Samsung Galaxy A52 Review: Complete Specs, Pros and Cons

This comprehensive review of the Samsung Galaxy A52 has examined all specifications across categories including design, display, performance, battery, cameras, and value. Our assessment combines hands-on testing with benchmark analysis to provide a balanced perspective on this popular mid-range smartphone’s capabilities. Note that pricing and specifications may vary by location, retailer, and regional configurations. The Samsung Galaxy A52 was launched in March 2021 as a reliable mid-range device with premium features including IP67 water resistance and OIS camera stabilization.

Highlights
LaunchMarch 2021
ModelSM-A525F
Camera64MP Quad Camera with OIS
Battery4500mAh with 25W Fast Charging
Display6.5-inch 90Hz Super AMOLED
PriceUSD $220 / Euro €215
Rating
4.5/5
Design
ColorsAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet
Height159.9mm
Width75.1mm
Thickness8.4mm
Weight189g
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
ProtectionIP67 Water and Dust Resistance (1m, 30 min)
SIMSingle Nano-SIM or Dual Nano-SIM
Display
Size6.5 inches
ResolutionFHD+ 1080 × 2400, 20:9 aspect ratio
Refresh Rate90Hz
TypeSuper AMOLED
BrightnessUp to 800 nits (HBM)
GlassCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Always-On DisplayYes
Camera
Camera System64MP Quad Camera with OIS
Main Camera64MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF)
Ultra-wide12MP (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Macro5MP (f/2.4)
Depth5MP (f/2.4)
Front Camera32MP (f/2.2)
FlashLED Flash
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS
FeaturesHDR, Panorama
Battery
Capacity4500mAh
Wired Charging25W Fast Charging
Charger in Box15W (varies by market)
PortUSB Type-C 2.0
Storage
RAM4GB / 6GB / 8GB
ROM128GB / 256GB
ExpansionmicroSD up to 1TB (dedicated slot on dual-SIM models)
Platform
ChipsetQualcomm Snapdragon 720G (8nm)
CPUOcta-core: 2×Cortex-A76 @2.3GHz + 6×Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz
GPUAdreno 618
System (Launch)Android 11
Latest UpdateAndroid 14 with One UI 6.1
Security
FingerprintOptical In-display Fingerprint Scanner
Face UnlockFace Unlock
Security PlatformSamsung Knox, Secure Folder
ProtectionIP67 Water and Dust Resistance
Network
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE
2G BandsGSM 850/900/1800/1900
3G BandsHSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100
4G LTEMultiple bands (varies by region)
SpeedLTE Cat13 DL / Cat15 UL
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
NFCAvailable in selected regions
GPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
USBUSB Type-C 2.0
OTGOTG Support
Audio Jack3.5mm Headphone Jack
FM RadioMarket dependent
Media
SpeakersStereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos
Audio FormatsMP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV and more
Video FormatsMP4, MKV, AVI and more
Features
NavigationGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
SensorsOptical In-display Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyro, Proximity, Compass
Camera Features64MP Main with OIS, 12MP Ultra-wide, 32MP Front Camera, 4K Video, gyro-EIS
Charging25W Fast Charging
DurabilityIP67 Water and Dust Resistance
FeaturesSamsung Pay, Always-On Display, Game Booster, Edge Panels, Dark Mode, Digital Wellbeing, Samsung Health, Smart View, Bixby Routines
AudioStereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, 3.5mm Jack
Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A52, launched in March 2021, represents a landmark in Samsung’s A-series lineup, bringing premium features to the mid-range segment at an accessible price of $220. This device targets users who want a well-rounded smartphone experience with standout features including IP67 water resistance, OIS camera stabilization, and a 90Hz Super AMOLED display. With its 64MP quad camera system, 4500mAh battery, and Snapdragon 720G processor, the A52 delivers a compelling package that has stood the test of time with updates up to Android 14.

The design of the Galaxy A52 balances durability with modern aesthetics, featuring dimensions of 159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm and a comfortable weight of 189g. Available in Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, and Awesome Violet, the device offers vibrant color options. The glass front with Gorilla Glass 5 protection, plastic frame, and plastic back provide durability at an affordable price point. IP67 certification ensures water and dust resistance (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), a premium feature rarely found at this price level.

The display is a highlight, featuring a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution (1080 x 2400) and a 90Hz refresh rate. The 20:9 aspect ratio provides an immersive viewing experience, while up to 800 nits brightness ensures good outdoor visibility. Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection and Always-On Display add premium touches. The 90Hz refresh rate delivers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays, significantly enhancing the user experience.

Photography capabilities are anchored by a versatile quad camera system featuring a 64MP main camera with OIS and PDAF, a 12MP ultra-wide camera with 123° field of view, a 5MP macro camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. The 32MP front camera captures detailed selfies. Video recording supports 4K at 30fps and 1080p at 60fps with gyro-EIS stabilization. OIS on the main camera ensures sharper photos and smoother videos in low-light conditions, setting the A52 apart from many competitors.

Battery performance is solid with a 4500mAh capacity, delivering all-day endurance. The 25W fast charging ensures reasonable recharge times, though the included 15W charger varies by market. The Snapdragon 720G processor with octa-core CPU (2×Cortex-A76 @2.3GHz + 6×Cortex-A55 @1.8GHz) and Adreno 618 GPU delivers capable performance for daily tasks and gaming. Memory options include 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB RAM with 128GB or 256GB storage, expandable via microSD up to 1TB. Launching with Android 11, the device has received updates to Android 14 with One UI 6.1, demonstrating Samsung’s commitment to long-term software support. Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos provide immersive audio for media consumption.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy A52 successfully delivers a premium mid-range experience with features that were previously reserved for flagship devices. Its combination of IP67 water resistance, OIS camera stabilization, 90Hz Super AMOLED display, and reliable Snapdragon 720G performance makes it a standout choice in its class. The comprehensive feature set including Samsung Knox security, Samsung Pay, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos adds significant value. For users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with premium features at an affordable price, the Samsung Galaxy A52 represents outstanding value and long-term reliability.

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