1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Nothing Phone (1) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 159.2 × 75.8 × 8.3 mm | Nothing Phone (1) is slightly smaller and thinner, potentially making it easier to handle. |
| Weight | 205g | 193.5g | Nothing Phone (1) is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.55" | Similar screen size; negligible difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly sharper images and text; much better for reading and viewing detailed content. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 402 | Nothing Phone (1) displays crisper and clearer visuals, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | OLED | Nothing Phone (1) offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors; better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (1) has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Nothing Phone (1) has much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to see the screen. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ (6 nm) | Nothing Phone (1) offers significantly better performance for gaming, app loading, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 624,253 | Nothing Phone (1) is much faster overall; provides a smoother and more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 642L | Nothing Phone (1) has better graphics capabilities; more capable in graphically intensive applications and games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung A32 5G offers slightly longer battery life under similar use conditions. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Nothing Phone (1) charges much faster, reducing time spent waiting for the phone to power up. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging, Non-removable, No Charger in Box | Nothing Phone (1) offers reverse wireless charging to other devices, which can be very useful; wireless charging is more convenient. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) has a slightly higher resolution, larger sensor and larger pixel size, likely resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | Nothing Phone (1) has slightly higher resolution and a bigger pixel size, which can produce better selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers a dedicated ultrawide camera for capturing wide landscapes and group shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode images. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G allows for close up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Nothing Phone (1) offers a combined wide-angle and macro lens, useful for versatility |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 4K@30fps with HDR, EIS, 1080p@60fps with HDR, EIS, Slow-motion 120fps | Nothing Phone (1) features HDR and EIS video recording, resulting in better dynamic range and stability. |
| Camera Features | Quad Camera, Digital Image Stabilization | Dual Camera, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (1) features Optical Image Stabilization, Manual Focus, RAW capture, and Night Mode, enhancing photo quality, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 12, Upgradable to 15 | Nothing Phone (1) ships with a newer OS and has promised updates to Android 15 |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (1) supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi 6, offering better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Nothing Phone (1) has slightly newer Bluetooth, which may offer more robust connections and better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (1) utilizes more satellite systems, potentially leading to better GPS accuracy, which is essential for navigation, tracking and location-based apps. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers larger internal storage options, better for storing photos, videos, and large files. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (1) offers more RAM, better for multitasking and handling demanding applications. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone offers expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (1) has more balanced audio experience with stereo speakers for improved sound quality, plus better microphone array. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (1) has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | Nothing Phone (1) has additional sensors that can enhance some apps and gaming experiences. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, beneficial for users who don't have access to frequent charging.
- Dedicated Wide Angle, Portrait, and Macro Lenses: Offers additional photographic versatility, allowing a wide range of shots to be taken.
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus: Provides an immersive audio experience, enhancing music and movie enjoyment.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Offers more advanced fingerprint sensor.
Nothing Phone (1) Advantages:
- Superior Display: The OLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate provides a significantly better visual experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 778G+ chipset delivers much better performance for gaming, multitasking, and general usage.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging allows for faster replenishment of the battery.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Allows charging convenience and allows the phone to act as a powerbank for other wireless devices.
- Better Camera Performance: The larger sensor, optical stabilization and additional features like RAW and Night Mode should lead to better quality photos and video in diverse situations.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android and is slated for longer software support
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster WiFi standard and more advanced GPS.
- Stereo Speakers & Better Microphones: Offers improved audio quality with stereo speakers and clearer sound for calls.
- Better Screen Protection: Offers greater durability with Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G prioritizes battery life over processing speed and display quality.
- The Nothing Phone (1) offers a more premium experience in display and performance but has a slightly smaller battery.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:
- Users with a focus on long battery life and not intensive use.
- Users who prioritize camera versatility with dedicated lenses for wide, macro, and portrait photography.
- Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone for basic tasks, with added audio features.
Use Cases:
- Daily browsing, social media, and messaging where long battery life is paramount.
- Casual photography enthusiasts who want to take diverse types of photos without requiring top-end camera quality.
- Users who enjoy watching media content with Dolby Atmos support.
Nothing Phone (1) Ideal User:
- Users who value a high-quality display for media consumption, gaming, and general use.
- Users who require high performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Users who want faster charging and wireless charging.
- Users who prioritize higher quality photos and videos and greater camera versatility in a single lens.
- Users looking for a modern design and a phone with longer software support.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and resource-intensive applications.
- Viewing high-resolution videos and content.
- Capture high-quality photos and videos, including low-light photography.
- Users who enjoy premium build quality and design.
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung A32 5G is a good option for those looking for an affordable phone with a long battery life and versatile camera, but the lower screen quality and performance make it a bad choice for those who use their phone more heavily.
- The Nothing Phone (1) is better value for users who are willing to pay a bit extra for superior performance, display, and camera quality, although it has a smaller battery and lacks some dedicated camera lenses, but can perform more complex actions with a single lens.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: Battery life or performance?
- If long battery life is paramount, and you don't mind a lower quality screen and slower performance the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a better fit. If you are a heavy user and want a more responsive device with better media quality, then Nothing Phone (1) is a better choice.
- Do you value a high-quality display and smoother experience?
- If you consume a lot of video, game, or enjoy a snappy user experience then the higher refresh rate and OLED display of Nothing Phone (1) are much better for your user experience.
- How important is camera versatility vs overall image quality?
- If having multiple lens options for different photography needs is very important, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a better fit, but if you prioritize overall image quality in general, the Nothing Phone (1) has the better camera system, plus additional features like RAW and Night Mode.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer - Nothing Phone (1). The superior chipset, GPU and display make it much more appropriate for gaming.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. It provides a long battery life and decent camera at a lower cost, but be aware that the screen and performance are far inferior.
- Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler - Nothing Phone (1). The faster charging, wireless charging and more accurate GPS connectivity as well as better display and performance for maps and media make it a better device.
- Scenario 4: Photography Enthusiast - Nothing Phone (1). While the A32 5G has more camera lenses, the main camera on the Nothing phone 1 is of much higher quality. The optical stabilization, Night mode and RAW capabilities also make the Nothing phone 1 a superior choice for photography.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing Phone (1). While the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers a slightly larger battery and a dedicated set of lenses, the overall user experience and performance offered by the Nothing Phone (1) are significantly superior. The higher-quality OLED display, faster processing power, better camera quality with OIS and RAW, faster charging, and the convenience of wireless charging make it a better investment for a modern user. While it lacks dedicated zoom and macro lenses, the versatility of a combined wide/macro on the Nothing phone is a good compromise, especially when combined with all of the added functionality like OIS, RAW and Night mode. The newer software and better connectivity support also ensure better longevity. The Nothing phone 1 will also provide a much better experience for more complex tasks and applications. The overall improvements provided by the Nothing Phone (1) justify the trade off for a smaller battery and more basic lens set for me.
