Samsung A53 Vs A52 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Are You Better Off Sticking With The A52

When Samsung released the Galaxy A53 in 2022 as the successor to the popular A52, many users were left wondering: does this new model offer enough improvements to justify an upgrade? The A52 was praised for its balanced performance, solid camera system, and competitive price. But the A53 arrived with promises of longer software support, improved durability, and a smoother display. For owners of the A52 considering a switch, the real question isn’t just about specs—it’s about value. Does the upgrade deliver tangible benefits in daily use, or is the A52 still good enough to hold on to?

Design and Build: Subtle but Meaningful Upgrades

The design language between the A52 and A53 remains consistent—both feature flat edges, a glass front, and a plastic back. However, Samsung made a subtle but important improvement in durability. The A53 introduces IP67 water and dust resistance, whereas the A52 only has basic splash protection without official certification. This means the A53 can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, making it more reliable in wet conditions.

The A53 also feels slightly more refined. It’s marginally heavier at 189g compared to the A52’s 189g (same weight), but the weight distribution feels better due to internal component reorganization. Both phones have a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, but the A53 pushes the brightness up to 800 nits peak, improving outdoor visibility.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, the A53’s IP67 rating offers peace of mind the A52 simply can’t match.

Display and Performance Comparison

One of the most noticeable upgrades is the display. While both phones have Full HD+ resolution and 120Hz refresh rates, the A53 uses a newer panel with smoother touch response and better color calibration. The 120Hz refresh rate on the A53 is also more consistent—unlike the A52, which sometimes drops to 60Hz during certain app transitions, the A53 maintains high refresh more reliably thanks to optimized software.

Under the hood, the performance leap is modest. The A52 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, while the A53 uses Samsung’s Exynos 1280. In benchmark tests, the Exynos chip performs similarly in everyday tasks but lags slightly in sustained gaming loads. However, real-world usage shows minimal difference for typical activities like browsing, messaging, and streaming.

Both devices come with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage (expandable via microSD). The A53 benefits from being newer, so it ships with Android 12 and promises four major OS updates and five years of security patches—two more years than the A52. This extended support could be a deciding factor for long-term users.

Camera Improvements: Incremental Gains

The camera setup on both phones includes a 64MP main sensor, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. On paper, they’re nearly identical, but software enhancements make the difference. The A53 features improved image processing with better noise reduction, especially in low light. HDR handling is also more natural, preserving highlights without crushing shadows.

In daylight, both cameras produce vibrant, detailed photos. However, the A53 consistently produces sharper images with more accurate white balance. Video recording remains capped at 4K@30fps on both models, but the A53 adds improved stabilization algorithms, reducing jitter in handheld clips.

Front cameras are also similar—32MP sensors on both—but the A53 includes AI-based beautification and better low-light performance thanks to larger pixel binning.

“Even small refinements in camera software can significantly improve photo consistency, especially for casual shooters.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst

Battery Life and Charging: Who Lasts Longer?

Battery capacity is identical: 5,000mAh in both models. However, the A53 benefits from a more power-efficient chipset and optimized software, resulting in slightly better endurance. In real-world testing, the A53 lasts about 10–15% longer under mixed usage—pushing through a full day with moderate screen time and leaving around 30% charge by bedtime.

Charging speed remains unchanged at 25W, and neither phone includes a charger in the box. Fast charging compatibility is identical, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. Wireless charging is still absent on both, maintaining Samsung’s cost-saving approach in the mid-range lineup.

Detailed Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung A52	Samsung A53
Release Year	2021	2022
Processor	Snapdragon 750G	Exynos 1280
RAM / Storage	6/8GB + 128GB	6/8GB + 128GB
Display	6.5” FHD+, 120Hz	6.5” FHD+, 120Hz (800 nits)
Rear Camera	64MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP	64MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP
Front Camera	32MP	32MP (improved processing)
Battery	5,000mAh	5,000mAh
Charging	25W wired	25W wired
Water Resistance	Splash resistant (no IP rating)	IP67 certified
Software Support	2 OS updates, 3 years security	4 OS updates, 5 years security
Weight	189g	189g

Real-World Example: Should Mia Upgrade?

Mia has used her Samsung A52 since early 2021. She’s happy with its performance but noticed slower app launches recently and worries about security updates ending soon. She often takes photos at kids’ events and wants better low-light results. After researching, she tested the A53 at a store and appreciated the brighter screen and confidence of IP67 rating when her toddler spills juice.

She decided to upgrade—not because the A53 is dramatically faster, but because the longer software support and improved camera reliability aligned with her needs. For her, the peace of mind and future-proofing justified the $300 investment, especially after selling her A52 for $120.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the A53?

Before making the move, consider these factors:

• ✅ Is your A52 showing signs of wear or slowdown?
• ✅ Do you value longer software support (4 OS updates)?
• ✅ Do you need IP67 water resistance for safety or convenience?
• ✅ Are you frustrated with screen visibility in sunlight?
• ✅ Can you resell your A52 to offset the A53’s cost?
• ❌ Are you satisfied with current performance and camera quality?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives and “no” to the last point, upgrading makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A53 faster than the A52?

Not significantly. While the Exynos 1280 is newer, real-world performance is very similar. The A53 may feel slightly smoother due to better software optimization and consistent 120Hz display behavior, but heavy multitaskers won’t notice a dramatic leap.

Can I expect better battery life on the A53?

Yes, but only marginally. The same 5,000mAh battery lasts longer on the A53 thanks to a more efficient processor and display tuning. Most users report an extra hour or two of screen-on time under normal use.

Should I stick with the A52 to save money?

If you already own an A52 and it’s working well, there’s no urgent need to upgrade. The A52 still handles daily tasks efficiently. However, if you're buying new and the price difference is under $100, the A53 offers better long-term value through extended updates and durability.

Final Verdict: To Upgrade or Not?

The Samsung A53 isn’t a revolutionary upgrade over the A52, but it’s a thoughtful evolution. It refines what worked—better brightness, improved durability, longer software support, and slightly enhanced camera processing. If you’re still using an A52 and it meets your needs, holding on is perfectly reasonable. The performance gap is narrow, and both phones handle everyday tasks with ease.

However, if you prioritize longevity, want official water resistance, or desire a brighter, more responsive display, the A53 delivers meaningful improvements. For new buyers, the A53 is clearly the better choice. For existing A52 owners, the decision hinges on how much future-proofing and minor quality-of-life upgrades matter to you.

💬 Have experience with both phones? Share your thoughts on whether the upgrade was worth it—we’d love to hear your real-world insights!