1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3 mm | The A32 is noticeably larger and thicker, potentially feeling bulkier in hand and pocket. The Nord 2 is more compact and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 205g | 189g | The Nord 2 is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide a good viewing area for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Nord 2 has a significantly sharper display with much higher pixel density, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 409 | The Nord 2's higher pixel density leads to a noticeably sharper, more detailed display. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and better power efficiency, particularly with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Nord 2's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. We do not have actual brightness values to compare. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6 nm) | The Nord 2's chipset is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 714,400 | The Nord 2 offers a drastically higher performance, making it better for demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G77 MC9 | The Nord 2’s GPU is much more powerful, providing superior graphics processing for gaming and other graphically demanding apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" | The Nord 2 has a larger sensor, which generally results in better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" | The Nord 2 captures selfies with much higher resolution and detail, while the A32 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" | Negligible difference in resolution; A32 has slightly wider aperture |
| Depth | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, though the quality may not be significantly better than software-based solutions. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Black & White | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" | The Nord 2 includes a B&W lens for dedicated black and white shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps (EIS), 1080p@30/60/120fps (EIS) | The Nord 2 offers electronic image stabilization (EIS) on all recording modes, making videos smoother. It also captures at 1080p 60 fps. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The A32 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 65W fast charging | The Nord 2 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard for modern smartphones. |
Software, Connectivity, Storage & Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 11 (up to 13) | Both get the same OS updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | The Nord 2 has faster and more efficient Wi-Fi due to the newer WiFi standard. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Nord 2's Bluetooth version is more power-efficient and provides better connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Nord 2 offers slightly better location accuracy with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Standard for most modern phones. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Nord 2 has higher storage options, better for users who need more storage for files, media etc |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6/8/12GB | Nord 2 has higher RAM options, supporting better multitasking and smoother operation. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage via SD Card. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Microphone | Nord 2 provides a better audio experience with stereo speakers and clearer calls, while A32 offers surround sound via software. |
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both include fingerprint sensor for security; exact type for Nord 2 is not stated. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nord 2 is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nord 2 supports more sensors, enabling better gaming experience, VR and AR interactions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lenses: These provide slightly more versatility in photography, although quality might not be the best.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: May be preferred by some users over standard under display sensors.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Offers virtualized surround sound enhancement
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Advantages
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Dimensity 1200 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience.
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with higher resolution, better color accuracy and 90Hz refresh rate.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor results in better low-light performance.
- More capable Selfie Camera: 32MP camera offers more detail.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers provide more immersive audio experience
- More Advanced Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.
- More RAM and Storage Options: Higher storage and RAM capacity for better multitasking.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) For sharper and less blurry images.
Trade-offs
- Samsung A32 5G: Offers basic functionalities with larger battery and some additional camera lenses, but is severely lacking in performance and display quality.
- OnePlus Nord 2 5G: Offers a superior overall experience, but battery life might be slightly shorter, despite the fast charging. Lacks dedicated macro/depth cameras
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize battery life and are not too demanding in terms of display quality and performance.
- Users with simple needs: Primarily use their phones for basic communication, social media, and occasional media consumption.
- Users who value macro and depth sensors: For specific photography purposes, even if the quality is not best in class.
Specific Use Cases:
- Browsing and basic social media
- Long battery life for less frequent charging
- Casual photography for social media
- Users who prefer side-mounted fingerprint sensor
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Ideal User
- Performance-oriented users: Who value fast performance, smooth multitasking, and good gaming capabilities.
- Users who consume media frequently: And value a high-quality display.
- Users who prioritize better camera quality: With a superior main sensor and OIS.
- Users who need fast charging: For less downtime.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gaming, multitasking and heavy app usage
- High-definition video streaming and media consumption
- High quality photography and video recording
- Frequent usage requiring fast charging
Price-to-Value Ratio
- The OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers a higher price-to-value ratio due to its superior performance, display, and camera quality, making it worth the extra cost for most users. The A32 5G, is positioned as a more budget friendly alternative
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- How much does display quality matter to you? If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant display, the Nord 2 is the clear choice.
- What will you use your phone for primarily? If basic tasks and battery life are crucial, the A32 5G might suffice; if performance matters, Nord 2 is the go-to.
- How important is fast charging to you? If you need to charge quickly, the Nord 2’s 65W charging will be a key advantage.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget is the main concern: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance and display are crucial: OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the best choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced performance and battery: If battery is not a huge factor the Nord 2 might be a good fit with the faster charging.
- Scenario 4: Photography enthusiasts: The Nord 2 with a superior sensor and stabilization is a better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord 2 5G. While the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers a larger battery and some additional camera features, the Nord 2 5G's superior performance, display quality, faster charging, and better main camera sensor make it the much more compelling choice. The benefits in daily usage would be noticeable with smoother multitasking, a more enjoyable visual experience and much faster charging, making it worth the slightly higher price point. The Nord 2 strikes a good balance between features and performance, making it the preferred option for my personal use.
