
• resolution 1080x2400, 405 ppi.

The new smartphone received a noticeably increased screen refresh rate - 90 Hz, while the old Galaxy made do with the already familiar 60 Hz.

The A52 screen is protected by 5th generation Corning Gorilla Glass; in comparison, its predecessor is slightly more vulnerable to mechanical stress (Gorilla Glass 3).

Unlike the old smartphone, the new product has a moisture protection index of IP67 (you can immerse the device in water to a depth of 1 meter, but no more than half an hour).

The GPU frequency is higher on the A51 (850 MHz vs. 750 MHz).

Filling, memory and performance

A full comparison of Samsung A51 and A52 phones is impossible without analyzing their processors. Both smartphones are equipped with 8-core chipsets with a maximum frequency of 2300 MHz, while the older model has a Samsung Exynos 9 Octa 9611 (4 cores 1.7 GHz + 4 cores 2.3 GHz) on board, and the new one is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G (6 cores 1.8 GHz +2 - 2.3 GHz).

Both chipsets are distinguished by performance and good efficiency, providing gadgets with decent autonomy. The operating system of smartphones works quite quickly and smoothly, third-party applications also open without delay. Of course, you won’t be able to play heavy games on phones, but they cope with all basic tasks perfectly.

Both devices run on Android, but the size of the pre-installed system on the new model is larger, occupying 25.8 GB, while the OS on the older smartphone weighs only 23 GB.

The Samsung Galaxy A51 is available in two versions: with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of built-in memory, as well as a faster and more capacious model (6 and 128 GB, respectively). The A52 can also be purchased in two versions: 4(128) GB and 8(256) GB.

If we compare the memory frequency, the newer version of the Samsung Galaxy has 2133 MHz, while its predecessor has only 1866 MHz.

The maximum supported memory card size for the A52 is 1 TB, and for the older model it is 512 MB.

Camera capabilities

The structure of the Samsung A52 and Samsung A51 camera blocks is almost the same (a comparison of the characteristics of individual modules can be seen in the table below). In fact, both devices have four full-fledged cameras: front, rear, wide-angle and macro (the fifth lens is a 5-megapixel scene depth sensor). At the same time, Galaxy A 52 has an optical stabilization system.

The quality of photos from both devices is at a decent level for budget smartphones, but, of course, does not reach the flagship level.

Camera block at A51.

Although the front cameras of the smartphones are the same, the new model is capable of producing slightly better photo resolution (6528x4896 versus 6560x4928). The viewing angle of the ultra-wide-angle lens is also larger on the A52 - 123o (on the A51 it is 120o).

The 4K video resolution of both models is identical - 2160p (30 fps), and when recording at 1080p, the A52 is in the lead, which is capable of delivering 60 fps.

Autonomy

A comparison of the Samsung A51 and A52 phones in terms of autonomy immediately reveals a clear leader: with fairly similar technical characteristics, the younger device has a 4500 mAh battery, while its predecessor has a 4000 mAh battery. Taking into account the technical features of both phones, the battery life of the new product is 22% higher.

Devices support fast charging function:

• A51 - 40% in 35 minutes, up to 100% in 1 hour, 50 minutes;
• A52 - 35% in half an hour, up to 100% in 1.5 hours.

The A51 package includes a charger that supports the Fast Charge function; for a new smartphone you will have to purchase it separately.

With standard use, gadgets can last about two days on a single battery charge. This autonomy is achieved thanks to the function of automatically adjusting the display brightness depending on the lighting. The system on both phones works very delicately and does not strain the eyes at all.

Sound

In a comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A51 and A52, the new model is the leader in sound, as it is capable of producing stereo sound and noticeably higher volume (88.8 dB versus 81.7).

Otherwise, both smartphones are identical and have:

• 3.5 mm headphone jack;
• FM Radio support;
• Dolby Atmos surround sound technology.

A wired headset comes in the box only with the A51 (package contents may vary depending on the region).

Samsung Galaxy A52 vs A72 - comparison of autonomy

Autonomy is a strong advantage of both gadgets. The new items received capacious batteries: 4500 mAh (for A52) and 5000 mAh (for A72). If you take into account the difference between the screen diagonals, the battery life of both gadgets is approximately the same.

In everyday use (with a screen refresh rate of 90 Hz), the battery charge lasts for 8–9 hours of display operation. Most other smartphones of the brand do not have such autonomy, with the exception of flagship models. If you turn on the power saving mode, which will limit the operation of applications in the “background” and set the screen refresh rate to 60 Hz, autonomy will increase even more: the battery will last for several days.

Smartphones are sold bundled with 15W chargers, although they support fast charging up to 25W. Thus, if desired, you can purchase a new, more powerful unit. However, the models do not have wireless charging functions.

Advantages of Samsung A51 and A52

The review of Samsung A51 and A52 ends with a comparison of their outstanding characteristics. Pros of the older model:

• more reliable screen protection;
• scratch-resistant housing;
• elegant matte plastic;
• protection from moisture and dust;
• faster fingerprint sensor;
• higher resolution of the main camera;
• optical stabilization system;
• support for large memory cards;
• increased display-to-front ratio;
• stereo sound;
• greater autonomy;
• high refresh rate.

Advantages of the new gadget:

• is relatively inexpensive;
• a light weight;
• bright glossy body;
• stylish back panel design;
• familiar arrangement of card slots;
• Fast charger included.

Samsung Galaxy A52 may be equipped with an NFC chip (depending on the region of delivery).

Additional features and functionality of Galaxy A52 and A72

Both smartphones have under-screen fingerprint scanners, like flagship models. This is very convenient, but demanding users may have questions about the response speed. The scanner does not respond instantly, but the slight delay is easy to get used to - it is not critical.

The under-screen fingerprint scanner A52 and A72 were borrowed from the flagship Galaxy S models, in which it appeared much earlier. Photo: root-nation.com

The new items have two SIM slots, but there is no eSIM support (like the Galaxy S flagships). The memory card compartment was combined with one of the SIM card slots. Considering the not-so-budget price (from 25,000 rubles), this decision seems quite controversial, because even the company’s cheaper smartphones have a separate place for microSD. Moreover, even its predecessor models (Galaxy A51 and A71) are equipped with triple slots.

Both gadgets now have stereo speakers, which were not present in last year's models. The difference is very noticeable: the music plays much better. By the way, they decided to leave the 3.5 mm headphone jack, although the Galaxy S flagships have already lost it.

Detailed comparison

The Samsung A52 5G is at least 15% faster than the Samsung A32 5G. It has a faster processor means smoother performance, thanks to the 120Hz Full HD Infinity-O display and Snapdragon 720G processor.

ATTENTION

I recently wrote a short review of who where and why and the best way to buy a Samsung Galaxy A32 or A52 phone

This is the first time a mid-range Galaxy device will have a 120Hz display, like the flagship. Why does the A52 5G have a higher refresh rate, you ask?

Well, it will have a more powerful processor under the hood - it will be powered by the Snapdragon 750G rather than the pixel-accelerating Snapdragon 720G.

I'm glad the screen won't be on Samsung's flagship model, because 60Hz screens seem too outdated.

Feature comparison: Galaxy A52 vs A72

Both gadgets attracted the interest of fans of the brand. If you need a phone in the middle price segment (25-35 thousand rubles), you should definitely pay attention to these new products. No other modern phone at a similar price simultaneously offers such advantages as cameras with stabilization, a screen frequency of 90 Hz, IP67 water resistance and stereo speakers. Moreover, all other characteristics are also at the same level.

To make it easier for you to choose the right model, we have collected the main parameters in a table:

Battery comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A52 will receive a 4500 mAh battery with support for 25 W ultra-fast charging, and in this regard it will be inferior to the Samsung A32, which will have a slightly larger capacity than 5000 mAh

With a larger battery size, a device can usually last longer, although this also depends on various other factors.

Memory comparison

The a52 has about half more RAM than the A32, respectively, the first has 8 GB, while the second has 4 GB.

More RAM means more apps can run simultaneously, making the device faster. The same goes for system memory - 256 GB on the first and 128 GB on the second.

Comparison of screen resolutions

The Galaxy A52 will have 1080 x 2400, but the A32 will be significantly behind in this regard, having only 720 x 1600 pixels.

Accordingly, the first has approximately 125% more pixels than the thirty-two. The higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the screen.

Camera comparison

The A52 gets a 64 MP rear camera, while its competitor the A32 is limited to 48 MP, but the biggest difference will be in the selfie camera - 32 MP versus 13 MP.

Higher resolution usually means better image quality, although this is not always necessary.

Other comparisons

The A52 will be slimmer at 8.4mm, while the 9.1mm A32 is about 7% thinner. Thinner devices are easier to carry in your pocket and look more fashionable.

As for which of them supports NFC, the Samsung A52 has NFC, but the A32 does not. NFC allows you to make wireless payments through your device.

You can also connect two enabled devices by simply touching them. Both of them will get Android 11 out of the box, likely with version 3.1 of One UI.

As for how much it costs, the price of the Samsung a52 5G will be approximately $500, and the price of the Samsung a32 5G will be $315.

Samsung Galaxy A52 and A72 - is the price difference justified and which smartphone is better to buy?

In the case of any smartphones, one of the main factors influencing the choice has always been the ratio between price and quality. Based on this criterion, many will most likely choose the Galaxy A52 with 4/128 GB, but is everything so clear? The smartphone really turned out to be well-balanced, but 4 GB of RAM is not enough today: such a volume will be enough. If you love gaming on your phone, this will definitely not be enough.

The design difference between the Galaxy A52 and A72 can only be noticed when you put both phones side by side. Photo: wylsa.com

The Galaxy A72 looks more interesting compared to the basic version of the A52, although it costs 9,000 rubles more. The fundamental difference between smartphones is the screen diagonal, but this is not particularly noticeable. As for the increased battery capacity, you won't notice it: due to the longer diagonal, the screen consumes more energy, so everything is compensated. Another key point is the 3x zoom telephoto camera. If its availability is important to you, buy the A72. If there are no strict requirements for screen size and optical zoom when using the camera, choose the Galaxy A52.

*All prices are current at the time of publication of the article

Design

Let's start with the design and say frankly: I like both models. Yes, because from the front side no differences are noticeable at all! Front panels with round cutouts in the center, frames and displays - everything seems identical. So let's go into detail so they don't feel bad...

A52 is matte, the back is plastic. The S20 FE borrows the rear-facing design from the previous generation S line, but it's worth noting that it's also made of plastic. It also has a rear camera protrusion that has sharper edges, making it look more like a separate element on the back. A little clarification about plastic so that stones don't fly into the garden (not so premium and blah blah): the advantage of the plastic design for these two devices is that it is more resistant to falling and is cheaper to replace.

The S20 FE has a more tactile feel, and its metal sides give it a premium feel. On this side, yes, there is a slight superiority. But visually, the models seem the same.

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