Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs Nokia G21 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia

General

Launch Date January 22, 2021 February 15, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 113.71 cm³ 106.19 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 205 g 190 g
Height 164.2 mm 164.6 mm
Width 76.1 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 81.6 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 60 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 400 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 119.53 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.97 mAh/cm³ 47.56 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MC3 Mali-G57 MP1

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Nokia G21

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32 5GNokia G21Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mmA32 5G is slightly thicker, Nokia G21 is lighter making it more comfortable to hold for longer periods.
Weight205g190gNokia G21 feels less cumbersome, beneficial for single-handed use.
Display
Size6.5"6.5"Both have the same screen real estate for viewing content.
Resolution720x1600720x1600Both offer the same level of sharpness and detail (or lack thereof).
PPI270270Both displays have similar pixel density, resulting in similar image clarity.
TechnologyTFT LCDIPS LCDNokia G21 has slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction.
Refresh Rate60Hz90HzNokia G21 offers a smoother scrolling experience, especially noticeable in fast-paced apps.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones likely have similar screen visibility under various lighting conditions (note: brightness is 0, indicating missing data).
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Unisoc T606 (12 nm)A32 5G should offer better overall performance and efficiency due to the smaller fabrication process.
AnTuTu Score249,720253,300Both offer nearly identical performance and real-world usage experience.
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G57 MP1A32 5G's GPU likely handles graphically intensive tasks (like gaming) better, although the differences might be marginal.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution48MP50MPNokia G21 has a slightly higher resolution sensor for more detail, but other factors like sensor size play a significant role.
Main Camera Sensor Size1/2"1/2.76"A32 5G has a larger sensor, which typically means better low-light performance and dynamic range.
Main Camera Pixel Size0.80 µm0.64 µmA32 5G's larger pixels capture more light, potentially resulting in better image quality, especially in low light.
Front Camera Resolution13MP8MPA32 5G takes higher-resolution selfies.
Front Camera Aperturef/2.2f/2.0Nokia G21's wider aperture allows slightly more light, potentially better low-light selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MPNoneA32 5G offers more versatility in capturing broader scenes.
Macro Lens5MP2MPA32 5G takes higher-resolution macro shots.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps1080p@30fpsA32 5G captures higher-resolution, sharper video footage and has a better frame rate option for slow-motion.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5050mAhBoth have similar capacity providing similar battery life
Charging15W18WNokia G21 charges slightly faster, potentially reducing charging time.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The Dimensity 720 chipset generally outperforms the Unisoc T606 in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming, even if AnTuTu scores are close.
  • Better Camera System: A larger main camera sensor, higher-resolution selfie and macro lenses, and the addition of a wide-angle lens provide more versatility and potentially better image quality.
  • Higher Resolution Video: 4K recording capability gives the A32 5G a clear advantage for users interested in video content creation.
  • Faster Wi-Fi Standard: Includes Wi-Fi ac offering faster connection speeds.
  • More RAM: Option for 8GB RAM, better for multi-tasking and long-term performance.
  • Better Audio: Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive audio experience for movies and music.
  • More Video Recording options: Faster slow-motion recording with 120fps
  • Better Bluetooth Version: Has newer Bluetooth version

Nokia G21 Advantages:

  • Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations appear smoother.
  • Lighter Build: 15g lighter, slightly more comfortable for extended use.
  • Faster Charging: Slightly faster 18W charging.
  • Better Front Camera Aperture: Slightly better performance in low light selfie shots.
  • Longer Software Support: Nokia is known for providing timely security and software updates.
  • Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box.

Trade-offs:

  • The A32 5G sacrifices a slightly smoother display and lighter design for a better camera, chipset, video capabilities and audio.
  • The Nokia G21 gives up camera quality and video performance for a slightly smoother display and lighter build.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:

  • Ideal User: Casual gamers, social media content creators (particularly video), and users who value camera versatility.
  • Use Cases:
    • Playing graphic-intensive mobile games.
    • Recording high-quality video for social media or personal use.
    • Taking photos in various lighting conditions and different perspectives (wide-angle, macro).
    • Users that want a more immersive audio experience.
  • Price-to-Value: Suitable for users who want higher performance and camera quality and are willing to pay a premium.

Nokia G21:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize a smoother display, longer-lasting battery, and a lightweight design.
  • Use Cases:
    • Daily browsing and social media consumption where the 90Hz display shines.
    • Users who need long battery life between charges and faster charging capability
    • Users that prefer a lighter phone.
  • Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value for budget-conscious users who prioritize day-to-day tasks and media consumption.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is my primary use case? (Gaming/video creation vs. browsing/daily use)
  2. How important is camera quality? (Versatility and video resolution vs. basic photo capture)
  3. How much value do I place on a smooth display vs. overall performance?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Social Media Creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for its superior camera, 4K video, and editing potential.
  • Scenario 2: Budget Gamer: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for its slightly better GPU performance and option for more RAM.
  • Scenario 3: Casual User with Long Battery Need: Choose the Nokia G21 for its lighter build, slightly faster charging and smoother screen.

My Choice

I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. While I appreciate the Nokia G21's smoother display and lighter design, the A32 5G's significantly better camera system, 4K video recording, better chipset, faster Wi-Fi, option for more RAM, and more immersive audio experience outweighs the benefits of the Nokia for my needs. While it is slightly heavier and has a less fluid display, the performance advantages and camera versatility make it the better option for my use case. My primary phone use revolves around content creation, and the A32 5G is clearly better suited for that.

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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