Iphone 12 Vs Galaxy A52s 5g Is The Iphone Still Worth It In Current Year

In 2024, choosing between flagship-tier devices and mid-range powerhouses has never been more nuanced. The iPhone 12, once Apple’s 5G pioneer, now faces stiff competition from phones like the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G—a device that offers strong specs at a fraction of the cost. But does raw value always win? For users weighing long-term usability, ecosystem loyalty, and resale strength against upfront savings, the decision isn’t as simple as price tags suggest.

This comparison dives deep into real-world performance, software support, camera quality, and ownership costs to determine whether the iPhone 12 still justifies its premium over the Galaxy A52s 5G—especially for buyers shopping today, not two years ago.

Performance and Hardware: Raw Power vs Longevity

The iPhone 12 runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, built on a 5nm process with six CPU cores and four GPU cores. Even by 2024 standards, this SoC remains impressively capable. It handles multitasking, gaming, and AR applications with ease, often outperforming newer mid-range chips in sustained workloads thanks to Apple’s tight hardware-software integration.

In contrast, the Galaxy A52s 5G uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, a solid mid-tier processor known for efficiency and smooth day-to-day operation. While it handles social media, streaming, and even moderate gaming well, it can't match the A14 in peak performance or thermal management during extended use.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years, prioritize chipset longevity. The A14 Bionic will likely remain fluid longer than the 778G.

Both phones have 4GB–6GB of RAM (depending on region/model), but iOS's memory management makes better use of less RAM. Users report fewer app reloads and smoother background switching on the iPhone 12, even after two years of updates.

Software and Updates: The Hidden Advantage

One of the most critical differences lies in software support. Apple guarantees five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 12, meaning it will likely receive updates through 2026 or beyond. This ensures continued security patches, feature upgrades, and compatibility with new apps.

Samsung promises four years of major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the Galaxy A52s 5G. While commendable, real-world delivery varies by region and carrier. By 2024, the A52s is already nearing the end of its update lifecycle, having received Android 13 as its final major upgrade.

“Long-term software support is a silent differentiator. iPhones maintain functionality and security longer, which directly impacts resale value and daily reliability.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

For users who don’t upgrade annually, this extended support means the iPhone 12 will stay secure, compatible, and functional longer—especially important as newer apps demand more from operating systems.

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity?

The iPhone 12 features a dual-camera setup: 12MP main and ultra-wide sensors. Apple’s computational photography—Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, Night mode—delivers consistent results across lighting conditions. Colors are natural, dynamic range is excellent, and video recording tops out at 4K@60fps with Dolby Vision HDR, a feature unmatched in the A52s’ class.

The Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. On paper, it looks superior. In practice, while daylight shots are sharp and vibrant, low-light performance lags. The lack of advanced processing leads to inconsistent HDR, noise in shadows, and softer details compared to the iPhone.

Feature	iPhone 12	Galaxy A52s 5G
Main Camera	12MP f/1.6	64MP f/1.8
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.4	12MP f/2.2
Night Mode	Yes (all cameras)	Yes (main only)
Video Recording	4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR	4K@30fps, no HDR video
Front Camera	12MP f/2.2	32MP f/2.2

The A52s wins in selfie resolution, but the iPhone’s Face ID-optimized TrueDepth camera produces more flattering skin tones and better low-light selfies. For content creators or vloggers, the iPhone’s video capabilities alone may justify the price gap.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The Galaxy A52s 5G packs a 4500mAh battery, significantly larger than the iPhone 12’s 2815mAh unit. However, battery life isn’t just about capacity. Samsung’s adaptive 120Hz display and efficient 778G chip allow the A52s to deliver up to 1.5 days of moderate use.

The iPhone 12, despite its smaller battery, benefits from iOS optimization and a 60Hz screen. It typically lasts a full day under normal use but struggles with heavy gaming or video streaming. Neither phone supports fast charging out of the box without additional purchases—Apple excludes the charger, while Samsung includes a 25W adapter.

• iPhone 12: Up to 17 hours video playback, 50% charge in ~30 mins (with 20W+ adapter)
• Galaxy A52s 5G: Up to 15 hours mixed usage, 50% charge in ~25 mins (25W included)

Tip: If fast charging matters, the A52s gives immediate advantage—especially since it includes the charger.

Design, Build, and Ecosystem Fit

The iPhone 12 introduced a flat-edge aluminum design reminiscent of the iPhone 5 era. It feels premium with its Ceramic Shield front and aerospace-grade aluminum frame. At 164 grams, it’s lighter than the 189g A52s, making it easier to handle one-handed.

The Galaxy A52s uses plastic back and frame, though it’s IP67 water and dust resistant—something the iPhone 12 lacks. That ruggedness matters for outdoor use or accident-prone environments.

Ecosystem integration is where the iPhone shines. If you own an Apple Watch, AirPods, Mac, or iPad, the seamless handoff, iMessage, AirDrop, and iCloud continuity features create a frictionless experience Samsung can’t replicate—even with SmartThings and Galaxy Wearables.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer, used her Galaxy S10 for four years before upgrading. She considered the A52s due to its lower price but ultimately chose a used iPhone 12. Her reasoning? “I bought AirPods Pro last year and hated how they worked with my Samsung. Plus, I edit photos on my MacBook. The ability to AirDrop straight to my laptop saves me hours.”

She also values the iPhone’s longer software support. “I want to keep this phone for at least three years. Knowing it’ll get updates until 2026 made the difference.”

Value Proposition: Which Offers Better Long-Term ROI?

At launch, the iPhone 12 started at $799; the Galaxy A52s 5G launched around $499. Today, used or refurbished models of the iPhone 12 sell for $250–$350, while the A52s goes for $200–$280—narrowing the gap.

But true value isn’t just purchase price. Consider:

1. Resale Value: iPhones retain value significantly better. After three years, an iPhone 12 might still fetch 40–50% of its original price; the A52s may be worth less than 20%.
2. Durability: While the A52s has IP67, the iPhone 12’s build quality and drop resistance (thanks to Ceramic Shield) reduce repair costs.
3. App Optimization: Many professional apps (e.g., Adobe Lightroom, LumaFusion) are better optimized for iOS, offering smoother workflows.

Checklist: Should You Choose the iPhone 12?

• ✅ You plan to keep the phone for 3+ years
• ✅ You use other Apple devices (Mac, iPad, Watch)
• ✅ You record videos or need top-tier camera consistency
• ✅ You prefer longer software updates and security support
• ✅ Resale value matters when upgrading later

If these apply, the iPhone 12 remains a smart investment—even in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A52s 5G run modern games smoothly?

Yes, for most titles. The Snapdragon 778G handles PUBG, Genshin Impact, and Call of Duty at medium settings. However, expect frame drops during prolonged sessions. The iPhone 12 delivers higher and more stable frame rates, especially in graphics-intensive games.

Is iOS better than Android for older phones?

In terms of sustained performance and update consistency, yes. Apple optimizes each iOS version for all supported devices, ensuring older models don’t become sluggish quickly. Android updates vary by manufacturer, and bloatware can degrade performance over time.

Does the iPhone 12 support 5G networks in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It supports sub-6GHz 5G, not mmWave (except in the U.S. Verizon model). While this covers most nationwide coverage, it’s slower than mmWave. Still fully functional for streaming, downloads, and future network demands.

Conclusion: Yes, the iPhone 12 Is Still Worth It—for the Right User

The Galaxy A52s 5G is an outstanding mid-range phone with strong battery life, a high-refresh display, and capable cameras. For budget-conscious users who upgrade every two years, it’s an excellent choice.

But if you value long-term usability, seamless ecosystem integration, superior video recording, and stronger resale returns, the iPhone 12 continues to justify its premium. Its A14 chip, iOS update roadmap, and build quality ensure it won’t feel obsolete anytime soon—even in 2024’s competitive landscape.

💬 Have you made the switch from Android to iPhone—or stayed loyal? Share your experience below and help others decide what truly matters in a smartphone.