Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Realme 12+
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G and Realme 12+, focusing on the practical implications of their specifications:
Design & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 12+ is 15g lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use and make it more portable |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Realme 12+ has a significantly sharper and clearer display, resulting in better text clarity and image detail. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 395 PPI | The higher pixel density of the Realme 12+ translates to a crisper display with less visible pixelation. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+'s AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, improving the overall visual experience, particularly in dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface and supported games feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ display will be much more visible in bright sunlight making it easier to use outdoors |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 | Realme 12+ should offer a noticeable increase in overall speed and efficiency, making it better suited for demanding tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ demonstrates significantly better performance for multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness, handling demanding tasks with ease |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The newer GPU in the Realme 12+ provides improved graphics performance for smoother gameplay in mobile games |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP (f/1.8), 1/2" sensor, 0.8µm pixels | 50MP (f/1.88), 1/2" sensor, 0.61µm pixels | The Realme 12+ should offer better detail and clarity due to higher resolution sensor with a slightly narrower aperture. The difference in pixel size could mean better low-light performance on the Galaxy A32 5G. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.45) | Realme 12+ should capture slightly more detailed selfies, though the A32 5G has a slightly wider aperture potentially helping in low light. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP (f/2.2), 1.12µm pixels | 8MP (f/2.2) | Both provide similar wide-angle capture capabilities though pixel size is missing on Realme 12+ |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung A32 5G features a depth sensor for portrait mode, while the Realme 12+ relies on software. This may provide more accurate bokeh effects on the A32. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G should capture more detailed macro shots due to the higher resolution sensor. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@120fps; No stabilization; Slow-motion 120fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS; Yes stabilization; Slow-motion 120fps | Both support 4k video but the Realme 12+ has EIS which will make videos smoother and more stable. Realme 12+ also supports 1080@60fps. |
| Stabilization | Digital image stabilization | Digital image stabilization, OIS | Realme 12+ with OIS offers superior stabilization, reducing blur and shake in videos and photos especially in low light. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, so expect similar battery life under comparable use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime and ensuring quick power-ups. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 (up to 16) | Realme 12+ has a newer OS, meaning it will receive future feature updates for longer and potentially have better security. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (ax) | Realme 12+ supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi, suitable for users with Wi-Fi 6 routers |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | Minor improvements in speed and stability for Bluetooth connections on the Realme 12+. |
| Storage Options | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | Realme 12+ offers more storage options, suitable for users storing lots of media and apps. |
| RAM Options | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 12+ comes with more RAM ensuring smoother multitasking and better performance while running multiple applications |
| Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12+ has an edge here offering enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion, improved voice capture |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage limiting how much data can be saved to the device |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung A32 5G's side mounted fingerprint sensor offers more convenient and potentially faster access compared to a basic sensor on Realme 12+ |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Realme 12+ has additional sensors, supporting more advanced gaming experiences (gyroscope), and compass functionality compared to the Samsung A32 5G. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated depth sensor, which could result in slightly more accurate portrait mode images.
- Macro Camera: Higher resolution 5MP macro lens vs 2MP on the Realme 12+, which could mean slightly more detailed close up photos
- Galileo Support: Supports more satellite systems which could lead to slightly more accurate GPS positioning.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a more convenient fingerprint unlock experience, often considered faster and more intuitive for some users.
- Dolby Digital Plus: Offers a slightly different audio tuning profile that some users might prefer.
Realme 12+ Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and peak brightness provides a much more enjoyable viewing experience, especially in bright sunlight and when viewing high contrast scenes.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset and higher AnTuTu score offer much smoother performance for multitasking and more demanding apps, including gaming.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging means the phone will recharge much faster, making it more convenient for users with limited time.
- Better Video Stabilization: OIS provides smoother video recording, especially in low light, and during movement.
- More Storage & RAM Options: More storage options and more RAM capacity ensure the phone is suitable for more advanced users.
- Newer Software: Android 14 gives it newer features and a longer support life compared to Android 13 on the A32.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers a more immersive sound when watching videos or listening to music.
- WiFi 6: Faster and more efficient wifi
- Bluetooth 5.2: A slightly newer and more stable bluetooth connection
Trade-offs:
- Realme 12+ sacrifices a dedicated depth sensor, potentially impacting the quality of portrait mode (compared to the A32) and macro sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a lower quality display, which is less visible in direct sunlight and also suffers from lower resolution.
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a much slower charging speed, making it less convenient for users who need quick power ups.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal Users:
- Casual users: Those who prioritize a decent camera setup with a depth sensor and macro lens.
- Users focused on GPS accuracy: People who rely heavily on GPS.
- Budget-conscious: Those who might be looking for a more affordable option.
- Users who prioritize side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Users who find side mounted sensors more convenient.
- Users who prioritize Dolby Digital Plus: Users who prefer the audio tuning offered by Dolby Digital Plus.
Realme 12+ Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who frequently watch videos, browse social media, and play games on their phones.
- Power Users: Users who need a phone that can handle multitasking and demanding apps.
- Gamers: Those who want a smoother and more responsive gaming experience.
- Users who value fast charging: Users who value a faster charging speed.
- Users who value high quality video: Those who want smooth video capture with OIS.
- Users who need more storage: Those who need more storage and options for higher RAM
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: Better for casual photography, GPS navigation, general daily tasks, and for users who find a side mounted fingerprint reader more convenient.
- Realme 12+: Excellent for gaming, video streaming, heavy multitasking, and users who want faster charging and better display quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a vibrant, high-resolution display with smooth animations, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner.
- Do you heavily rely on fast charging? The Realme 12+'s 67W fast charging is significantly faster than the 15W charging of the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G.
- What is your primary use case? If gaming or heavy multitasking is your priority, the Realme 12+ is significantly more performant. If casual tasks and more GPS precision, then A32 5G is a good choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a casual user who primarily uses their phone for social media, calls, and light browsing, and GPS accuracy matters to you. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is sufficient.
- Scenario 2: You're a student or professional who needs a phone for multitasking, watching videos, and doing light gaming. The Realme 12+ provides a superior overall experience.
- Scenario 3: You're a gamer who values smooth performance, high refresh rates and good stereo audio, and fast charging. The Realme 12+ is the better option.
- Scenario 4: You are on a strict budget, and still want the features of a depth sensor and macro lens, along with good GPS accuracy. The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a decent choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 12+. While the A32 5G does offer a few minor benefits like a depth sensor and side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the Realme 12+ provides a significantly better overall user experience. The superior display, faster charging, and much higher performance make it a more enjoyable phone to use on a daily basis. The difference in screen quality, chipset performance and fast charging is a day and night difference that would have a major impact on daily usage. For me, those benefits outweigh the slightly better camera features and GPS accuracy of the A32 5G, especially considering the primary use cases are going to involve media consumption, gaming and heavy multitasking.
