Samsung A52 Vs A52s Is The A52s Really Worth The Upgrade

When Samsung released the Galaxy A52s 5G in 2021 as a mid-cycle refresh of the popular A52, many users were left wondering: is this more than just a minor tweak? At first glance, the two phones look nearly identical. They share the same design language, IP67 rating, display specs, and even similar camera setups. But beneath the surface, key differences in processor, connectivity, and software optimization could influence your buying decision—especially if you're already using the original A52.

This isn't just about raw specs. It's about real-world value, longevity, and whether the upgrade translates into tangible benefits for daily use. Let’s dive deep into what separates these two devices and whether spending extra on the A52S makes sense.

Design and Build: Almost Identical Twins

From the outside, telling the A52 and A52S apart is nearly impossible. Both feature a sleek polycarbonate body with a matte finish, an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, and a symmetrical bezel design with a centered punch-hole front camera. They’re available in similar colorways and maintain the same 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and peak brightness of around 800 nits.

The physical dimensions are also identical—159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm—with the same plastic frame and glass front. Even the quad-camera layout on the back mirrors each other exactly. The only visual clue that you might be holding an A52S is the subtle “5G” branding below the camera module, which was absent on some early A52 models.

Tip: If you're upgrading from the A52, keep your existing case—the A52S fits perfectly.

Processor and Performance: Where the Real Difference Lies

The most significant upgrade in the A52S is its chipset. While the original A52 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, the A52S steps up to the **Snapdragon 778G**—a notable leap in both CPU and GPU performance.

The 778G uses a more efficient 6nm manufacturing process compared to the 8nm of the 750G, resulting in better power efficiency and lower heat output. In real-world terms, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and improved gaming performance. Apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google Maps will feel snappier, especially when switching between them frequently.

Benchmarks tell a clear story: the A52S scores around 30–40% higher in tools like Geekbench and AnTuTu. More importantly, the Adreno 642L GPU in the 778G handles modern mobile games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty: Mobile at medium settings without throttling as quickly.

“Moving from the 750G to the 778G is one of the most impactful mid-tier upgrades we’ve seen—it brings near-flagship efficiency.” — James Lee, Senior Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Same Hardware, Better Processing

Both phones pack a 64MP main sensor (f/1.8), 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. Front cameras are identical too—a 32MP shooter ideal for selfies and video calls. So why do photos from the A52S often look better?

The answer lies in image processing. The 778G includes the sixth-generation AI engine and Spectra 570L ISP (Image Signal Processor), enabling faster autofocus, better HDR handling, and improved low-light performance. While the hardware is unchanged, the A52S captures slightly more detail in shadows and manages highlights more gracefully.

In daylight, the difference is minimal. But in mixed lighting or dim environments, the A52S produces cleaner images with less noise. Video stabilization is also marginally better, thanks to enhanced computational algorithms.

Real-World Example: Night Photography Test

A photographer in Seoul used both devices side by side to capture street scenes at night. With identical settings, the A52S consistently delivered brighter exposures without over-amplifying grain. The AI scene optimizer engaged faster, recognizing \"night city\" mode within seconds, whereas the A52 took longer and occasionally defaulted to standard mode. For casual shooters, this means fewer missed moments.

Connectivity and Future-Proofing

Another advantage of the A52S is its support for newer Wi-Fi standards and Bluetooth 5.2 (vs 5.0 on the A52). While this may seem minor, Bluetooth 5.2 improves audio quality with compatible earbuds and reduces latency during gaming or video playback.

More crucially, both phones support 5G, but the A52S includes additional sub-6GHz bands, making it slightly more versatile across global carriers. This doesn’t matter much for users in regions with mature 5G networks, but it can enhance signal stability in areas with spotty coverage.

Feature	Samsung A52	Samsung A52S
Chipset	Snapdragon 750G	Snapdragon 778G
Manufacturing Process	8nm	6nm
GPU	Adreno 620	Adreno 642L
Bluetooth Version	5.0	5.2
Wi-Fi Standard	Wi-Fi 5	Wi-Fi 6
ISP	Spectra 355	Spectra 570L
AI Engine	5th Gen	6th Gen

Battery Life and Charging: No Major Change

Both models come with a 4,500mAh battery and support 25W fast charging (charger sold separately in some regions). In controlled tests, the A52S lasted about 30 minutes longer on average due to the 778G’s improved power efficiency. However, this gain diminishes under heavy usage like continuous video streaming or gaming.

Charging speed is identical—0 to 100% in roughly 65 minutes with a compatible charger. Neither model supports wireless charging, which remains a limitation for a phone priced near $500 at launch.

Tip: Use adaptive battery settings and limit background app refresh to extend daily endurance on either device.

Software and Longevity

Both phones launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1. Samsung promises four major Android OS updates and five years of security patches for the A52 series—a rare commitment in the mid-range segment. As of 2024, both devices run Android 13 with One UI 5.1, and are expected to receive Android 14 and 15.

However, the A52S benefits from smoother software performance due to its superior chipset. Animations in One UI feel more fluid, and system updates install faster. Users report fewer stutters when navigating settings or using split-screen mode.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you still using the original A52 with the Snapdragon 750G?
• ✅ Do you notice lag when opening apps or playing games?
• ✅ Is your phone more than 18 months old?
• ✅ Do you want better photo processing and future-proof connectivity?
• ✅ Can you find the A52S at a price difference under $80?

If you answered yes to three or more, the upgrade is justified. Otherwise, consider saving your money or exploring newer models like the A54 or A55.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A52S last another 2–3 years?

Yes. With its 778G chip and long-term software support, the A52S remains capable for everyday tasks through 2026, assuming moderate usage and proper care.

Is the camera upgrade worth it?

Not dramatically. The sensors are the same, but the A52S processes images faster and with better consistency, especially in low light. If photography matters, the improvement is noticeable but not transformative.

Does the A52S have better signal reception?

Slightly. Thanks to updated modem firmware and broader band support, the A52S maintains stronger 5G signals in weak zones. Real-world gains vary by carrier and location.

Final Verdict: Is the A52S Worth the Upgrade?

The Samsung Galaxy A52S isn’t a revolutionary successor—it’s a precision-tuned evolution. For new buyers choosing between the two, the A52S is clearly the better option. Its faster processor, improved efficiency, and upgraded connectivity make it more future-ready.

But if you already own the A52, the upgrade calculus changes. Unless you’re experiencing performance bottlenecks or plan to keep the phone for several more years, the jump may not justify the cost. The experience is smoother, yes, but not fundamentally different.

For those eyeing a secondhand or discounted A52S, the value proposition strengthens. At a small premium, you gain meaningful improvements in responsiveness and longevity. Just don’t expect a redesign or groundbreaking features.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Evaluate your current phone’s performance, check local pricing, and ask yourself: do I need more speed, or am I chasing specs? Share your thoughts below—your experience could help others choose wisely.