Is The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Really Worth The Upgrade From An A52s 5g

If you’ve been loyal to Samsung’s mid-range lineup with the Galaxy A52s 5G, you’ve already experienced solid performance, reliable battery life, and a clean Android experience. But now, with the flagship Galaxy S24 Ultra commanding attention for its titanium build, AI features, and top-tier specs, it’s natural to wonder: is this leap truly justified? The answer depends on your priorities—whether you're chasing cutting-edge technology or simply need a dependable daily driver.

The A52s 5G was a standout in its class—offering 5G connectivity, a 120Hz AMOLED display, and a capable quad-camera setup at a fraction of the flagship price. Meanwhile, the S24 Ultra sits at the pinnacle of Samsung’s 2024 portfolio, featuring the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip (in most regions), a 200MP main sensor, built-in S Pen, and a five-year promise of OS updates. But does that translate into meaningful improvements for someone coming from a still-functional A52s?

Performance Leap: From Capable to Cutting-Edge

The difference in processing power between the A52s 5G and the S24 Ultra is stark. The A52s runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G—a competent chipset for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and streaming—but not designed for sustained high-load scenarios. In contrast, the S24 Ultra uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, one of the fastest mobile processors available in 2024. This isn’t just about speed; it’s about longevity.

With the S24 Ultra, multitasking feels effortless. Switching between heavy apps—like video editing tools, 3D games, or multiple browser tabs—happens without stutter. Apps launch instantly, and even resource-heavy AI features run locally thanks to improved NPU performance. If you frequently work on documents, edit photos, or use split-screen workflows, the S24 Ultra transforms the phone into a near-desktop productivity tool.

Tip: If you regularly hit performance limits on your A52s—such as lag when switching apps or slow photo processing—the S24 Ultra will feel like a quantum leap.

Camera Comparison: Night Photography and Zoom That Matter

The camera system is where the S24 Ultra pulls far ahead. The A52s offers a decent 64MP main sensor, but its low-light performance and zoom capabilities are limited. The S24 Ultra introduces a 200MP wide lens with pixel-binning for exceptional detail, plus dual telephoto lenses offering 3x and 10x optical zoom. For users who love capturing distant subjects—wildlife, concerts, or architecture—this is transformative.

In practical terms, shooting at 10x zoom on the A52s results in soft, noisy images. On the S24 Ultra, you get sharp, detailed shots even in mixed lighting. Night mode is also dramatically improved, leveraging AI and faster processing to brighten scenes while preserving texture and color accuracy.

“Smartphone photography has shifted from megapixels to computational intelligence. The S24 Ultra doesn’t just capture more data—it understands what you’re shooting.” — Lena Park, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechSight

Camera Feature Breakdown

Feature	Galaxy A52s 5G	Galaxy S24 Ultra
Main Sensor	64MP f/1.8	200MP f/1.7
Ultra-Wide	12MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2
Telephoto	None	10MP 3x + 10MP 10x Optical Zoom
Night Mode Quality	Moderate improvement	Significant low-light clarity
Video Recording	4K@30fps	8K@30fps, advanced stabilization

Battery and Longevity: Two Different Philosophies

The A52s packs a 4500mAh battery with 25W fast charging—solid for a day of moderate use. The S24 Ultra ups the ante with a 5000mAh cell and 45W charging, though Samsung only includes the charger in select markets. More importantly, the S24 Ultra promises **seven years of security and OS updates**, doubling the support window compared to the A52s’ four years.

This extended software support is critical. It means the S24 Ultra will receive Android upgrades through 2030, making it one of the longest-supported smartphones ever. For users who keep phones for three years or more, this drastically improves long-term value—even at a higher upfront cost.

Tip: Consider total ownership cost. Paying more now may save money later if you avoid upgrading again in 2–3 years.

Design and Daily Use: Luxury Meets Function

The S24 Ultra trades plastic for titanium in its frame, giving it a premium, lightweight feel despite its large 6.8-inch flat display. The flat screen is a welcome change from curved predecessors, reducing glare and improving touch accuracy. Meanwhile, the A52s, while IP67-rated and durable, uses a plastic back and frame that can feel less refined over time.

The inclusion of the S Pen is another differentiator. While not essential for everyone, it’s invaluable for note-takers, artists, or professionals marking up documents. The stylus slots neatly into the frame, making it always accessible—something no A-series device offers.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a freelance photographer and traveler, used her A52s 5G for nearly three years. She appreciated its battery life and waterproof design but struggled with slow app launches during photo edits and blurry zoom shots while traveling. After testing the S24 Ultra on a trip to Morocco, she captured crisp 10x zoom images of street markets and edited RAW files directly on the phone using Adobe Lightroom. “It replaced my tablet for light work,” she said. “The S Pen helped me annotate client proofs instantly.” For her, the upgrade wasn’t just about specs—it solved real workflow gaps.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Move?

Before committing to the S24 Ultra’s $1,299 starting price, ask yourself the following:

• Do you regularly experience lag or app reloads on your A52s?
• Are you interested in serious mobile photography, especially zoom or night shots?
• Do you value having the latest AI tools, like live translation or generative photo editing?
• Do you plan to keep your phone for 4+ years?
• Is the S Pen functionality appealing for notes, sketches, or productivity?

If you answered yes to three or more, the upgrade delivers tangible benefits. Otherwise, consider the S24 Plus or even waiting for future price drops on the Ultra model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S24 Ultra really last seven years?

Samsung’s promise of seven years of updates ensures software longevity, but physical durability depends on usage. With proper care—using a case, avoiding drops, and managing battery health—it’s entirely possible to use the phone effectively for half a decade or more.

Is the 200MP camera worth it?

While most photos are shot in 12MP mode via pixel binning, the 200MP option is useful for cropping flexibility. If you often crop into distant parts of a scene, the extra resolution provides room to reframe without losing detail.

Will my A52s accessories work with the S24 Ultra?

Most Bluetooth accessories (earbuds, watches) will pair seamlessly. However, cases, chargers (due to different wattage), and screen protectors are not interchangeable due to size and design differences.

Final Verdict: A Premium Upgrade with Purpose

Upgrading from the A52s 5G to the S24 Ultra is not a necessity—but it is a transformation. You’re moving from a well-rounded mid-ranger to a do-it-all powerhouse built for creators, professionals, and tech enthusiasts. The gains in performance, camera versatility, software support, and build quality are real and impactful.

However, if your current phone meets your needs and you don’t rely heavily on photography, multitasking, or long-term software support, the upgrade may feel excessive. There’s no shame in sticking with a device that works—especially when alternatives like the S24 or S24 Plus offer many flagship features at lower prices.

But if you’re ready to unlock the full potential of what a smartphone can do—if you want a device that won’t feel outdated in two years and can adapt to evolving software demands—the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t just worth it. It’s a strategic investment in your digital life.

💬 Have you upgraded from an A-series to an S Ultra? Share your experience, regrets, or surprises in the comments—your insight could help others make their decision.