Samsung S24 Fe Vs A52s 5g Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

For millions of Samsung users, the Galaxy A52s 5G was a standout mid-range device—offering solid performance, reliable battery life, and a smooth 120Hz display at an accessible price. Now, with the release of the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, many are wondering whether it's time to make the leap. Priced closer to flagship territory than its predecessor, the S24 FE promises enhanced power, improved cameras, and longer software support. But does it deliver enough to justify leaving behind a still-competent A52s 5G? This in-depth comparison cuts through the marketing to help you decide if the upgrade makes sense for your needs and budget.

Design and Build: Subtle Evolution, Noticeable Refinement

The Galaxy A52s 5G set a high bar for design in its class. It featured a sleek matte finish, IP67 water and dust resistance, and a comfortable contoured frame. The S24 FE builds on that legacy but elevates the materials. While both phones have plastic backs, the S24 FE uses a more premium-feeling textured polycarbonate and introduces aluminum framing along the edges—a first for the Fan Edition series. This gives the phone a sturdier feel and better weight distribution.

At 173g, the S24 FE is slightly lighter than the A52s 5G (189g), despite having a larger 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display compared to the A52s’ 6.5-inch Super AMOLED. The screen tech is a clear step up: brighter, more vibrant, and with superior outdoor visibility. Both offer 120Hz refresh rates, but the S24 FE’s panel supports HDR10+ and has higher peak brightness (up to 1,750 nits vs. ~800 nits).

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in bright sunlight, the S24 FE’s superior screen brightness makes a tangible difference in usability.

Performance and Software: Generational Leap in Power

Under the hood, the differences become stark. The A52s 5G runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G, a capable chip even today, especially for everyday tasks. However, the S24 FE upgrades to the Exynos 2400 (in select regions) or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (depending on market), placing it firmly in near-flagship performance territory.

This means faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and far better gaming performance. Games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile run at higher frame rates with fewer stutters. More importantly, the S24 FE benefits from Samsung’s new AI-powered optimizations and Game Booster technology, which dynamically allocates resources for sustained performance.

Software longevity is another major factor. The A52s 5G launched with Android 11 and will receive updates until Android 14. In contrast, the S24 FE ships with Android 14 and is guaranteed four major OS upgrades and five years of security patches—meaning it could be supported through Android 18.

“Long-term software support is becoming just as important as hardware. Devices like the S24 FE are built to last, reducing electronic waste and offering better ROI.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Asia

Camera Comparison: From Good to Consistently Great

The A52s 5G had a strong quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. For its time, it delivered reliable daylight photos and acceptable low-light results. The S24 FE simplifies to a triple-lens system but improves quality across the board.

Feature	Galaxy A52s 5G	Galaxy S24 FE
Main Sensor	64MP (f/1.8)	50MP OIS (f/1.8)
Ultra-Wide	12MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2)
Telephoto	None	10MP (3x optical zoom)
Front Camera	32MP (f/2.2)	10MP (f/2.2)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate noise, soft details	Improved clarity, better dynamic range
Video Recording	4K@30fps	4K@60fps, HDR10+

The addition of a 3x telephoto lens on the S24 FE is significant. It enables true optical zoom, making distant subjects clearer without digital degradation. Combined with Samsung’s improved Night Mode algorithms and AI-enhanced processing, the S24 FE captures sharper, more balanced photos in challenging lighting.

While the front camera takes a megapixel hit (from 32MP to 10MP), image quality remains strong thanks to better pixel binning and skin tone optimization. Selfies are more natural, with less over-processing.

Battery and Charging: Efficiency Over Raw Capacity

The A52s 5G packs a 4,500mAh battery, which typically lasts a full day with moderate use. The S24 FE increases this to 4,700mAh and pairs it with a more efficient chipset and optimized software. Real-world testing shows the S24 FE consistently delivers 1–2 hours more screen-on time under similar conditions.

Charging speeds remain unchanged: both support 25W fast charging, but neither includes a charger in the box. Wireless charging, however, is exclusive to the S24 FE—an often-overlooked convenience for users with Qi-compatible pads or car mounts.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use After Upgrade

Sophie, a freelance photographer in Seoul, upgraded from her A52s 5G to the S24 FE after 2.5 years. She noticed immediate improvements: “The 3x zoom lets me frame shots without moving, which is huge during events. The screen is so much easier to see in daylight, and I no longer worry about running out of battery by 6 PM. Editing RAW files in Lightroom Mobile is actually smooth now—something my old phone struggled with.”

For Sophie, the upgrade wasn’t just about specs—it was about workflow efficiency and reliability.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before investing in the S24 FE, consider these factors. Use the checklist below to evaluate your situation:

• ✅ Is your A52s 5G showing signs of slowdown or battery degradation?
• ✅ Do you regularly use your phone for photography, video editing, or mobile gaming?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by dim screen visibility in sunlight?
• ✅ Do you want longer software support (4+ years of updates)?
• ✅ Is wireless charging or a slimmer, more premium build important to you?
• ✅ Can you stretch your budget to $699 (S24 FE) from the original $599 (A52s 5G)?

If you answered yes to three or more, the upgrade is likely worthwhile. But if your A52s 5G still performs well and meets daily needs, the jump may not be urgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the S24 FE waterproof like the A52s 5G?

Yes, both phones have IP67 certification, meaning they can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. No compromise here.

Does the S24 FE support expandable storage?

No. Unlike the A52s 5G, which had a microSD slot, the S24 FE does not support external storage. You’ll need to rely on internal options (128GB or 256GB).

Can the S24 FE run AI features not available on the A52s 5G?

Absolutely. The S24 FE supports on-device AI tools like Circle to Search, Live Translate, and Note Assist—features powered by the more advanced chipset and dedicated NPU. These are unavailable on the older device.

Final Verdict: Worth It for Power Users, Optional for Casuals

The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE isn’t just a successor—it’s a redefinition of what a \"Fan Edition\" phone can be. It brings flagship-tier performance, superior display quality, better cameras, and extended software support to a broader audience. Compared to the A52s 5G, it represents a meaningful generational leap.

However, \"worth it\" depends on context. If you're still satisfied with your A52s 5G and mostly use your phone for calls, messaging, and social media, waiting another year or exploring mid-range alternatives might be smarter. But if you demand better photos, smoother performance, future-proof software, and a brighter, more durable screen, the S24 FE justifies its price.

Technology evolves quickly, but smart upgrades don’t follow a calendar—they follow need. Assess how you use your phone, how long you plan to keep it, and what features truly enhance your experience. Then decide.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current usage, compare trade-in values, and consider how much longer you want your next phone to stay relevant. The best upgrade isn't always the newest—it's the one that fits your life.