👍 Pros
- Super AMOLED Plus 120Hz display remains competitive for visual fluidity.
- 5000mAh battery capacity offers strong endurance for its class.
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G chipset provides adequate performance for non-demanding tasks.
- Gorilla Glass 5 front offers reasonable screen durability.
- Relatively thin and light design at 7.4mm and 173g.
👎 Cons
- Plastic frame and back detract from a premium feel.
- No OIS on the main camera limits low-light and video stability.
- Shared SIM slot for microSDXC is a compromise for dual SIM users.
- Android 13 is the final major OS update, limiting future software support.
- 25W wired charging is slow compared to current mid-range standards.
Expert Review & Rating
Market Position in 2026
In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy M52 5G primarily exists as a budget-friendly option on the used or refurbished market. Its hardware, while once competitive, now falls significantly behind modern budget and mid-range alternatives in terms of processing power, camera capabilities, and charging speeds.
The Compromises
The most significant compromises are evident in its build materials, utilizing a plastic frame and back, and the absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on the main camera, which impacts low-light performance and video stability. The 25W charging speed is noticeably slow compared to the 60W-100W solutions common in 2026’s budget segment.
Performance & Daily Usage
Based on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm) chipset, the device will handle basic daily tasks like web browsing, social media, and light applications without significant issues. However, heavy multitasking or demanding applications will likely expose its age, leading to noticeable slowdowns. The Adreno 642L GPU is sufficient for casual gaming but will struggle with graphically intensive titles at higher settings. Thermal management, given the 6nm process, should be adequate for its performance tier, preventing severe throttling under moderate loads.
The Best Features
The 6.7-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a 120Hz refresh rate remains a strong asset, offering fluid visuals and vibrant colors that hold up well against many newer budget panels. The 5000mAh battery capacity, when paired with the 6nm Snapdragon 778G, suggests reliable all-day endurance for average use, a feature that retains value. The 64 MP main camera, while lacking OIS, can still capture detailed images in good lighting conditions, and the 32 MP selfie camera provides high-resolution options for video calls and self-portraits.
Buying Advice
This phone is a pragmatic choice for users seeking an extremely affordable, used device primarily for media consumption and basic communication. Individuals requiring robust performance for gaming, advanced photography, or long-term software updates should consider newer, albeit more expensive, budget smartphones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Samsung Galaxy M52 5G can be a worthwhile purchase in 2026 as a very budget-conscious, used device for basic tasks and media consumption, especially if found at a significantly reduced price. However, its performance and software support are limited compared to contemporary options.
The camera system on the Galaxy M52 5G, particularly the 64 MP main sensor, will struggle in low-light conditions due to the absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This hardware limitation means photos will likely exhibit more noise and blur compared to modern smartphones with OIS or advanced computational photography.