Samsung A32 Vs A52 Camera Is The A52s Camera Really Worth The Upgrade

Choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A32 and A52 often comes down to one key factor: camera quality. Both phones are positioned in the mid-range segment, but they serve slightly different audiences. The A52 offers a more premium experience with upgrades across the board — especially in photography. But does the improvement justify the price jump? For users who prioritize mobile photography, this comparison could make or break their decision.

The A32 delivers solid performance for casual shooters, while the A52 brings features typically found in higher-end models. To determine whether the upgrade is truly worthwhile, we need to examine hardware specs, software enhancements, low-light performance, video capabilities, and real-world usability.

Camera Hardware: Specs Tell Part of the Story

On paper, the differences between the two devices are immediately noticeable. The Galaxy A32 sports a quad-camera setup on the back:

• Main Sensor: 64MP (f/1.8)
• Ultra-Wide: 8MP (f/2.2, 123° FoV)
• Macro: 5MP (f/2.4)
• Depth Sensor: 5MP (f/2.4)

In contrast, the Galaxy A52 (and its variant, the A52s) also features a 64MP main sensor but with critical improvements:

• Main Sensor: 64MP (f/1.8) with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• Ultra-Wide: 12MP (f/2.2, 123° FoV)
• Macro: 5MP (f/2.4)
• Depth Sensor: 5MP (f/2.4)

The most significant difference lies in the ultra-wide sensor and the inclusion of OIS. While both have 64MP primary sensors, the A52’s use of OIS allows for sharper images in motion and low light. Additionally, the jump from an 8MP to a 12MP ultra-wide lens means greater detail and less cropping when zooming into landscape or architectural shots.

“Optical Image Stabilization is a game-changer for mid-tier phones. It reduces blur by up to 80% in handheld night shots.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Labs

Image Quality: Real-World Performance Comparison

Specs matter, but how do these cameras perform in everyday use?

In daylight, both phones produce vibrant, well-balanced photos. The A32 captures accurate colors and sufficient detail, making it ideal for social media sharing. However, the A52 consistently outperforms it in dynamic range and edge clarity. HDR processing is more refined, preserving highlights in bright skies and recovering shadows without introducing noise.

Low-light photography is where the gap widens. The A52’s OIS enables longer exposure times without handshake blur. Combined with Samsung’s Night Mode algorithm, which takes multiple exposures and merges them, the A52 produces cleaner, brighter, and more natural-looking night shots. The A32 attempts similar results with its Night Mode, but due to lack of stabilization, images often appear grainy or over-processed.

Tip: In low light, hold your phone steady for 2–3 seconds after taking a shot — even on the A32 — to give Night Mode time to process properly.

For portrait photography, both devices use depth sensors to simulate bokeh effects. The A52 applies background blur more accurately around hair and edges, thanks to improved AI segmentation. Skin tones remain consistent, and artificial lighting is handled better, reducing harsh orange tints common in indoor shots.

Video Capabilities and Features

When it comes to video, the A52 again pulls ahead. Both phones support 4K recording at 30fps, but only the A52 includes advanced stabilization modes like Super Steady Video and Dual Recording (simultaneous front and rear capture).

Feature	Galaxy A32	Galaxy A52
Max Video Resolution	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Stabilization	Digital only	OIS + Digital (Super Steady)
Slow Motion	1080p @ 30fps	1080p @ 120fps / 720p @ 960fps
Dual Recording	No	Yes
Audio Zoom	No	Yes

The A52’s ability to record smooth slow-motion clips at 960fps opens creative possibilities for action shots or expressive moments. Audio Zoom, which focuses sound based on visual zoom level, enhances vlogging and outdoor recording. These features may seem minor, but they reflect Samsung’s effort to bring flagship-like experiences to mid-range users.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography in Marrakech

Sophie, a travel blogger, used the A32 during a trip to Morocco. She praised its battery life and screen quality but expressed frustration with photo consistency. “In the souks, where lighting changes every few feet, I had to manually switch modes constantly. My night shots of Jemaa el-Fnaa were blurry no matter how still I held the phone.”

A year later, she upgraded to the A52 for a trip to Lisbon. “The difference was immediate. I could walk through narrow alleys filming in 4K, and the Super Steady mode made it look like I used a gimbal. Night shots came out crisp, and I didn’t need to carry extra gear just for photos.”

This real-world example illustrates how hardware improvements translate into tangible benefits — not just better pixels, but greater confidence in capturing fleeting moments.

Software Enhancements and Longevity

Beyond hardware, software plays a crucial role in camera performance. The A52 runs on a more powerful Snapdragon 750G (or 778G in the A52s), allowing faster image processing and quicker autofocus. It also receives longer software support — four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches — compared to the A32’s three years of security updates.

This longevity ensures that future camera improvements via firmware updates will reach the A52 longer. Samsung has historically rolled out computational photography upgrades — such as improved Night Mode or Single Take enhancements — primarily to its higher-tier mid-range models.

Tip: Enable “AI Camera” and “Scene Optimizer” in settings to automatically adjust color and contrast based on what you’re shooting — especially useful for food, pets, or greenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the A52 camera worth $100+ more than the A32?

If photography is a priority — especially night shots, videos, or social media content — yes. The combination of OIS, superior ultra-wide lens, and better processing justifies the cost for most users. However, if you mostly take casual daytime photos, the A32 remains a capable and budget-friendly option.

Does the A52s have a better camera than the A52?

The A52s uses a slightly updated processor (Snapdragon 778G) and a refreshed 64MP main sensor with improved light sensitivity, but the camera hardware and features are nearly identical. You’ll see marginal gains in processing speed and low-light responsiveness, but not a dramatic leap in photo quality.

Can the A32 compete with the A52 using third-party apps?

While apps like Open Camera or ProShot offer manual controls, they can’t compensate for missing hardware like OIS or a higher-resolution ultra-wide sensor. You gain flexibility, but not the core stability and clarity the A52 provides natively.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether the A52’s camera is worth the investment:

• ✅ Do you frequently shoot in low light or at night?
• ✅ Are you interested in high-quality 4K video with smooth stabilization?
• ✅ Do you value long-term software support for camera improvements?
• ✅ Do you shoot landscapes or architecture requiring detailed ultra-wide shots?
• ✅ Are you creating content for Instagram, YouTube, or blogs?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the A52 is a smart upgrade. If your needs are basic — occasional family photos, scanning documents, or video calls — the A32 delivers excellent value without overspending.

Final Verdict: Who Should Make the Jump?

The Samsung Galaxy A52’s camera isn’t just marginally better — it’s fundamentally more capable. The addition of OIS, a higher-grade ultra-wide lens, enhanced video features, and longer software support creates a meaningful gap between it and the A32.

For casual users, the A32 remains a strong contender. It captures decent photos, lasts all day on a charge, and costs significantly less. But for anyone serious about mobile photography — whether documenting travel, creating content, or simply wanting reliable, high-quality images in any condition — the A52 represents a justified step up.

The upgrade isn’t about megapixels alone. It’s about confidence: knowing your phone can handle dim restaurants, shaky hands, fast-moving kids, or sunset vistas without compromise. That peace of mind, backed by superior hardware and smarter software, makes the A52’s camera more than worth the extra investment.

💬 Have you upgraded from the A32 to the A52? Share your camera experience in the comments below — your insights could help others decide!