Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs Nokia X20 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia X20
Nokia X20
Nokia

General

Launch Date January 22, 2021 May 12, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 113.71 cm³ 122.5 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.03 "/g
Weight 205 g 220 g
Height 164.2 mm 168.9 mm
Width 76.1 mm 79.7 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Midnight Sun
  • Nordic Blue

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 % 79.8 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 395 PPI
Refresh Rate 60 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A 450 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 100.47 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.97 mAh/cm³ 36.49 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4470 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
GPU Mali-G57 MC3 Adreno 619

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 14

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32 5GNokia X20Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mmNokia X20 is slightly larger and bulkier, may feel less comfortable in hand for some users.
Weight205g220gSamsung A32 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged usage.
Display
Size6.5"6.67"Nokia X20 has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption.
Resolution720x16001080x2400Nokia X20 provides a much sharper and detailed display, better for reading text, viewing photos, and watching videos.
Pixel Density (PPI)270395Nokia X20's higher pixel density results in clearer images and text with less pixelation, making the screen look crisper.
TechnologyTFT LCDIPS LCDNokia X20's IPS LCD typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than the TFT LCD of Samsung A32 5G.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth offer a standard 60Hz refresh rate, suitable for general use but not as smooth as higher refresh rate displays.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsPeak brightness is unknown, which limits comparison of outdoor visibility; not suitable for direct sunlight viewing conditions.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Nokia X20's Snapdragon 480 offers better overall performance, slightly faster loading times and smoother multitasking compared to the Dimensity 720.
AnTuTu Score249,720323,425Nokia X20 has higher AnTuTu scores suggesting noticeably better performance for demanding apps, and gaming.
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 619Nokia X20's Adreno 619 GPU is generally better for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks than the Mali-G57 MC3.
Camera
Main Camera48MP, f/1.864MP, f/1.79Nokia X20's main camera captures more detail with higher resolution and performs slightly better in low light with a slightly wider aperture.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.232MP, f/2.0Nokia X20 captures significantly more detailed selfies and performs better in low light conditions with a wider aperture.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.25MPSamsung A32 5G's wide-angle lens captures more detailed wide shots compared to Nokia X20.
Portrait Camera2MP, f/2.42MPBoth offer similar depth-sensing capabilities for portrait mode photos.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.42MPSamsung A32 5G has a higher resolution macro camera, allowing for more detailed close-up shots.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps1080p@60fpsSamsung A32 5G can record higher-resolution 4K videos.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4470mAhSamsung A32 5G has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life.
Charging15W Fast Charging18W Fast ChargingNokia X20 charges slightly faster with 18W fast charging.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (up to 13)Android 11 (up to 14)Nokia X20 offers an additional major software update, promising longer software support and newer features.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11ac, Wi-Fi Display802.11acBoth have similar wifi capabilities but Samsung A32 5G also supports Wi-Fi display.
Bluetooth5.15.0Samsung A32 5G has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering slightly better performance, energy efficiency and extra features (EDR and HID).
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GalileoSamsung A32 5G supports more satellite systems for potentially more accurate location tracking (incl. Beidou).
SIMDual SIM Dual StandbyDual SIM Dual StandbyBoth offer the same dual SIM functionality.
Storage
Internal64GB/128GB128GBNokia X20 has the same maximum storage capacity as the maxed out Samsung A32 5G while Samsung also offers a lower storage option.
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB6GB/8GBBoth offer similar RAM capacities for smooth multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus2 microphonesSamsung A32 5G has superior audio processing with Dolby enhancements for media consumption. Nokia X20 has two microphones for better audio recording.
Security
FingerprintSide-mountedSide-mountedBoth phones feature side-mounted fingerprint sensors for convenient unlocking.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Proximity, FingerprintAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, FingerprintNokia X20 has additional sensors (Compass, Gyroscope) suitable for advanced features and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: Offers significantly better battery endurance.
  • 4K Video Recording: Allows for higher-resolution video capture.
  • More detailed Wide Angle Lens: Captures more detailed wide-angle shots.
  • More detailed Macro Lens: Captures more detailed close up shots.
  • Advanced audio processing: Superior audio with Dolby enhancements.
  • More Satelite Support: Supports Beidou for more accurate location tracking.
  • Slightly Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.1 provides an edge in performance and energy efficiency.

Nokia X20 Advantages:

  • Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density for a clearer viewing experience.
  • Superior Display Technology: IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color reproduction.
  • Better Performance: Snapdragon 480 provides noticeably better overall performance and gaming capability.
  • Higher Resolution Cameras: Significantly better image quality with higher-resolution main and front cameras.
  • Wider Camera Aperture: Better low-light performance of the main and front cameras.
  • Additional Major Software Update: Guaranteed update to Android 14.
  • Faster Charging: 18W charging is faster than the 15W of the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G.
  • Additional Sensors: Compass and gyroscope for better game play.

Trade-offs:

  • The Samsung A32 5G sacrifices display quality and processing power for a larger battery and 4k recording capabilities.
  • The Nokia X20 sacrifices battery capacity and 4k video resolution for better overall performance, camera quality and display technology.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:

  • Users prioritizing battery life: Ideal for those who need a phone that lasts through a full day without frequent charging.
  • Users who value 4K video: A good choice for casual vloggers who want the ability to shoot high-quality video.
  • Users with basic performance needs: Those who primarily browse social media, check emails, and use messaging apps.
  • Users who appreciate advanced audio capabilities: Those who appreciate immersive audio while consuming media.

Use Cases for Samsung A32 5G:

  • Long days out where charging isn't readily available.
  • Capturing high-quality 4K family videos.
  • Casual media consumption and social media usage.
  • Listening to music and watching films with high quality sound.

Nokia X20 Ideal User:

  • Users prioritizing display quality: Best for those who watch a lot of videos, read text, or enjoy playing games, appreciate the sharper display and better colours.
  • Users who want better overall performance: Suitable for people who run more demanding apps, multitask, or want to play mobile games.
  • Users seeking a better camera: Ideal for users who want to capture higher-quality photos and selfies in most conditions.
  • Users wanting future-proof software: An additional Android update gives it more longevity.
  • Users who require additional sensors: Those who enjoy AR games or similar apps that require gyroscope and compass sensor support.

Use Cases for Nokia X20:

  • Gaming.
  • Viewing high-resolution photos and videos.
  • Taking and sharing photos and selfies.
  • Using productivity apps and multitasking.
  • Future-proof longevity with more software updates.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. Is battery life or display quality more important? (Samsung A32 5G for battery, Nokia X20 for display)
  2. Do you prioritize performance, or would you rather have 4k recording and enhanced audio? (Nokia X20 for performance, Samsung A32 5G for recording and audio)
  3. How often do you use the camera and are you concerned about low light performance? (Nokia X20 for better camera performance, especially in low light, Samsung A32 5G offers more standard camera features).

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer: Choose the Nokia X20 for its better processing power, superior GPU and gyroscope sensor which means better gaming performance.
  • Scenario 2: All-day media consumer, on the go: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for its longer battery life and enhanced sound features.
  • Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast, capturing high quality images: Choose the Nokia X20 for its much better quality camera and low-light capabilities.
  • Scenario 4: Everyday user focused on long lasting use: Choose the Nokia X20 for it's better performance, and one more major android upgrade.

Final Recommendation

If I had to choose, I would opt for the Nokia X20. While the Samsung A32 5G has a bigger battery and 4K video capability, the Nokia X20's advantages in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities are much more important for my needs. As someone who values clear visuals, smooth performance, and higher-quality photos, the Nokia X20's overall package better suits my usage patterns. It also provides a longer lifespan, which is an important consideration for a daily driver.

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
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.