👍 Pros
- Vibrant 90Hz Super AMOLED display
- OIS on the main camera for stable shots
- IP67 water and dust resistance (for its time)
- MicroSDXC slot for expandable storage
- Solid battery life with decent charging speed
👎 Cons
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Snapdragon 720G is dated for 2026 standards
- Shared SIM slot for microSDXC
- Only 25W wired charging
- Limited software updates beyond Android 14
Expert Review & Rating
Quick Overview
The Samsung Galaxy A52, a relic from 2021, still commands attention with its vibrant 90Hz Super AMOLED display, a feature that was a game-changer in its segment back then. For its initial price, that screen alone offered an experience far beyond its competitors.
The Compromises
Let’s be brutally honest: this phone is built to a price. The all-plastic construction, while durable, feels undeniably budget-tier. There’s no escaping the flex and hollow tap that betrays its material choices. Furthermore, that Snapdragon 720G chipset, while competent in 2021, is a significant bottleneck in 2026. It struggles with anything beyond basic multitasking, and forget about demanding modern games. The shared SIM slot for microSD is another minor annoyance, forcing a choice between dual SIM functionality or expanded storage. Finally, 25W charging is just… slow by today’s standards. You’ll be waiting a while to top up that 4500mAh cell.
Performance & Daily Usage
In 2026, using the A52 is a test of patience. UI animations stutter. App launches are noticeably delayed. Scrolling through social media feels less fluid than you’d expect from a 90Hz display. The Snapdragon 720G simply can’t keep up with modern Android 14 and today’s heavier apps. Thermal management is decent; it doesn’t get excessively hot, but that’s largely because it’s not pushing demanding tasks. It’s a phone for light use, and even then, its age is palpable.
The Best Features
Despite its age, the A52’s display remains a standout. That 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel, even at 90Hz, still delivers punchy colors and deep blacks that make content consumption a joy. For its original price point, this was an unparalleled visual experience. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on the 64MP main camera was also a huge win. It meant significantly sharper photos in challenging light and much more stable video, a feature often reserved for flagships. The IP67 water and dust resistance, a rarity in this segment back then, provided genuine peace of mind. And yes, a 3.5mm headphone jack – a feature increasingly missed – is present and accounted for, offering flexibility for audio enthusiasts.
Is It Worth Buying?
As we stand in 2026, the Samsung Galaxy A52 is unequivocally NOT worth buying new. Its processor is severely outdated, and its software support has likely reached its end with Android 14. While the display and camera with OIS were excellent for its 2021 launch, the overall performance and modern app demands make it a frustrating experience today. If you find one for pennies as a backup or a very basic communication device, perhaps, but for anything else, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While the 90Hz Super AMOLED was premium for its time, 2026 flagships boast 120Hz or even 144Hz LTPO panels with significantly higher peak brightness and adaptive refresh rates, making the A52's display feel less fluid and vibrant by comparison.
The 64MP main camera with OIS can still capture decent, well-stabilized photos in good lighting. However, its low-light performance and computational photography capabilities are far outstripped by modern phones, resulting in noisier, less detailed images in challenging conditions.
The Snapdragon 720G chipset is the primary bottleneck. It struggles with modern apps, multitasking, and especially gaming, leading to noticeable slowdowns and stutters that weren't present during its original release.