Samsung A32 5g Vs A52 5g Is It Worth Upgrading Or Are They Basically The Same 2

When Samsung released the Galaxy A32 5G and A52 5G, they occupied adjacent spaces in the mid-range smartphone market. At first glance, both devices share similar design cues, support 5G connectivity, and run on Android with One UI. But beneath the surface, there are meaningful differences that could influence whether an upgrade from the A32 5G to the A52 5G is truly worthwhile. For users already satisfied with their A32 5G, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world improvements in daily use.

Design and Build Quality: More Than Just Looks

samsung a32 5g vs a52 5g is it worth upgrading or are they basically the same 2

The Galaxy A32 5G features a polycarbonate (plastic) back and frame, which keeps the device lightweight but prone to scratches and smudges. It's functional and durable for casual use, but lacks premium feel. In contrast, the A52 5G steps up with a matte-finish plastic back that resists fingerprints and delivers a more refined tactile experience. The frame is also slightly more rigid, contributing to better structural integrity.

Both phones are IP67-rated for dust and water resistance—a feature rarely seen at this price point—meaning they can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This is a significant advantage for anyone leading an active lifestyle.

Tip: Even with IP67 rating, avoid exposing either phone to chlorinated or salt water regularly—residue can degrade seals over time.

While the A52 5G doesn't use glass, its textured back and symmetrical bezels give it a more balanced, modern look. The A32 5G feels thicker and less ergonomic, especially during one-handed use.

Display Comparison: Brightness and Smoothness Matter

Both phones sport 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with Full HD+ resolution, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. However, the key differentiator is refresh rate. The A32 5G is limited to a standard 90Hz refresh rate, while the A52 5G boasts a smoother 120Hz. This might seem like a small number, but in practice, scrolling through apps, browsing social media, or playing games feels significantly more fluid on the A52 5G.

Brightness is another area where the A52 5G pulls ahead. It peaks at around 800 nits compared to the A32 5G’s 600 nits. In direct sunlight, this makes a tangible difference—outdoor visibility on the A52 5G remains clear, whereas the A32 5G often requires shade or manual brightness maxing.

Feature Samsung A32 5G Samsung A52 5G
Display Type Super AMOLED Super AMOLED
Refresh Rate 90Hz 120Hz
Peak Brightness ~600 nits ~800 nits
Always-On Display Yes Yes

Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed

The A32 5G runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G chipset, paired with up to 6GB RAM. It handles everyday tasks like messaging, web browsing, and video streaming without issue. However, multitasking with multiple heavy apps or gaming titles like Genshin Impact leads to noticeable lag and thermal throttling.

The A52 5G uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G, a step up in both CPU and GPU performance. Benchmarks show roughly 30–40% better processing power and significantly improved graphics rendering. This translates to faster app launches, smoother transitions, and better gaming performance at medium-to-high settings.

“Mid-tier processors have diverged sharply. The Snapdragon 750G in the A52 5G offers near-flagship efficiency for its class.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Both devices come with 128GB of internal storage and support microSD expansion. But the A52 5G includes UFS 2.2 storage, which is faster and more reliable than the eMMC 5.1 used in the A32 5G. This affects how quickly apps install, save data, and load large files.

Camera Performance: Beyond Megapixels

On paper, both phones feature quad-camera setups with a 64MP main sensor. But megapixels don’t tell the full story. The A52 5G uses larger pixel binning (1.6µm vs 1.4µm), resulting in better low-light performance. Its night mode is more aggressive and effective, producing brighter, clearer images in dim environments.

The ultra-wide lens on the A52 5G has a wider aperture (f/2.2 vs f/2.4), capturing more light and detail at the edges. It also includes optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main camera—an absence in the A32 5G. OIS reduces blur from hand movement, especially in low light or when recording video.

Front cameras differ too: the A32 5G has a 13MP selfie shooter, while the A52 5G upgrades to 32MP with improved skin tone rendering and background separation in portrait mode.

Tip: Use Night Mode consistently on the A52 5G—even in moderately lit scenes—for sharper, more detailed photos.

Battery and Charging: Longevity vs Speed

The A32 5G packs a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the A52 5G’s 4500mAh. In theory, this should mean longer endurance. And indeed, under light usage—reading, calls, messaging—the A32 5G lasts a few hours longer.

However, the A52 5G’s more efficient processor and optimized software often close that gap. Under mixed usage, both phones reliably last a full day. Where the A52 5G wins decisively is charging speed: 25W fast charging versus the A32 5G’s 15W. This means going from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes on the A52 5G, compared to nearly 50 minutes on the A32 5G.

Neither phone includes a charger in the box, so users must supply their own. But only the A52 5G supports adaptive fast charging algorithms that reduce heat buildup during prolonged charging sessions.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Experience

Maria had been using her Samsung A32 5G for 18 months. She loved the battery life but grew frustrated with slow app loading and blurry night photos. After upgrading to the A52 5G, she noticed immediate improvements: Instagram scrolled more smoothly, her TikTok videos looked sharper, and her grocery list app opened instantly instead of lagging.

She didn’t expect the 120Hz screen to make such a difference. “It’s like I didn’t realize how choppy my old phone was until I saw the new one,” she said. While the smaller battery initially worried her, she found herself charging less frequently due to better power management. For her, the upgrade paid off in usability, not just specs.

Is It Worth Upgrading? A Practical Checklist

Deciding whether to upgrade depends on your current pain points and usage patterns. Use this checklist to evaluate your needs:

  • Are you frustrated by slow app performance or game lag?
  • Do you frequently take photos in low light?
  • Do you value smooth scrolling and responsive touch input?
  • Are you tired of waiting over an hour to charge your phone?
  • Do you want a more premium build and better outdoor visibility?

If three or more apply, the A52 5G offers meaningful improvements. If you're mostly satisfied with your A32 5G and prioritize battery longevity over speed, staying put may be the smarter financial move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A32 5G and A52 5G share the same case?

No. Although both have 6.5-inch screens, their camera layouts and dimensions differ slightly. Cases are not interchangeable.

Does the A52 5G get software updates faster?

Yes. Samsung prioritizes the A-series flagships for updates. The A52 5G received Android 13 and 14 updates before the A32 5G, sometimes by several weeks.

Is the camera difference noticeable in daylight?

Moderately. Daylight photos are strong on both, but the A52 5G produces more dynamic range and accurate colors, especially in high-contrast scenes.

Final Verdict: Not the Same Phone, Not by a Long Shot

The Samsung A32 5G and A52 5G may appear similar at a glance, but they cater to different expectations. The A32 5G is a budget-conscious choice with solid basics. The A52 5G is a performance-focused mid-ranger that punches above its weight.

Upgrading is worth it if you value responsiveness, photo quality, and modern features like 120Hz and fast charging. These aren’t minor tweaks—they affect how you interact with your phone every single day. However, if your A32 5G still meets your needs and you’re not experiencing slowdowns, hold off. The money saved could go toward accessories or future-proofing your next device.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A32 5G to the A52 5G? Share your experience below and help others decide!

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Lucas White

Lucas White

Technology evolves faster than ever, and I’m here to make sense of it. I review emerging consumer electronics, explore user-centric innovation, and analyze how smart devices transform daily life. My expertise lies in bridging tech advancements with practical usability—helping readers choose devices that truly enhance their routines.