Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Review: The Mid-Range Beast Samsung Perfected in 2021
The smartphone market in 2021 is packed with competition, but
Samsung has managed to carve out a sweet spot in the premium mid-range category with the launch of the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G. Built as an upgraded version of the already popular Galaxy A52 5G, this device brings noticeable performance improvements, a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, dependable cameras, and one of the cleanest Android experiences available in its price range.
Samsung did not completely redesign the phone from the Galaxy A52 5G. Instead, it focused on refining what already worked and improving the areas users cared about most — especially performance. The result is a phone that feels faster, smoother, and more future-proof without losing the features people loved in the A-series lineup.
With the powerful Snapdragon 778G processor, stereo speakers, IP67 water resistance, 5G connectivity, and Samsung’s polished One UI software, the Galaxy A52s 5G quickly positions itself as one of the best mid-range smartphones of 2021.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Specifications
| Feature |
Details |
| Display |
6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Resolution |
1080 x 2400 pixels |
| Processor |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G |
| RAM |
6GB / 8GB |
| Storage |
128GB / 256GB |
| Rear Cameras |
64MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera |
32MP |
| Battery |
4500mAh |
| Charging |
25W Fast Charging |
| Operating System |
Android 11 with One UI 3 |
| Water Resistance |
IP67 Certified |
| Connectivity |
5G, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Audio |
Stereo Speakers |
| Fingerprint Sensor |
Under-display |
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Galaxy A52s 5G looks almost identical to the
Galaxy A52 5G. Samsung clearly decided not to reinvent the wheel here, and honestly, that was the right decision. The minimalist camera housing, matte plastic back, slim profile, and clean aesthetic still look modern and premium in 2021.
Compared to the Galaxy A52 5G, the A52s 5G feels slightly more refined thanks to newer color finishes and better overall responsiveness. Both phones share the same design language, dimensions, and IP67 water resistance rating, but the A52s feels more complete because of the upgraded internal hardware.
The plastic back may disappoint users expecting glass, but it actually helps reduce fingerprints and makes the device lighter and more durable for everyday use. Samsung also includes Gorilla Glass 5 protection on the front, which adds confidence against accidental scratches and drops.
The phone is available in attractive colors like Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Violet, and Awesome Mint. Samsung clearly aimed for a youthful and stylish audience with these finishes.
Another major advantage is the inclusion of a headphone jack, something many flagship smartphones are beginning to remove. This alone makes the A52s 5G appealing to users who still prefer wired audio accessories.
Display Performance
Samsung has always excelled at displays, and the Galaxy A52s 5G continues that tradition.
The 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED panel is one of the strongest reasons to buy this phone. Colors are vibrant, blacks are deep, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes animations feel incredibly smooth. Whether you are scrolling through social media, gaming, or watching Netflix, the display feels flagship-level.
Brightness is excellent outdoors, and Samsung claims up to 800 nits peak brightness.
The punch-hole selfie camera is small and unobtrusive, helping the screen feel immersive. Thin bezels also improve the viewing experience.
For gamers and content lovers, this display easily stands out among competing mid-range smartphones in 2021.
Snapdragon 778G Performance
The biggest upgrade over the Galaxy A52 5G is undoubtedly the chipset.
Samsung replaced the Snapdragon 750G with the much more powerful Snapdragon 778G processor, and the difference is immediately noticeable. Apps open faster, multitasking is smoother, and gaming performance sees a substantial improvement.
Even demanding games like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty Mobile, and Genshin Impact run impressively well on medium to high settings. Thermal management is also solid, meaning the phone does not heat excessively during long gaming sessions.
Users on Reddit and Android forums have consistently praised the Snapdragon 778G for making the A52s 5G feel significantly more powerful than the standard A52 models.
Samsung’s One UI software is another highlight. It feels polished, feature-rich, and optimized. Features like Edge Panels, Samsung Knox security, Samsung Pay, and extensive customization options make the software experience feel premium.
Samsung also promises multiple years of Android updates and security patches, giving the device excellent long-term value.
Camera Performance
Samsung kept the same camera setup from the Galaxy A52 5G, but that is not a bad thing because the cameras were already excellent for the price.
The 64MP main camera delivers sharp and colorful photos in daylight. Samsung’s image processing tends to boost colors slightly, making pictures look vibrant and social-media ready.
The 12MP ultrawide camera performs surprisingly well, while the macro and depth sensors are decent additions for creative photography.
Low-light photography is respectable thanks to Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Night Mode, though images can occasionally show inconsistent white balance.
Video recording is another strong point. The phone supports 4K recording on both front and rear cameras, which is impressive at this price range.
Selfies from the 32MP front camera look detailed and natural, especially in good lighting conditions.
Battery Life and Charging
The 4500mAh battery easily lasts a full day for most users. Moderate users can even stretch it into a second day without much trouble.
Samsung’s software optimization helps battery efficiency, and the Snapdragon 778G chipset is also more power-efficient than previous mid-range processors.
The phone supports 25W fast charging, although charging speeds are not the fastest in the market compared to some Chinese competitors. Still, it is fast enough for everyday convenience.
Audio and Multimedia
Stereo speakers on the Galaxy A52s 5G are loud, balanced, and enjoyable for movies and gaming. Dolby Atmos support further improves the listening experience when using headphones.
Samsung deserves praise for retaining both stereo speakers and a headphone jack in a mid-range device.
Combined with the AMOLED display, the multimedia experience here is excellent.
Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G Release Price
At launch in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G started at approximately:
| Currency |
Launch Price |
| Nigerian Naira |
₦230,000 – ₦260,000 |
| US Dollar |
$449 |
| British Pound |
£409 |
| Indian Rupee |
₹35,999 |
Pricing varied slightly depending on region and storage configuration.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent 120Hz Super AMOLED display
- Powerful Snapdragon 778G processor
- Great camera performance with OIS
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos
- Clean and polished One UI software
- Reliable battery life
- Headphone jack support
- Premium-looking design
- Strong long-term software support
Cons
- Plastic back instead of glass
- 25W charging could be faster
- Macro and depth cameras feel unnecessary
- Some users reported back panel adhesive issues after long-term use
- Slightly expensive compared to some rivals
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is easily one of Samsung’s best mid-range smartphones of 2021. Rather than chasing gimmicks, Samsung focused on meaningful upgrades that improve everyday usage.
The Snapdragon 778G processor transforms the experience, making the device feel smoother and more capable than the regular Galaxy A52 5G. Combined with a fantastic AMOLED display, solid cameras, water resistance, stereo speakers, and Samsung’s excellent software support, the A52s 5G delivers incredible overall value.
For users who want a dependable Android smartphone that balances performance, camera quality, battery life, and premium features without spending flagship money, the Galaxy A52s 5G is one of the safest recommendations in the mid-range market.
Even years later, many users still consider it one of the best A-series phones Samsung has ever made.
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