Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Huawei nova 8i
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm | The nova 8i is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially making it feel more comfortable in hand. The A32 5G is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | The nova 8i is noticeably lighter, which can be more comfortable for long periods of use. The A32 5G is heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, which might be more immersive for media consumption. The A32 5G is negligibly smaller. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2376 | The nova 8i's display is significantly sharper, resulting in clearer text and images. The A32 5G's resolution is considerably lower, which will be noticeable when viewing small text or images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 391 | The nova 8i has a much higher pixel density, meaning finer detail and less pixelation. The A32 5G will look less sharp. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | IPS LCD | The IPS LCD of the nova 8i provides better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the TFT LCD of the A32 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer a standard refresh rate, which is adequate for most daily use but may not feel as smooth as displays with higher refresh rates. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not provided for either phone. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | The A32 5G's chipset is more powerful, leading to smoother performance in demanding tasks, faster app loading and better overall performance. The nova 8i's chipset is less powerful and older. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 201,000 | The A32 5G scores significantly higher, suggesting it will handle multitasking and gaming better than the nova 8i. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 610 | The A32 5G's GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and other visually intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | The nova 8i has a higher-resolution main camera, potentially capturing more detailed photos. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | The A32 5G's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 16MP | The nova 8i's front-facing camera takes slightly higher resolution selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | The nova 8i's selfie camera has wider aperture offering better low light performance |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones have comparable wide-angle cameras. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have comparable depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A32 5G has a higher-resolution macro camera. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps | The A32 5G can record higher-resolution 4K video at 30 fps, which can offer better detail and clarity. The nova 8i is limited to 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Both phones offer digital stabilization, helpful for smoother video recording while moving. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | The A32 5G has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life. The nova 8i has smaller battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 66W fast charging | The nova 8i charges much faster than the A32 5G, reducing downtime. The A32 5G will take a longer time to charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 10 | The A32 5G has a more recent operating system and is upgradable, which can be more secure and offer more features. The nova 8i is older. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac Dual-band | 802.11ac Dual-band | Both have similar wifi capabilities. A32 5G has additional Wi-Fi Direct capability. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | The A32 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, which may offer more stability and efficiency. The nova 8i supports some higher quality audio codecs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB | Both offer a maximum storage of 128GB. A32 5G has an additional option for 64GB of storage. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 6GB | The A32 5G offers 8GB as an option, which is better for multitasking. The nova 8i has 6GB of RAM. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has support for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | The A32 5G offers enhanced audio through Dolby processing, while the nova 8i has stereo speakers and dual microphones for a more immersive experience and improved call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have side mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope | The nova 8i has additional sensors like Compass and Gyroscope. A32 5G includes a Geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- More Powerful Performance: The Dimensity 720 chipset offers better performance and smoother operation, especially for gaming and multitasking.
- Higher Video Quality: The ability to record 4K video provides more detailed and higher-quality footage.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides longer battery life compared to the nova 8i.
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 11 and is upgradable to 13 offering more security and features.
- Dolby Audio: Dolby Atmos and Digital Plus provides enhanced audio experience.
Practical Implications: The A32 5G is better suited for users who prioritize performance, battery life, and video recording quality.
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Sharper Display: The 1080p display offers much better clarity and sharpness with higher pixel density.
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 16MP front camera with a wider aperture takes slightly higher resolution selfies.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers a more immersive audio experience.
- Additional Sensors: Compass and Gyroscope, better for specific apps and games
- Lighter Design: Makes it more comfortable for extended use.
Practical Implications: The nova 8i is a better option for users who prefer a sharper screen, faster charging, and a lighter design.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G trades better screen quality and faster charging for superior performance and battery life.
- The Huawei nova 8i trades better performance, newer software, battery life for faster charging and a sharper screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:
- Ideal User: Mobile gamers, users who frequently multitask, or those who want a longer battery life and a better video recording experience.
- Use Cases: Playing graphics-intensive games, capturing 4K videos, and long days with minimal access to charging.
- Price-to-Value: Good value for users who need strong performance, great battery and 4k video recording at an affordable price.
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal User: Casual users who consume media, take occasional photos, and value fast charging and a high-resolution display.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, social media browsing, fast charging during quick breaks, casual use.
- Price-to-Value: Provides excellent screen quality and fast charging for its price but lacks performance and battery.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize performance and battery life or display quality and charging speed?
- How important is it to have 4K video recording or a better screen quality?
- What is your typical daily usage pattern and how much do you value faster charging vs larger battery capacity?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Mobile gamer needing long battery life: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for better performance and battery endurance.
- Scenario 2: Casual user who primarily watches videos and charges frequently: Choose the Huawei nova 8i for its superior display and fast charging capabilities.
- Scenario 3: User who wants the best overall performance for daily usage: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G due to its chipset and better performance.
- Scenario 4: User who prioritizes video and photos with high quality: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G as it offers 4K video recording.
- Scenario 5: User on a budget that wants better screen quality: Choose the Huawei nova 8i due to its better screen quality.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. While the Huawei nova 8i has a sharper display and faster charging, the A32 5G's superior performance, better video recording quality, larger battery, and newer OS would suit my needs better, I play games frequently and would take advantage of the better CPU and GPU, and I would also like to have better video recording quality. While the nova 8i’s screen is better, the A32's display is not bad and is acceptable, the better performance and other features of the A32 5G makes it a winner in my book.
