Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: How superior is Samsung’s new mid-range phone?

Let’s not dwell too long on this category. On the one hand, we know that Samsung relies on high-quality workmanship and the usual convincing displays in the A-series. On the other hand, the devices are like two peas in a pod. They all come with 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays that boast a refresh rate of 120 hertz, showing everything off in FHD+ resolution. The chassis of all three devices are also IP67-certified, offering dust and water protection. Apart from that, all three handsets sport a camera system on the left side behind. They comprise four sensors, as well as a selfie cam located in the punch-hole out in front.

However, there is a really tiny difference if you were to look at the table above again: Length, width, and depth have shrunk by about a third of a millimeter. You won’t really notice that even when you hold all of these phones in your hand. But it is at least remarkable that the battery is noticeably larger with the same weight. And even so, it is only minimal: It also means that the bezels have lost some width to be a wee bit slimmer.

Anything else? Yes, there is a new color: Black, blue and white are now joined by peach, or rather, “Awesome Peach”.

Samsung has sent a brand-new SoC out from the stables with their very own Exynos 1280 SoC that relies on the 5nm manufacturing process. What is it capable of? (Almost) nobody knows. So far, we can only rely on Samsung’s official benchmarks and statements, where they promise the following: Up to 6% faster performance, up to 33% better graphics performance and up to a 42% faster neural processor: That is what Samsung promises us in the A53 compared with the Galaxy A52 5G.

But as mentioned, we cannot verify that information just yet. Samsung also ignores the fact that the A52 5G with Snapdragon 750G was followed by the A52s with the more powerful Snapdragon 778G. Thus, if you own the latter smartphone, the jump in performance due to the Exynos 1280 would definitely be lower.

How much more power and performance will you receive? We will find out as soon as the review unit arrives. Until then, we can take a look at the storage options: Like last year, you have the choice between 6 and 8 GB of RAM, as well as 128 and 256 GB of internal storage (that are all expandable via a microSD memory card slot).

In 2022, Samsung will also abandon pure LTE versions and only offer A-series smartphones with a 5G modem. You will still have to make do without Wi-Fi 6 even with this device upgrade, but at least Bluetooth has been upgraded from version 5.0 to 5.1.

I really thought about how I could inform you in an entertaining manner that nothing has changed in the camera department. As you noticed in the previous sentence, the search for an interesting word didn’t bear any fruit. But still, the dirty deed needs to be done: There are four cameras in all three models, each powered by a 64 MP sensor with f/1.8 aperture. Following that, there is an ultra-wide-angle (12 MP) and two 5 MP cameras for macro and depth, respectively. A 32 MP shooter for selfies is once again hidden in the punch-hole in front.

When it comes to software, we’ve been very fond of praising Samsung for a while now. For good reason too, because the company has recognized how important it is to provide hardware with longer update support. Again, all three phones benefit from the fact that Samsung promises four major Android updates and up to five years of security updates.

No, wrong guess, my friends! Not everything is identical! Okay, yes. All three models can be charged at speeds of up to 25 watts. But the battery has grown from 4,500 mAh to 5,000 mAh in 2022. And there is one more thing where all three smartphones differ from each other:

• Galaxy A52 5G: Can be charged with speeds of up to 25 watts. However, the included charger tops at 15-watt.
• Galaxy A52s: Can be charged with speeds of up to 25 watts. The corresponding 25-watt charger is included.
• Galaxy A53: Can be charged with speeds of up to 25 watts. There is no charger in the box!

All three devices range between $449 and $499 in terms of recommended retail price. The chip crisis has prevented the prices of last year’s models from dropping even lower, but you can get the A52s for just over $350 right now!

If you already own one of last year’s models, I wouldn’t advise you to drop another $350-$450 for the new mid-range candidates. Although there is a new SoC and a bigger battery as well as new AI features, these do not justify the additional money that you have to fork out over the 2021 model. 

However, if you are looking for a mid-range smartphone that you will still enjoy using in three or four years’ time, and do not have an A52 model, the Galaxy A53 is definitely an exciting device to look at. Samsung delivers the expected high quality and provides updates for a long time. In addition, the once again high-quality display, increased battery capacity of 5,000 mAh, and last but not least, the brand-new Exynos 1280 SoC are attractive pull factors.