Samsung Galaxy A52 5G review

In some reviews we explore the price range from 200 to 400 euros and find out what you can expect as a buyer. At Samsung, for example, we rolled into the Galaxy A series, in which the Galaxy A52 5G launched in the spring of 2021.

Samsung houses various devices in the Galaxy A series, all of which are available as an Enterprise Edition. As a result, the devices are guaranteed to be provided with the most recent security patches for four years.

From Galaxy A52 5G received a suggested retail price of 349 euros (incl. VAT) from Samsung. For that price you get a device with 128 GB storage and 6 GB RAM. The device is also available with 256 GB storage and 8 GB RAM, but then the price shoots towards 500 euros. However, the device is currently only available to a limited extent and even Samsung can no longer sell the separate device. Providers who still have a stock, dare to do so easily 450 euros (incl. VAT).

Due to the price, the device with larger storage capacity no longer fits in the price range that we highlight. That’s why we’re going to start with the matte black Samsung Galaxy A52 5G with 128 GB storage. The matte finish of the device is immediately appreciated as it is less sensitive to greasy fingers than the Galaxy A32 5G. Both models are also available in identical colors: black, white, light blue and violet.

Focus on camera

At the rear is a camera island built in with four cameras. In the Galaxy A52 5G, Samsung has understood that not many people are satisfied with a mediocre main camera. The camera has 64 megapixels. That’s an improvement over the 48 MP main camera of the Galaxy A52 5G. In addition, the device is water and dust resistant (IP67), so it can serve during precipitation.

We already saw in the that more megapixels alone do not always tell the full story Edge 20 Lite from Motorola. This time the camera is indeed an improvement and the main camera delivers sharp images. Even after zooming in, the different blades of grass remain visible.

While the brother of the Galaxy A52 5G misinterpreted a gray sky as fog, that problem is completely gone with this camera.

The Macro Vision camera has also been upgraded from 2MP to 5MP. That makes the photos a bit sharper. Although it’s more of a nice extra as you won’t often squat uncomfortably to take a close-up photo of some red berries.

Superb screen quality

At the front there is room for a 32 megapixel camera. The selfie camera is also incorporated in the middle of the screen. This gives the Galaxy A52 5G a 6.5-inch screen in a shorter device than the Galaxy A32 5G. Samsung did not compromise on the quality of the screen, on the contrary. The screen resolution is 1,080 x 2,400 pixels, the refresh rate is 120 Hz and has AMOLED technology.

We have never encountered this combination before in the lower price ranges. Only the Oppo A94 got an AMOLED screen, but with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Motorola’s moto g60s could match the refresh rate, but lacked AMOLED technology. As a user, you can count on smooth animations that are displayed sharply.

5G Compatible

On the inside, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G. The chip is 5G Compatible and is therefore not offered in 4G version. The same chip also found its way into the interior of the OnePlus Nord CE 5G. Compared to the other budget models, the performance of the chip blows our socks off. In combination with the 120 Hz screen, the user experience is sublime.

Within Belgium, compatibility with 5G does not offer any added value for the time being. The auction of the 5G spectrum is only on the agenda in the second half of 2022. Once that is behind us, the rollout can start. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G can take advantage of the 5G option due to its long update policy. Samsung is already preparing the smartphone for the future.

Battery performs well below average

After the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G won the battle with the competing devices in most areas, it was to be expected that Samsung made compromises somewhere in the device. That turns out to be the battery life and the charging time. The device has a battery of 4,500 mAh, while its brother has a 5,000 mAh battery built-in. During the performance test, the Galaxy A52 5G’s battery lasted 596 minutes and that’s not a high-flyer.

With the shorter endurance of the Galaxy A52 5G comes the long charging time. From previously published review of the Galaxy A32 5G also showed that Samsung’s A series is not a speed demon. With the more expensive Galaxy A52 5G, you will have to exercise your patience for half a battery for 46 minutes. Half of the tested devices managed to perform the same in a maximum of 35 minutes.

A class

As far as we are concerned, Samsung can put gas on the production of the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G. The device is a real winner in the workplace. You get a lot in return for a low price. The different cameras are excellent for photography enthusiasts who don’t want to spend too much money for their smartphone. In addition, the smartphone functions smoothly at all photo locations, since the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is water and dust resistant. Finally, the chip will ensure that your daily office tasks can be completed quickly and without a hitch.

Are you looking for a device that charges quickly? Then you have not come to the right place with the A-series from Samsung. The moto g60s from Motorola or the Oppo A94 will probably charm you.