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

The Galaxy A lineup even outperformed Samsung's flagships in certain aspects last year. Thus, it is no wonder that the presentation of Samsung's new mid-range was eagerly awaited by many Samsung fans. Apart from the Galaxy A33 and the Galaxy A73, which is still unavailable in certain regions, we were especially interested in the Galaxy A53.

• Also read: Samsung A and S range: What's the difference?

For this reason, we compare the model with its direct predecessor, the Galaxy A52 5G, and the improved version that was launched as the Galaxy A52s. As always, we shall begin by looking at the most important technical specifications:

	Galaxy A52 5G and A52s (2021) vs Galaxy A53 (2022)
Product	Samsung Galaxy A52 5G	Samsung Galaxy A52s	Samsung Galaxy A53
Image
Display	6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120 Hz Infinity-O display	6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120 Hz Infinity-O-Display	6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED 120 Hz Infinity-O-Display
SoC	Snapdragon 750G	Snapdragon 778G	Exynos 1280
RAM	6 / 8 GB RAM	6 / 8 GB RAM	6 / 8 GB RAM
Memory	128 / 256 GB internal Expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB)	128 / 256 GB internal Expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB)	128 / 256 GB internal Expandable via microSD (up to 1 TB)
Rear cameras	Main camera: 64 MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP, f/2.2 Depth: 5 MP, f/2.4 Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4	Main camera: 64 MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP, f/2.2 Depth: 5 MP, f/2.4 Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4	Main camera: 64 MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF Ultra wide-angle: 12 MP, f/2.2 Depth: 5 MP, f/2.4 Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4
Front cameras	32 MP,f/2.2	32 MP,f/2.2	32 MP,f/2.2
Software	Android 11 with OneUI 3.1	Android 11 with OneUI 3.1	Android 12 with OneUI 4.1
Battery	4,500 mAh 25 Watts Quick-Charging Charger (15 watts) included	4.500 mAh 25 Watts Quick-Charging Charger (25 watts) included	5,000 mAh 25 Watts Quick-Charging Charger sold separately
Connectivity	5G, LTE, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, NFC, GPS	5G, LTE, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C, NFC, GPS	5G, LTE, WLAN 802.11 a/b/g (2.4 GHz), Wi-Fi 4.5 (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.1 Headphone jack
IP	IP67	IP67	IP67 RATING
Dimensions and weight	159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, 189 g	159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm, 189 g	159.6 x 74.8 x 8.1 mm, 189 g
Colors	Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Blue	Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, Awesome Mint	Awesome Blue, Awesome Black, Awesome Peach, Awesome White
Price (MSRP)	From $499	From $368	From $449
Pros	Very chic 120 Hertz AMOLED display Good battery life Good main camera IP certification Nice build quality 4 years of security updates	–	Good AMOLED display Solid performance Decent battery life Best software support for mid-range smartphones
Cons	Non-mainstream cameras are not that convincing SoC quickly reaches its limits Fast charging technology is behind the competition No telephoto camera Unrefined vibration motor	–	Slow charging No headphone jack Price is not quite competitive
Review	Read review		Read review
Check offer*	Check price	Check price	Check price

As you can see, we were only unable to review the Galaxy A52s. You can learn more about the other two models in our detailed reviews, which are linked in the table above. Nevertheless, all three devices face each other in our comparison, whereby we refer to the specs as well as our empirical values in the reviews.

Jump to:

• Display and design
• Performance and connectivity
• Cameras
• Software
• Battery and quick charging
• Price and availability
• Conclusion

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Display and design

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".

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Performance and connectivity

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? According to Samsung, their official benchmarks promise the following: Up to 6% faster performance, up to 33% better graphics performance, and up to a 42% faster neural processor compared to the Galaxy A52 5G.

Samsung ignored the fact that the Galaxy A52 5G is equipped with the Snapdragon 750G, which was followed by the A52s with the more powerful Snapdragon 778G. Thus, if you own the latter smartphone, you will receive a performance boost that also clearly surpasses that of the Galaxy A52 5G. Unfortunately, we do not have a direct comparison to the Snapdragon 778G in the Galaxy A52s, but other tests with this SoC suggest that the Exynos 1280 cannot quite keep up, at least in the benchmark test.

However, Rubens was very satisfied with the Galaxy A53's performance in the review. Here, you can view the mid-range model and its predecessor in a direct benchmark comparison.

Let us 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.

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Cameras

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.

"Is there really nothing new about the camera, Casi?" Yes, there is. The camera also benefits from the improved AI of the new processor. Compared to its predecessor, you should get better results in low-light conditions with the improved night mode. The same applies to the improved portrait mode. Depth and outlines should now be captured even more accurately. There are also a few new software features like the "Magic Eraser".

Our review of the Galaxy A53 also confirms that the camera qualities are very, very close to the predecessor. These are extremely solid advantages. Take the improved night mode for instance, which can hardly be found elsewhere. It's best to see for yourself and take a look at our gallery:

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Software

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.

The only difference here is that the A52 5G and the A52s were launched with Android 11 and OneUI 3 right out of the box. The Galaxy A53 comes with Android 12 and One UI 4.1 from the get-go. Both Samsung devices have received the Android 12 update, but they are already a year old. What does this mean for you? If you choose the A53, you will have support until 2027 which is one year longer than the other two models.

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Battery and quick-charging

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 Watts.
• 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!

Samsung sells the image of it being sustainable to us, but it is still a downgrade compared to the A52s, at least in terms of feel. If you are looking for a suitable charger after the purchase, we have summarized the best Samsung chargers for you to take a look at

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Price and availability

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 less than $300 right now!

The new Galaxy A53 cost you $449 or even $349.99 with a trade-in, depending on the model when it went on sale, but I wouldn't recommend buying the A52 5G either way. Taking a look at the price of the Galaxy A52, it seems that the device is even more expensive than the more powerful A52s at the moment. However, the price of the Galaxy A53 has also dropped, so you can pick up the smaller model for $350 thereabouts. The version with larger storage is available for approximately $520.

Galaxy A52 vs. Galaxy A53: Conclusion

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, you currently benefit from cheaper prices, which makes the Galaxy A53 much more interesting.

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.

However, if you are not committed to Samsung, it is absolutely worth keeping an eye on other brands as well. Take a look at our list of the best smartphones for under $400. The mid-range smartphone segment has very stiff competition among the various manufacturers with a stake in it.