Samsung Galaxy A02s vs Samsung Galaxy M32 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 4, 2021 June 28, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 113.41 cm³ 99.02 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.32 "/g 3.56 "/g
Weight 196 g 180 g
Height 164.2 mm 159.3 mm
Width 75.9 mm 74 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.4 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Black
  • Light Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.4 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.8 % 83.9 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 411 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 800 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 44.09 mAh/cm³ 50.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 506 Mali-G52 MC2

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 10 11
Maximum OS Version 12 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A02sSamsung Galaxy M32Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mmM32 is more compact, easier to handle
Weight196g180gM32 is lighter, more comfortable for long use
Display
Size6.5"6.4"Negligible difference, both similar screen sizes
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2400M32 has significantly sharper display, better for media consumption
Pixel Density270 PPI411 PPIM32 has a much clearer and detailed display
TechnologyPLS LCDAMOLEDM32 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzM32 has smoother scrolling and animations
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is not available, making comparison impossible
Performance
ChipsetSnapdragon 450 (14nm)Helio G80 (12nm)M32 has faster processing, better for apps and games
AnTuTu Score74,800204,000M32 has significantly better performance, smoother operation
GPUAdreno 506Mali-G52 MC2M32 has a more powerful GPU, better gaming performance
Camera
Main Camera13MP, f/1.864MP, f/1.8M32 captures much more detailed photos, better low-light performance likely
Selfie Camera5MP, f/2.220MP, f/2.2M32 has higher quality selfies
Wide Angle LensNone8MP, f/2.2M32 can capture wider landscapes
Depth Sensor2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar portrait mode performance
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar close-up photography
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsBoth have similar video resolution capabilities
Slow MotionNoYes, 120fpsM32 can record slow-motion videos
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery life for both phones
Charging15W25WM32 charges significantly faster
Inbox ChargerNot specified15WM32 includes a 15W charger in the box
Software
OSAndroid 10Android 11M32 has a newer operating system and likely longer software support
Max OS Version1213M32 has one more Android version update available
Connectivity
WiFi802.11b/g/n802.11a/b/g/n/acM32 has faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity
Bluetooth4.2 LE5.0M32 has newer Bluetooth, more features, better power efficiency
Storage
Internal32GB/64GB64GB/128GBM32 has higher internal storage options
RAM3GB/4GB4GB/6GB/8GBM32 offers better multitasking capabilities
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither supports expandable storage
Security
FeaturesBasic SecurityFingerprint SensorM32 has a fingerprint sensor for better security
SensorsProximity, AccelerometerFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeM32 has more sensors, supporting more functionalities

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:

  • Potentially lower price: The A02s, being an older and lower-end model, is likely more affordable.

Practical Implications:

  • The A02s is a budget-friendly option, ideal for users who prioritize cost savings over performance and features.

Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED screen with higher resolution and refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience.
  • Better Performance: A more powerful processor and GPU provide a smoother and faster experience for apps and gaming.
  • Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus an ultrawide lens, result in better photo quality and versatility.
  • Faster Charging: 25W charging significantly reduces charging times.
  • More Storage and RAM: Higher storage and RAM options result in better multitasking and storage capabilities.
  • More features: The M32 offers a newer version of Bluetooth, a fingerprint sensor, more sensors, and slow-motion video capabilities

Practical Implications:

  • The M32 is a significant upgrade in almost every aspect. Ideal for users who want a smooth, feature-rich experience.

Trade-offs:

  • Price: The M32 likely costs more than the A02s.
  • Size and Weight: Although more compact, the M32 is not drastically smaller. The weight difference, while noticeable, is not a major trade off.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A02s - Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks and prioritize low cost.
  • Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, basic browsing, and simple apps.
  • Older adults: Users who prefer simplicity and do not require advanced features or demanding performance.
  • Use Cases:
    • Basic communication (calls, texts)
    • Casual web browsing
    • Simple social media use
    • Occasional basic photography

Samsung Galaxy M32 - Ideal User:

  • Performance-Oriented Users: Individuals who prioritize smooth performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and media consumption.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image quality.
  • Media Consumers: Those who watch videos, movies, or play games on their phone and want a good viewing experience.
  • Users Seeking Modern Features: Those who value features like fingerprint sensors, fast charging, and the latest versions of Android.
  • Use Cases:
    • Mobile gaming
    • High-quality photography and videography
    • Watching videos and movies
    • Multitasking between apps
    • Extensive social media use

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? If cost is the primary concern, the A02s is the budget option.
  2. What will be your primary use cases? If it's basic communication and light use, the A02s will suffice. If you need more performance, better cameras, and media consumption, the M32 is better.
  3. How important are modern features and display quality? If you value features like fingerprint sensors, AMOLED displays, and faster charging, the M32 is the clear winner.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Low budget, basic use. Choose the Samsung Galaxy A02s if your budget is extremely tight, and you mostly use your phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing.
  • Scenario 2: Need for smoother performance. Choose the Samsung Galaxy M32 if you desire a smoother overall experience and intend to use multiple apps or perform tasks that require more processing power.
  • Scenario 3: Media Consumption and Photography. Choose the Samsung Galaxy M32 if you plan to watch videos, play games, or take photos regularly. The superior display and camera are worth the investment.

My Choice

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M32. While the Galaxy A02s is an option for basic smartphone use, the M32 offers a substantially better user experience. The AMOLED display alone is a massive upgrade over the LCD of the A02s. The better performance, faster charging, superior camera, and enhanced features (such as the fingerprint sensor) of the M32 are more important to me for overall satisfaction and usability. Given the lack of expandable storage on either device, the larger storage options of the M32 are also a plus. Although the A02s is likely more affordable, the M32 provides far superior value, making it the better option for most users if the price difference is within their budget.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

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  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.