Samsung’s Galaxy A52 5G smartphone is the product family’s most feature-packed member. The newcomer debuted alongside several other Galaxy A Series smartphones, bringing many of the same features that made the Galaxy S21 a favorite of ours — but at a considerably lower $500 price point.
KEY SPECS
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 750
• 6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with 120 Hz maximum refresh rate
• Quadruple camera with 64MP main, 12MP ultra wide, 5MP macro, 5MP depth sensor, 32MP selfie camera
• 6GB of RAM, 128GB of expandable storage (via microSD)
• 5G connectivity
• 4,500 mAh, fast wired charging
• Built-in stereo speakers, IP67 waterproof
In addition to fast and futureproof 5G network connectivity, the Galaxy A52 5G has a modern and durable design, a large and vibrant display with a high refresh rate, stereo speakers, and a multisensor camera setup. And unlike the pricier Galaxy S21, the A52 also has expandable memory and a standard audio jack.
I jumped at the opportunity to test the Galaxy A52 5G, because at a glance, its design and hardware specs make a solid case for not overspending on a new phone. I tested this phone for over a week and it totally exceeded my expectations. Here’s why its design, display, camera setup, and overall performance make it the best smartphone $500 can buy, regardless of the platform.
DESIGN
The Galaxy A52 5G has an elegant design with ultra thin display bezels and a camera bump that’s neatly integrated into its back panel. Save for its camera layout and plastic frame, the phone looks a whole lot like the Galaxy S21. The device is made from high-quality polycarbonate with a matte finish.
The A52's IP67 rating for water resistance is hands down the most exciting design improvement over its predecessor, the Galaxy A51. This convenient feature, in addition to providing peace of mind, sets the phone apart from its similarly priced Android rivals.
DISPLAY
AMOLED screens have been a Samsung Galaxy calling card for over a decade and the Galaxy A52 5G is no exception. The smartphone rocks a bright and sharp 6.5-inch display, whose individually powered pixels deliver accurate yet vibrant colors, as well as an outstanding contrast ratio. There’s also eye-comfort tech, which adjusts the panel’s color temperature to reduce unnecessary strain.
However, my favorite thing about the A52's screen is its 120 Hz refresh rate — it's a notable feature onboard other Galaxy S21 devices, too. A refresh rate of this caliber makes all onscreen interactions with the smartphone fast, fluid, and infinitely more enjoyable.
CAMERA
The Galaxy A52 5G has a versatile main camera with a quartet of image sensors. The 64MP main snapper captures consistently great, instantly shareable photos. Similar to the high-resolution sensor of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, the A52 can combine the data of multiple pixels into one and produce detailed images, even in conditions with less-than-perfect lighting. The phone can also record sharp, high-quality 4K video.
I only wish that the A52 had a zoom lens like the latest Galaxy S and Galaxy Note phones. Thankfully, having a main image sensor with such a high resolution will allow you to close in on objects by simply cropping the photo — there are plenty of pixels you can work with.
Best of all, the user interface and overall camera experience that the A52 offers are remarkably similar to the Galaxy S21’s. From access to AI-powered photography modes, through pro-grade settings for capturing image and video, the device’s intuitive camera app has easy-to-access features for mobile shutterbugs of all levels.
PERFORMANCE
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 Series chip in the Galaxy A52 5G is not the same powerhouse as the 8 Series that’s ticking inside the Galaxy S21, but still plenty capable. Apps opened almost instantly, and switching between them was just as effortless while I tested the device.
With 6GB of onboard RAM, the phone multitasked well, though not quite on the same level as its pricier Galaxy relatives with more memory. The fingerprint sensor underneath the display performed reliably with no issues.
Samsung has equipped the A52 with a massive 4,500 mAh battery and adaptive power-saving tech. While I tested the phone, it easily made it through an entire day of heavy use between charges. Those who manage their screen time more carefully can expect even longer breaks from a charging cable.
Just note that the A52 lacks wireless charging, and, considering its price point, this is not a surprise. However, the phone does have fast wired charging capabilities and a bundled charging adapter (giving it another edge over the Galaxy S21 and the latest iPhones).
WRAP-UP
The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G is the best smartphone $500 can buy today. It offers top-tier features and a great user experience at an agreeable price point. I also tip my hat to Samsung for committing to provide 4 years’ worth of timely security updates for the A52. It's rare to see this level of support available for Android's cheaper phones.
For comparison, a $500 budget will get you an entry-level iPhone XR with less storage (64GB), one rear-facing camera, and no 5G. The Google Pixel 4a 5G also costs the same, but it’s nowhere near as feature-packed. It isn’t waterproof, either. At this price point, the Galaxy A52 5G is the one to beat.
