Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs Motorola Moto G85 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 22, 2021 June 25, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 113.71 cm³ 89.95 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.9 "/g
Weight 205 g 171 g
Height 164.2 mm 161.9 mm
Width 76.1 mm 73.1 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Cobalt Blue
  • Olive Green
  • Urban Grey
  • Magenta

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.67 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 60 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 112.39 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.97 mAh/cm³ 55.59 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MC3 Adreno 619

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32 5GMotorola Moto G85Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mmMoto G85 is more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and pocket. A32 5G is larger and may feel bulkier.
Weight205g171gMoto G85 is noticeably lighter, providing better comfort for long usage and less fatigue. A32 5G feels heavier which could be less comfortable for long durations.
Display
Size6.5"6.67"Moto G85 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing.
Resolution720x16001080x2400Moto G85 has a much sharper display, with crisper text and images. The A32 5G's resolution might appear pixelated to some.
Pixel Density (PPI)270395Moto G85 provides a noticeably clearer and sharper visual experience due to higher pixel density.
TechnologyTFT LCDP-OLEDMoto G85 delivers more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and wider viewing angles compared to the A32 5G's LCD, resulting in a better overall viewing experience.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzMoto G85 offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming visuals, while A32 5G may feel less fluid.
Brightness0 nits1600 nitsMoto G85 is significantly brighter, offering much better screen visibility in outdoor, sunny conditions. The A32 5G's screen may be hard to see in direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm)Moto G85's Snapdragon chipset generally provides faster processing speeds and is more energy efficient based on benchmark scores. The A32 5G's chipset is less powerful.
AnTuTu Score249,720475,000Moto G85 demonstrates much better performance across the board, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 619Moto G85 likely offers better graphics performance for gaming and video editing.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth phones have similar battery capacity for comparable battery life.
Charging15W Fast Charging30W Fast ChargingMoto G85 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. The A32 5G will take longer to fully charge.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.79Moto G85 has slightly higher resolution and a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.4Moto G85 has much higher resolution selfies, capturing more detail. A32 5G has a wider aperture for better low-light selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2Both have comparable wide-angle camera performance.
Portrait Mode (Depth)2MP, f/2.4-A32 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography, while the Moto G85 relies on software processing.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.4-A32 5G has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while the Moto G85 does not.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps1080p@30/60fpsA32 5G supports 4K video recording for higher quality videos. Moto G85 provides better stabilization and does not record at 4K.
Video StabilizationNoYesMoto G85 has video stabilization feature which results in smoother videos compared to A32 5G.
DXOMark ScoreN/AOverall: 88 (Photo: 83, Video: 109)Moto G85 has been tested, with results suggesting decent camera quality, particularly for video recording.
Camera FeaturesMultiple featuresMore featuresMoto G85 has more advanced camera features like OIS, PDAF, LAF and RAW capture offering more control over the image output. A32 5G provides 4k video and ultra stable video recording.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 13)Android 14Moto G85 has a more modern OS and should receive updates for a longer period. A32 5G is several Android versions behind.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5 (ac)Wi-Fi 6 (ax)Moto G85 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, enabling faster download and upload speeds on compatible networks. A32 5G supports older WiFi standards which might have slower speeds in comparison.
Bluetooth5.15.1Both have Bluetooth 5.1 with low energy, with A32 5G having slightly additional features.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoMoto G85 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, including QZSS.
SIMDual Nano SIMDual Nano SIM/eSIMMoto G85 offers eSIM support for digital carrier switching, along with dual SIM support.
Storage
Internal64/128 GB128/256 GBMoto G85 offers more internal storage (256GB option) for storing media, files and apps. A32 5G maxes out at 128 GB.
RAM4/6/8 GB8/12 GBMoto G85 has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better performance, specifically if you have several apps running simultaneously or using heavier applications.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone allows for additional storage via microSD cards.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusDolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphonesMoto G85 offers stereo speakers and dual microphones in addition to dolby atmos. A32 5G offers dolby digital plus in addition to dolby atmos.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBasic fingerprint sensorA32 5G has more advanced side mounted fingerprint sensor in comparison to Moto G85.
Build Quality
ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5Moto G85 has better screen protection in comparison to A32 5G.
SensorsBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: AccelerometerBiometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeMoto G85 features additional sensors (compass, gyroscope) which are beneficial for certain applications and gaming. A32 5G has geomagnetic sensor.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:

  • 4K Video Recording: Shoots video at a higher resolution, for more detailed and sharper footage.
  • Dedicated Macro Lens and Depth Sensor: Offers more versatility for close-up and portrait photography, enhancing creative possibilities.
  • Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides a more advanced biometric security feature for faster and secure access.

Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: Features a higher resolution, sharper P-OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it much more enjoyable to use for media consumption and gaming.
  • Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip provides much faster processing speeds, translating to smoother app loading, multitasking, and better gaming performance.
  • Faster Charging: Supports 30W charging, reducing the charging time considerably.
  • Brighter Screen: Offers higher brightness for better visibility in bright outdoor conditions.
  • Enhanced Audio: Offers stereo speakers for more immersive sound, and dual microphones for better audio capture.
  • More Modern OS: Runs on Android 14, offering the latest features and security updates.
  • Better Camera Performance: Achieves a higher DXOMark video score of 109 and also has OIS for better video quality.
  • eSIM support: Offers flexibility of using a digital SIM card for easier carrier switching.
  • Better Build: The device has better screen protection via Gorilla Glass 5.
  • More RAM: It has more RAM (12 GB), which allows for smoother multitasking and improved performance with heavier applications.

Trade-offs:

  • The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers better video recording capabilities at 4k along with a dedicated macro and depth sensor whereas the Moto G85 has a more advanced camera overall with OIS, PDAF, LAF.
  • The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a more advanced biometric feature (side-mounted fingerprint scanner) whereas the Moto G85 has a basic fingerprint sensor.
  • The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a slightly heavier build (205 g) compared to the Moto G85 (171g) which makes the Moto G85 more comfortable for extended usage.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:

  • Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes basic functionality at a lower price.
  • Users who frequently record video: Will benefit from 4k video recording capability and ultra stable video mode.
  • Users who enjoy creative photography: Appreciate the dedicated macro lens and depth sensor for different types of creative shots.
  • Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensors: Prefer the side mounted fingerprint scanner over the basic fingerprint sensor.
  • Less demanding users: Do not require top-tier performance.

Use Cases:

  • Casual Photography: Capturing day-to-day moments with the main and selfie cameras.
  • Basic social media and browsing: Suitable for standard internet use and social media apps.
  • 4K video recording: The ability to record videos at 4K resolution makes this device ideal for people who enjoy filming.
  • Macro and Portrait Photography: The dedicated macro and depth sensor allow for creative photography outputs.

Ideal User for Motorola Moto G85:

  • Users who prioritize display quality: Will value the vibrant P-OLED screen with a high refresh rate for immersive media consumption.
  • Users who need strong performance: Will benefit from the faster processor, allowing for smoother multitasking and gaming.
  • Users who enjoy photography and videography: Enjoy features like OIS, PDAF and LAF with high quality video output.
  • Users who want the latest software: Prefer to have a newer operating system with more updates.
  • Users who prefer lighter devices: Will find the 171g more comfortable to hold for extended durations.
  • Users who need long-lasting battery life: Will appreciate the fast charging capability to reduce downtime.
  • Users who desire higher storage: Appreciate having an option for 256 GB internal storage to store more files.

Use Cases:

  • High-quality media consumption: Watching videos, movies, and streaming content.
  • Gaming: Playing graphic intensive mobile games smoothly.
  • Frequent multitasking: Running multiple apps simultaneously without lag.
  • Capture High Quality images and videos: OIS, PDAF, LAF allow for capturing high quality content.
  • Mobile Work: Using the device for productivity tasks, emails, and document editing
  • Travel/Navigation: More accurate GPS for navigation with QZSS support.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is display quality? (Do you need a vibrant, high-refresh-rate screen for media consumption and gaming?)
  2. How important is performance? (Do you require fast processing for demanding applications and multitasking?)
  3. How important is the camera? (Do you need high quality video, macro and portrait capabilities?)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (Budget and basic use): If you are on a tight budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like social media, calls, and browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G might be a more cost-effective option for you.
  • Scenario 2 (Media consumption and gaming): If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, movies, playing games, or multitasking, the Motorola Moto G85 will provide a much better user experience due to its superior display, performance, and battery life.
  • Scenario 3 (Photography & Videography): If you prioritize taking high quality videos with 4K support and like to use macro and portrait modes for your creative photography outputs, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is better suited. If you need better low light performance, more advanced camera features (like OIS, PDAF, LAF) and better video quality, the Motorola Moto G85 will be better.
  • Scenario 4 (Latest Software): If it is essential to have the newest version of Android, along with newer features and updates, the Motorola Moto G85 is the better choice.

Personal Choice

If I were to choose, I would pick the Motorola Moto G85.

Reasoning:

While the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a few advantages in specific areas like 4K video and macro photography, the Motorola Moto G85 offers a much better overall experience due to its:

  • Superior display: The P-OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade for media consumption, providing much richer colors, deeper blacks and smooth visuals.
  • Significantly improved performance: The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chip ensures smoother multitasking, faster app loading and a much better user experience all around. This is crucial for an efficient smartphone experience.
  • Better Camera: The Moto G85 camera has better video output quality (due to OIS and higher DXOMark scores), making it a very practical choice for everyday use.
  • Faster charging: The 30W charging is much more practical for daily use, reducing downtime.
  • More modern OS and features: I prefer to have the latest Android and more up-to-date features.
  • More storage: Having 256 GB is very useful for saving high quality images, video, and other files.
  • Lighter design: The 171g body feels better and comfortable for extended use.

Although the 4K video recording is a nice feature, I believe it's not something that I use regularly enough to justify choosing the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. The Moto G85's balance of features including display quality, performance, battery, camera, along with modern software makes it the better all-round smartphone that is suitable for daily use.

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.

Key Strengths:

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