Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Similar size; Samsung is slightly thicker, OnePlus is slightly thinner and lighter. This may impact grip and pocketability. |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | 10g difference is likely noticeable when holding for extended periods, making the OnePlus slightly more comfortable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.59" | Virtually identical display size; difference is negligible for daily use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | OnePlus has a much sharper display; text and images will appear crisper and more detailed. |
| PPI | 270 | 401 | OnePlus' higher pixel density results in a noticeable difference in clarity and detail. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | IPS LCD | OnePlus has superior display technology with better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus provides smoother scrolling and animations making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, though the actual maximum brightness is missing, so comparison is limited |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6 nm) | Different chipsets; OnePlus likely offers better general performance and power efficiency due to the newer fabrication process |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 406,221 | OnePlus scores considerably higher, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking, better for gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 | Different GPUs, OnePlus' Adreno 619 is generally considered more powerful, better for graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | OnePlus charges much faster, significantly reducing time spent waiting for the device to charge, more convenient for daily usage |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.7 | OnePlus captures more detailed images with a wider aperture; performs better in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | OnePlus takes higher-resolution selfies with a slightly wider aperture, resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung provides a wider field of view for group photos, landscapes and more creative shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer similar depth sensing for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung's macro lens offers higher resolution, capturing greater detail in close-up shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung can record higher-resolution video, beneficial for those who value video quality, more options for slow-motion recording |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 13 | Android 12, Max 13 | OnePlus starts with a newer Android version, potentially resulting in longer software support and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac, Dual-band | 802.11ac, Dual-band | Both support Wi-Fi 5; OnePlus includes Wi-Fi MiMO, for potentially faster and more stable wireless connectivity |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.2 LE | OnePlus has a newer Bluetooth version offering better efficiency and connectivity features for audio devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus has better global positioning, including QZSS, more reliable in diverse locations. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support two SIM cards, allowing flexibility with network carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB | 128 GB | OnePlus has a single 128GB storage option; Samsung offers a 64 GB base variant. |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB/8 GB | 6 GB/8 GB | Both offer options for 6 GB/8 GB; Samsung has an option for 4GB. Higher RAM is good for intensive use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage, which might be a limitation for heavy media users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Noise cancellation microphone | Samsung provides enhanced audio for multimedia consumption; OnePlus provides a clearer audio experience during calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both have a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | OnePlus has additional sensors offering enhanced functionality in gaming and navigation. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology. Unknown exact version |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- 4K Video Recording: Supports higher resolution video recording, which is a plus for video creators or those who enjoy high-quality home videos.
- Wide Angle Camera: Provides more versatility in camera system with the inclusion of a wide-angle lens.
- Macro Lens resolution: Higher resolution in macro lens.
- Audio Features: Includes Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, which could be preferred for media consumption.
- Ultra stable video: Supports ultra stable video recording.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Sharper, smoother (120Hz), and more vibrant display (IPS LCD), leading to a better visual experience.
- Better Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score due to the more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Better Main Camera: Higher resolution and wider aperture for better photos in various conditions, especially low-light.
- Newer Bluetooth and GPS: Newer technology ensures better connectivity and positioning.
- More Sensors: Includes gyroscope and compass, useful for navigation and gaming
- Newer Android Version: Starts with newer Android version.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A32 5G trades overall performance for a slightly more versatile camera system with its wide-angle and higher-resolution macro lens, and higher-quality video recording.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers superior performance and display experience but sacrifices the wide-angle lens and 4K video recording capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:
- Ideal User: Casual users who enjoy taking photos with a wide range of features, consume media, and do not require intensive gaming performance. Users who enjoy higher-resolution video recording.
- Use Cases:
- Casual photography with family and friends, where the wide-angle lens is useful.
- Watching videos and listening to music with enhanced audio.
- Everyday use where performance is not the top priority.
- Higher-resolution video recording.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G:
- Ideal User: Performance-oriented users who prioritize smooth gaming, fast app loading, and a great display. Good for frequent social media scrollers.
- Use Cases:
- Playing mobile games and enjoying smooth gameplay.
- Multitasking and switching between apps quickly.
- Viewing high-quality video content on the sharp, 120Hz display.
- Users who need quick charging times.
- Better connectivity with newer Bluetooth and GPS technology.
- Users who prioritize a more powerful processor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for you? If you are a gamer or a power user, the OnePlus is better; if you are a casual user, the Samsung might be enough.
- Do you need a wide-angle lens? If you value camera versatility over raw photo quality, the Samsung A32 5G is better.
- Is fast charging important? The OnePlus has almost twice as fast charging compared to the Samsung, making it more convenient for daily use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Casual user who takes photos occasionally): If photography is just a minor hobby and you mostly use the phone for browsing and social media, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G might suffice with its versatile camera system and good battery life.
Scenario 2 (Gamer/Performance-focused user): If you play graphically intensive games or need the phone for heavy multitasking, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the better choice due to its higher AnTuTu score and 120Hz display.
Scenario 3 (User who values display quality): If a crisp and smooth display is the top priority, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G wins with its higher resolution, pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate.
Scenario 4 (User on a tight budget): The Samsung A32 5G may be slightly cheaper on the used market, as it is older. But it depends heavily on the price. The OnePlus is generally the better value for money.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: The significantly higher AnTuTu score, powered by the Snapdragon 695, makes it better for general use, multitasking and gaming.
- Display: The higher resolution, pixel density and 120Hz refresh rate are a great bonus and are clearly noticeable in daily use.
- Charging Speed: The 33W fast charging is extremely useful for daily use, especially if you are on the go.
- Software: I would prefer to start with the more recent Android Version.
- Value: The OnePlus phone provides better overall value for the price, with better performance, display, and charging.
While I would miss the wide-angle camera on the Samsung, the overall benefits of the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G make it the superior choice for my needs, which lean more towards performance and daily responsiveness.
