When Samsung released the Galaxy A55, many owners of the Galaxy A52 faced a familiar dilemma: should they upgrade, or is their current phone still capable enough? The A52 was a standout mid-ranger when it launched, praised for its balanced features and strong value. But three years later, with newer hardware and software enhancements, the A55 promises modern improvements. So, is the jump worth it? Or can the A52 still hold its own in 2024?
This comparison dives deep into real-world usability, performance, longevity, and value—not just specs on paper—to help you make an informed decision.
Performance and Hardware: Generational Leap or Minor Bump?
The heart of any smartphone is its processor, and here’s where the most noticeable difference lies. The Galaxy A52 runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, a solid chipset from 2020 built on an 8nm process. It handled multitasking and mainstream gaming well at launch, but today, it shows its age under heavy loads or prolonged use.
In contrast, the A55 uses Samsung’s Exynos 1480, built on a more efficient 4nm process. This brings better thermal management, improved AI processing, and noticeably smoother day-to-day performance. Apps open faster, background tasks are managed more efficiently, and the overall system feels snappier—especially when navigating between multiple apps or using high-refresh-rate features.
Both phones have 6GB or 8GB RAM options, but the A55 benefits from LPDDR5 memory and UFS 3.1 storage, which translates to quicker app launches and file transfers. For users who rely on productivity tools, photo editing, or mobile gaming, this upgrade matters.
Display and Build: Refined, Not Revolutionary
Both models feature 6.5-inch Super AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates—a rare win for mid-range devices. However, the A55 improves brightness and durability. Its screen peaks at 1000 nits (up from 800 on the A52), making it far more usable outdoors. It also uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 instead of the older Gorilla Glass 5, offering better scratch and drop resistance.
Design-wise, the A55 has a more modern flat-edge frame and a slimmer profile. It maintains IP67 water and dust resistance—just like the A52—but now includes a matte finish that resists fingerprints. While not a dramatic visual shift, the build quality feels more premium.
If you’re coming from the A52, the display upgrade may not be revolutionary, but the increased brightness and sturdier glass make the A55 better suited for daily wear and tear.
Camera Comparison: Evolution Over Revolution
The A52 came with a versatile quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth sensor. In good lighting, it produced sharp, colorful photos. Low-light performance was acceptable but inconsistent, often struggling with noise and dynamic range.
The A55 keeps a similar layout but upgrades the main sensor to 50MP with larger pixels (1.0µm → 1.0µm but with better pixel binning) and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)—a first for the A-series at this price point. This results in steadier shots, better low-light clarity, and more consistent HDR handling.
The ultra-wide lens remains 12MP but benefits from improved processing. Macro and depth sensors are unchanged, but software enhancements bring better edge detection and portrait rendering. Video recording jumps from 4K@30fps to 4K@60fps, making the A55 a better option for vloggers or social media creators.
“Even with similar megapixel counts, the addition of OIS and better image processing makes the A55 one of the most reliable mid-range cameras in 2024.” — TechRadar Mobile Division
Battery Life and Charging: Practical Gains
The A52 packs a 4500mAh battery with 25W fast charging. In typical use, it lasted a full day for most users, though heavy usage could drain it by evening. The A55 increases capacity slightly to 5000mAh and retains 25W charging—but adds adaptive fast charging algorithms that optimize speed based on temperature and usage patterns.
In real-world testing, the A55 delivers about 15–20% longer screen-on time, thanks to both the larger battery and the efficiency of the Exynos 1480. With moderate use, two-day battery life is achievable. Both support 15W wireless charging, though neither includes a charger in the box.
Software also plays a role. The A55 ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, with Samsung promising four OS upgrades and five years of security patches. The A52, while still receiving updates, is nearing the end of its support cycle—likely ending with Android 13.
Detailed Comparison Table
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A52 | Samsung Galaxy A55 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2021 | 2024 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 750G | Exynos 1480 |
| RAM / Storage | 6/8GB | 128/256GB | 8GB | 128/256GB |
| Display | 6.5” FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits | 6.6” FHD+ AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits |
| Main Camera | 64MP (no OIS) | 50MP with OIS |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Battery | 4500mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging | 25W wired, no wireless | 25W wired, 15W wireless |
| OS & Updates | Up to Android 13, ends 2024 | Android 14, 4 OS + 5 security updates |
| Build | IP67, Gorilla Glass 5 | IP67, Gorilla Glass Victus 2 |
Is the A52 Still Good in 2024?
Absolutely. If you already own an A52 and aren’t experiencing performance issues, there’s no urgent need to upgrade. The phone still handles everyday tasks—calls, messaging, browsing, streaming, and light gaming—without major hiccups. Many users report smooth performance even after years of use, especially if they’ve kept storage free and cleared cache regularly.
However, limitations are becoming apparent. App loading times are slower than newer devices, multitasking can trigger lag, and some newer apps (especially AR-based or AI-enhanced ones) run suboptimally. Battery degradation is also common in aging units, reducing real-world endurance.
For someone buying secondhand or looking for a budget option, a well-maintained A52 can still serve as a capable daily driver—at a much lower price point than the A55.
Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Decision
Maria has used her Galaxy A52 since 2021. She loves the camera and battery life but noticed slowdowns in late 2023—especially when switching between Instagram, Google Maps, and WhatsApp. After considering repair costs and update timelines, she opted for the A55. “The difference in responsiveness was immediate,” she said. “And knowing I’ll get updates until 2028 made it feel like a smarter investment.”
Her experience reflects a growing trend: users aren’t upgrading for flashy new features, but for sustained reliability and future-proofing.
Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the A55?
- ✅ Is your current phone slowing down during daily tasks?
- ✅ Do you want better low-light photos or smoother video recording?
- ✅ Is long-term software support important to you?
- ✅ Are you experiencing battery degradation (e.g., lasting less than a day)?
- ✅ Can you benefit from a brighter, more durable display?
If you answered yes to two or more, the A55 is likely a worthwhile upgrade. If your A52 still performs well and meets your needs, extending its life with a battery replacement or protective case might be the smarter financial move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the A52 still run modern apps smoothly?
Yes, for basic apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Chrome. However, heavier apps—such as TikTok with filters, Google Maps with navigation and music, or mobile games like Genshin Impact—may lag or overheat the device.
Is the A55 worth the price difference?
If you plan to keep your phone for 3+ years, yes. The combination of longer software support, better hardware efficiency, and improved durability makes the A55 a more future-ready device. For short-term use, the A52 remains a budget-friendly alternative.
Does the A55 fix the A-series’ overheating issues?
Significantly. The Exynos 1480 runs cooler than previous generations, and Samsung has improved thermal dissipation in the chassis. Users report minimal throttling even during extended gaming or video calls.
Final Verdict: Upgrade for Longevity, Stick for Value
The Samsung Galaxy A55 isn’t a radical reinvention—it’s a thoughtful evolution. It takes the solid foundation of the A52 and refines it with better performance, camera stability, display resilience, and long-term software commitment. For users who rely on their phone as a primary tool for work, communication, and creativity, the upgrade is justified.
But the A52 isn’t obsolete. In fact, it remains one of the best-value mid-range phones ever released. If you’re not facing performance bottlenecks or battery issues, holding onto it—or picking up a refurbished unit—is still a smart choice.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your usage, expectations, and how long you plan to keep your next phone. Technology moves fast, but smart ownership means upgrading only when it truly adds value.
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