Samsung Galaxy A52 5G phone boasts a 120Hz display

Samsung Galaxy A52 5G phone has a 120Hz display
(Image credit: Samsung)

Samsung Galaxy S21 out of your budget? The newly launched Samsung Galaxy A52 5G promises flagship features – including a 120Hz display – at a very reasonable price.

Launched today at the Korean company's latest Unpacked event, the A52 5G aims to "make innovation available to all" with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED FHD+ display, quad rear camera set-up (64MP, 12MP, 5MP and 5MP) and 128GB of storage.

The main draw? As far as we're concerned, that's the 120Hz display, which should deliver smoother scrolling and video playback. For the initiated, the technology is typically reserved for top-tier devices such as Samsung's S21 series and Google's Pixel 5

Of course, Samsung has made the odd compromise to make champagne on a beer budget. While the Galaxy A52 has a larger screen than the standard S21 (6.5in vs 6.3in), it misses out on support for HDR10+ and wireless charging. It's also rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, rather than IP68.

Not that the A52 5G seems to be lacking in features for the money. You get an in-screen fingerprint reader, 3.5mm headphone jack and sizeable 4500mAh battery (Samsung claims it holds enough juice for two days' use).

Samsung

(Image credit: Samsung)

Now, the all-important pricing. The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G costs just £399 (around $550, AU$725) – pretty cheap when you consider that the Galaxy S21 starts at £769 ($799, AU$1249).

Better still, UK customers who order the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G on a Vodafone contract before the 27th April can claim a free pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds+ worth around £139.

Today's Unpacked event also saw the launch of a non-5G version of the Galaxy A52 handset, as well as the A72, which gets you a 6.6-inch, 90Hz Super AMOLED display for £419 (around $580, AU$760).

We've not reviewed the A52 but, on paper, it could be a decent option for those seeking an affordable 5G phone. Heres' a list of the best smartphones you can buy, if you fancy doing a bit of virtual window-shopping.

MORE:

Read the full Samsung Galaxy S21 review

These are the best Android phones going

And these are the best smartphones for music and movies

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

Latest in Smartphones
iPhone 16e in black and white on a white background
iPhone 16e vs Sony Xperia 10 VI: what are the differences?
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
The iPhone 16e's downgrades are in all the right places if, like me, movies on the move are your priority
iPhone 16e on white background
Apple officially unveils the affordable iPhone 16e complete with an OLED display and Dolby Atmos support
A blue iPhone 16 pictured next to a white iPhone 16e
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: what's the difference, and which one should you buy?
Apple
iPhone SE 4: release date rumours, screen speculation, design hearsay and more
Apple
A new iPhone SE could be launching next week
Latest in News
Musical Fidelity B1xi
Musical Fidelity's new stereo amplifier houses HDMI ARC and a built-in phono stage
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
A grey WiiM Vibelink Amp on a wooden cabinet between two bookshelf speakers.
The WiiM Vibelink Amp is WiiM's first integrated amp with no streaming elements
Q Acoustics 3050i
Save £650 on this five-star Q Acoustics 5.1 home cinema setup
Optoma Photon Go on white background
Optoma's new on-the-go projector is set to be one of the cheaper USTs on the market
Marantz Cinema 30 AVR
Our Award-winning reference Marantz AVR is still selling at its best price ever