Is The Samsung S23 Really Worth The Upgrade From An A52 5g What Am I Missing

If you’ve been using the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for over a year, you might be wondering whether it’s time to move up to a flagship like the Samsung Galaxy S23. The A52 5G was a standout mid-range phone in its time—solid performance, reliable battery life, and a capable camera system. But the S23 brings premium features that could justify the jump. The real question isn’t just about specs; it’s about whether those upgrades translate into meaningful improvements in daily use.

This isn’t just about faster processing or sharper photos. It’s about longevity, software support, user experience, and how much more you can actually do with your phone. Let’s break down exactly what changes when you make the leap—and whether it’s worth the investment.

Performance: From Smooth to Seamless

The Galaxy A52 5G runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G, which was efficient and capable for everyday tasks in 2021. However, by today’s standards, it shows its age under heavy multitasking, gaming, or app switching. In contrast, the Galaxy S23 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy—a chip designed for peak performance and optimized specifically for Samsung’s software ecosystem.

Benchmarks tell part of the story: the S23 scores nearly double in CPU and GPU tests compared to the A52 5G. But real-world usage reveals even more. Apps launch noticeably faster. Scrolling through social feeds feels buttery smooth. Video editing, photo rendering, and AR experiences run without stutter. If you frequently use productivity apps, play mobile games, or rely on your phone for creative work, this performance gap becomes tangible.

Tip: Flagship chips like the 8 Gen 2 not only perform better now but also handle future OS updates and demanding apps longer than mid-tier processors.

Camera Upgrades That Actually Matter

The A52 5G has a respectable quad-camera setup, including a 64MP main sensor. But the S23 elevates photography with hardware and software synergy. Its 50MP main sensor uses larger pixels (1.8µm) and advanced pixel-binning for superior low-light performance. Combined with the dedicated NPU (Neural Processing Unit), the S23 delivers sharper detail, natural color reproduction, and dramatically better night shots.

Zoom capability is another major differentiator. The A52 relies on digital zoom beyond 2x, resulting in soft, grainy images. The S23 includes a true 10MP 3x telephoto lens, enabling crisp optical zoom up to 3x and high-quality hybrid zoom up to 30x. For travel, events, or wildlife photography, this flexibility is invaluable.

Video recording sees a significant boost too. The S23 supports 8K at 24fps, HDR10+, and advanced stabilization—even in low light. While most users won’t need 8K, the improved dynamic range and cinematic modes make vlogging and casual filming far more professional.

“Flagship cameras don’t just take better photos—they reduce the effort needed to get them.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

Differences You Can Feel: Build, Display, and Software

One of the first things you’ll notice after switching is the build quality. The A52 5G uses plastic both for the frame and back panel. The S23, meanwhile, features an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back. It feels denser, more refined, and better protected against drops and scratches.

The display is another area where the premium tier shines. Both phones have 120Hz AMOLED screens, but the S23’s panel is brighter (up to 1750 nits peak), more color-accurate, and adaptive down to 1Hz for better battery efficiency. Outdoor visibility, HDR streaming, and eye comfort during prolonged use are all meaningfully improved.

Software support is a critical long-term factor. The A52 5G is guaranteed Android updates until 2023 and security patches until 2025. The S23, however, promises four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates—meaning it will stay current through 2027. This extended lifecycle enhances resale value and ensures compatibility with future apps and services.

What You’re Missing: Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A52 5G	Samsung Galaxy S23
Processor	Snapdragon 750G	Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM / Storage	6/8GB / 128/256GB	8GB / 128/256/512GB
Rear Cameras	64MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 5MP macro + 5MP depth	50MP main + 12MP ultrawide + 10MP telephoto (3x)
Video Recording	4K@30fps	8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, HDR10+
Battery	4500mAh	3900mAh
Charging	25W wired, no wireless	25W wired, 15W wireless
Display	6.5” FHD+ 120Hz AMOLED (plastic)	6.1” FHD+ 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X (glass)
Build	Plastic frame & back	Armor Aluminum & Gorilla Glass Victus 2
OS Update Support	Up to Android 13, security until 2025	Up to Android 17, security until 2027
Water Resistance	IP67	IP68

Real-World Example: A Photographer’s Upgrade Journey

Take Sarah, a freelance content creator who used her A52 5G for two years. She loved its battery life and decent camera for Instagram posts. But as her work grew, she struggled with slow export times, blurry zoomed-in shots, and overheating during video shoots. After switching to the S23, she noticed immediate improvements: faster Lightroom edits, crisper close-ups at concerts, and stable 4K clips without dropped frames. “It didn’t just make my job easier,” she said. “It made me feel more confident sharing unedited footage because the quality was already there.”

Her experience highlights a key point: flagship phones aren’t just about specs—they remove friction from workflows and open up new creative possibilities.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before making the move, ask yourself the following. Check off each item if it applies:

• ✅ Do you regularly experience app lag or slow multitasking?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by poor low-light or zoomed photos?
• ✅ Do you want longer software support (4+ years)?
• ✅ Do you value premium materials and better durability?
• ✅ Are you planning to keep your next phone for 3+ years?
• ✅ Do you use your phone for video calls, gaming, or content creation?

If you checked three or more, the S23 likely offers meaningful benefits. If your A52 still handles daily tasks well and you’re mostly browsing and messaging, the upgrade may feel less urgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the S23 have better battery life despite a smaller battery?

Yes. Thanks to the more power-efficient Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and adaptive refresh rate (1–120Hz), the S23 often lasts as long or longer than the A52 5G on a single charge, especially with mixed usage. Heavy users may still need a top-up, but overall efficiency is superior.

Can I expect faster software updates on the S23?

Absolutely. Flagship models receive priority for both OS and security updates. You’ll typically get new Android versions weeks before mid-range devices, and patch rollouts are faster and more consistent.

Is the S23 too small compared to the A52 5G?

Some users find the 6.1-inch S23 more compact and easier to use one-handed. However, if you prefer larger screens for media or reading, consider the S23+ or S23 Ultra instead. The base S23 trades screen size for portability and balance.

Final Thoughts: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the A52 5G to the S23 isn’t just about getting a newer phone—it’s about stepping into a different class of experience. You gain a faster processor, a vastly superior camera system, longer software support, and a more durable, refined design. While the A52 remains competent, the S23 delivers noticeable improvements in responsiveness, photo quality, and long-term reliability.

The decision ultimately depends on your needs. If you’re a casual user who values battery life and doesn’t push their phone hard, holding onto the A52 5G a while longer makes sense. But if you want a device that performs effortlessly, captures stunning photos, and stays supported for years, the S23 is a compelling upgrade—one that pays dividends in daily satisfaction and future-proofing.

💬 Have you upgraded from an A52 5G to an S23? Share your experience and let others know what changed for you!