Review: Samsung Galaxy A52 (5G) 128GB A526U (T-Mobile/Sprint Unlocked) – Mid-range device with premium features

Discover the stylish design and high-performance features of the Samsung Galaxy A52 smartphone... Read more

Specifications

Brand	SAMSUNG
Model Name	Galaxy A52
Wireless Carrier	AT&T
Operating System	Android
Cellular Technology	5G
Memory Storage Capacity	128 GB
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, NFC
Color	Awesome Black
Screen Size	6.5 Inches
Wireless network technology	GSM, Wi-Fi, CDMA, LTE

Welcoming Viewers to the World of Samsung Galaxy A52

Hey there, tech enthusiasts! It’s a great day to dive into the universe of smart technology and today, we’re setting our sights on Samsung’s newest offering, the Samsung Galaxy A52. As an anticipated upgrade to the well-received Galaxy A51, this device has stirred quite a buzz in the mobile tech industry and smartphone users at large.

First Impressions Unveiled: The Samsung Galaxy A52

First impressions always matter, and the Samsung Galaxy A52 certainly stands up to scrutiny. On initial contact, it appears like a sleek and modern device, seemingly fitting for both casual and professional use. But it’s more than just looks that captivated me. It’s the promise of an enhanced user experience, the thought of sliding my fingers over its new Matte finish, and the potential of the features it proclaims to offer.

The Evolution: Galaxy A51 to A52

Stacking it up against the A51, its immediate predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is both familiar and fresh. It carries over the tried-and-tested features that the audience loved in the A51, but with the intention of giving users an even better mobile experience. I was particularly intrigued by the advertised improved build quality, IP67 certification, and new processor variants. The evolutionary march from the A51 to the A52 appears promising, and it’s this promise that I am excited to further investigate and share with you.

In the sections that follow, we’re going to unpack this smartphone bit by bit, examining everything from its build quality to its camera and processor capabilities. Let’s find out if Samsung Galaxy A52 indeed lived up to the hype!

The Design: Sleek and Trendy

• Samsung Galaxy A52 boasts high-tech specs and design
• A52’s matte finish adds durability and premium feel
• Design prioritizes user comfort and sleek aesthetics

With Samsung Galaxy A52, you’re in for a visually pleasing treat. This latest offering not only boasts about high-tech specs but is also a testament to Samsung’s commitment to design and aesthetics.

Breaking Down the Build Quality

The back of the Samsung A52 is constructed with plastic, but don’t let that put you off. The finish is matte, lending a touch of sophistication and elegance to the device. This material choice may initially seem like a cost-cutting measure, but on a closer look, it’s evident that, matte finish doesn’t just look premium but adds to the durability as well.

Innovating with Matte Finish

While it’s safe to say matte finishes are quite common in today’s market, when it comes to the A52, it has a distinctive feel. There’s a smoothness, a kind of rubbery texture that adds that extra grip, making it comfortable to hold for extended durations. Could it be that Samsung adopted the popular matte finish from S21 Ultra? It appears quite likely.

Maintaining Comfort in the Hand

Size and feel matter when it comes to smartphone usability. Thankfully, the A52’s design imparts a comfortable grip. From the slim profile to how the handset nestles perfectly in your palm, Samsung evidently prioritized user comfort with this model.

A Closer Look at the Discreet Camera Bump

Next, we have the camera bump – small, almost barely there, breaking away from the clichéd prominent bumps we commonly see in smartphones. Plus, the subtle shadow effect adds a unique style quotient. The design of the bump feels pleasing to the eye, with an interesting 2D effect thrown into the mix. So, it’s clear that Samsung has given much thought to the balance between camera function and smooth design.

Predicting Future Trends in Smartphone Finishes

One can’t help but ponder whether Samsung’s choice of matte over glossy could mark a shift in premium smartphone design trends. After all, fingerprints and smudges become virtually invisible with matte finishes. Thus, moving away from glossy backs could be a logical step towards more practical designs.

All in all, the design aspect of the Samsung Galaxy A52 serves as a strong example of prioritizing user comfort without compromising the aesthetics.

Highlighting the Upgrades over Previous Generation

• Galaxy A52 features IP67 certification for dust and water resistance
• Type-C input and 3.5mm jack included for convenience
• Supports Dolby Atmos sound for improved audio experience

One of the facets I particularly wanted to critique and compare was the leap of upgrades the Samsung Galaxy A52 brought to the table in comparison to its predecessor, the A51. A fair assessment of every new launch necessarily includes an examination of its evolution. In this case, the Samsung Galaxy A52 certainly presents some noteworthy enhancements that warrant our attention.

Emphasis on IP67 Certification: Keeping Dust and Water at Bay

The Samsung Galaxy A52 comes with an impressive IP67 certification . In practical terms, this means the phone is resistant both to dust and to water to some degree. This feature allows for some peace of mind knowing the device can withstand a minor spritz or brief dunking. Such resilience is quite uncommon in this price range, therefore this extra layer of safeguarding is undeniably a pleasant addition.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Type-C Input & 3.5 mm Jack

Another upgrade that the A52 sports is in the form of its Type-C input and a handy mm jack . The Type-C input is a clear nod towards data transfer and charging convenience, while the 3.5mm jack signals that the company is still valuing wired audio options for users who may prefer them. It’s refreshing to see these features retained and prioritised in an era where several counterparts are forgoing these inputs.

Dolby Atmos Support: Creating Enveloping Sound

Setting a novel audio standard in its price segment, the A52 comes ready with Dolby Atmos sound via the top facing speaker as well as the speaker grille. This contributes to a richer, more immersive audio experience that is a definite nod towards improved user experience. This smartphone now doubles as a portable surround sound system – an appreciable advancement over the previous generation indeed.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A52 exemplifies a thoughtfully planned and executed progression with respect to its predecessor, the A51. The updates are practical, value-adding and very much in line with consumer needs and market trends.

Unveiling the Specs: Front Display, Battery, and Camera

• Galaxy A52 has 6.5-inch AMOLED 1080p display
• Includes 4,500 mAh battery and 25W fast charging
• Boasts 64-megapixel main camera

Front Display and Visual Experience

For folks who appreciate a vibrant, punchy display, Samsung Galaxy A52 does not disappoint. It encapsulates an expansive -inch AMOLED 1080p panel . The colours pop up beautifully while watching videos and browsing through apps. The cherry on top is the responsive 90 Hz refresh rate, with the 4G variant, which smoothes out any experience. Plus, the 5G variant comes with a 120 Hz refresh rate panel which can be a treat for smooth scrolling enthusiasts. However, I noticed that while the figures look great on paper, the real-world distinction between 90 Hz and 60 Hz may not be easily discernable for an average user.

Battery: Fast-charging and Endurance

The workhorse powering the A52 is a 4,500 mAh battery , which should provide ample juice for a full day of moderate usage. The phone also supports 25W fast charging, but a minor disappointment is the inclusion of only a 15W charger in the box. While this still charges the phone from zero to 50% in approximately 30 minutes, having a 25W charger could have cut down the waiting time significantly.

Camera: Capturing Your World

Stepping into the realm of photography and videography, the Galaxy A52 boasts a 64-megapixel main camera equipped with OIS. Complementing the main shooter are an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens and a depth sensor. On paper, it seems like a robust setup for various shooting conditions, but discerning photographers may need to test its performance in different lighting and focusing scenarios. Worth mentioning is the 32-megapixel selfie camera providing crisp, detailed selfies. Also, the ability to record 4k at 30fps with both front and back camera is a commendable addition to a mid-range device, promising to elevate your video capturing experience.

In conclusion, on the specs front, the Samsung Galaxy A52 offers a solid package, prioritizing display quality, battery life, and camera upgrades. However, with other competitors presenting similar specs at competitive prices, it ultimately depends upon personal preferences, brand loyalties, and actual use-case scenarios that might tilt the scales in favour of the A52.

Exploring the Processor and Processing Power

• Samsung Galaxy A52 has Snapdragon 732G processor
• Processor emphasizes on performance and energy efficiency
• Ensures stable, consistent gaming experience at medium resolutions

In this section, let’s delve into the engine room of the Samsung Galaxy A52 – the processor and its processing power. Aficionados and casual users alike often place emphasis on these factors due to their direct impact on the overall smartphone experience.

Diving into the Snapdragon 732g on the 4g Variant

The Samsung Galaxy A52 4G variant, which we have in hand, comes equipped with the efficient and robust Snapdragon 732G. The arrival of this rapidly responsive processor is worth noting because of its improvement over the previous generation’s offering. It is engineered to offer a balance between performance and energy efficiency – something we’ll explore further in the gaming subsection.

Analyzing Gaming Capabilities on the A52

As expected, the Snapdragon 732G showcases its prowess with gaming performance. Major mobile gaming titles such as Call of Duty, Asphalt, and PUBG maintain smooth gameplay with medium resolution and graphics on this device. Here, the emphasis is on stability. Although it may not deliver the highest frame rates, it ensures an enjoyable experience minus any irritating jitters or extreme heating issues. Do bear in mind that our focus during this testing phase remains on the performance on medium resolutions.

Performance tip: Keeping the graphics settings at medium can extend the battery life, contribute to the device’s longevity, and provide an adequate, consistent gaming experience.

About the Full Review

Please stay tuned for our upcoming comprehensive review. We’ll delve deeper into the device’s capabilities, including high graphics performance, day-to-day operations, and power efficiency. This will provide a more detailed insight into what to expect from the Snapdragon 732G in everyday scenarios.

Remember, these are the impressions based on initial usage. Be sure to check out the full review for a more detailed assessment of the Samsung Galaxy A52’s processing capabilities.

Detailing Additional Features

• Galaxy A52 features under-display fingerprint scanner
• Offers expandable storage option
• Runs on One UI 3.1 interface, Android 11

While the Samsung Galaxy A52 boasts a variety of impressive specifications, one area that is particularly noteworthy, besides the impressive camera and powerful processing chipset, is the list of additional features. These features, some of which carry over from the previous A51 model, truly add an element of value and functionality to the device that is hard to ignore.

Under Display Fingerprint Sensor

Security is a critical element in any modern smartphone, and the Samsung Galaxy A52 doesn’t disappoint. One tech that certainly deserves a mention is the integrated under-display fingerprint scanner . Now, while this feature may not be as blazingly fast as that in some flagship models like the S21 Ultra, it does its job pretty well. Unlocks are relatively quick and reliable, making it a strong line of defense towards maintaining user privacy.

Expandable Storage

Another utility feature worth discussing is the expandable storage option . Despite the ample onboard storage variants that the phone comes in, the expandable storage functionality means you can accommodate even more data if needed. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a movie hoarder, or simply like your music library locally stored, the expandable storage gives you that flexibility.

Updated UI: Introducing One UI 3.1 Based Off Android 11

Last but not least, the A52 runs on Samsung’s latest One UI 3.1 interface, layered above Android 11. This interface, besides being visually appealing, is quite intuitive and eases navigation around the device. It also offers a degree of continuity for existing Samsung users, providing a familiar environment from across the Samsung device range.

In conclusion, the Samsung Galaxy A52 easily packages itself as a robust and reliable mid-range device. It places a firm emphasis on delivering a range of high-quality features, also seen in high-end devices, all while maintaining an accessible price point.

Final Takeaways and Looking to the Future

After getting my hands on the Samsung Galaxy A52 and sharing my initial impressions, here are the major key takeaways.

The Wins

This smartphone is obviously improved from its predecessor, the Galaxy A51, both in design and functionality. With notable upgrades such as the IP67 certification, it offers an increased resistance to dust and water- rare in this price range. Plus, embracing the popular matte finish trend, the A52 definitely scores high on aesthetics – resulting in a comfortable and visually pleasing experience.

What Caught my Eye

• Surround Sound with Dolby Atmos: This is a delightful feature for those who enjoy an immersive sound experience.
• The camera configuration: A 64 MP main camera accompanied by a fine range of supporting lenses adapts perfectly to different photography needs. The impressive 4K recording capacity is rather rare in this price range!
• Fast charging feature: The phone’s battery supports rigors of daily usage, and 25W fast charging is the cherry on the top. Bountiful power in less time – who wouldn’t like that?

Room for Improvement

However, it’s worth mentioning that despite the fast charging support, the box only contains a 15-watt charger. You might have to invest in a separate 25W adapter to fully utilize the fast charging potential – something Samsung could have taken care of.

Looking Forward

For now, the Samsung Galaxy A52 appears to be a strong contender in the mid-range smartphone segment. Yet, it will be interesting to check its actual performance and user experience in more detail in the full review. So especially, stay tuned for the full camera test and any additional insights!

In a nutshell, the Galaxy A52 has made a promising start – let’s wait and see how it fares in the long run!

Should you buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 (5G) 128GB A526U (T-Mobile/Sprint Unlocked)?

Buy it if…

You value audio quality

The Samsung Galaxy A52 comes with a Dolby Atmos supported sound system to enhance your listening experience.

You need a durable, resilient phone

The A52 has IP67 certification, guaranteeing it to be dust and water-resistant, making it a good fit for those who lead active lifestyles or are prone to spills and drops.

You prioritize a high-quality camera

With a 64-megapixel main camera with OIS, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide angle lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and a depth sensor, Samsung Galaxy A52 is ideal for those who are serious about phone photography.

Don’t buy it if…

You prefer a lightweight device

Though it’s robust and offers several features, the thick matte-finish body might not be for those desiring a lightweight phone.

You seek swift fingerprint sensor speed

The under-display fingerprint sensor on the A52 is functional but not as incredibly fast as some other models in the market, like the S21 ultra.

You need quicker charging

Although the device supports 25W fast charging, the box comes with only a 15W charger, which may not suit you if you prefer faster charging times.

FAQ

What are the significant upgrades from the A51 to the A52?

Key upgrades include the IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, the matte finish design, and enhanced features including Dolby Atmos sound support and 25 watts fast charging.

What does IP67 certification mean?

IP67 certification means the device is resistant to dust and can withstand water immersion between 15 cm and 1 meter for 30 minutes.

What does the Samsung Galaxy A52 package include?

The Samsung Galaxy A52 comes with a 15W charger in the box, despite the phone itself supporting 25W fast charging.

What are the camera specifications of the Galaxy A52?

The Galaxy A52 has a 64MP main camera, an 8MP ultra-wide angle lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a depth sensor. The camera can record 4K at 30fps. The selfie camera is 32MP and can also record 4K at 30fps.

What is the performance level of the Galaxy A52 for gaming?

The Galaxy A52 performs well for gaming purposes, offering a stable performance at medium resolution and graphics. The efficient Snapdragon 732g processor supports smooth performance during gaming.

Are there any notable additional features?

Notable additional features in Samsung Galaxy A52 include an under-display fingerprint sensor, expandable storage, and a UI based off Android 11.