1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is taller and thinner, potentially feeling sleeker and more modern, while the A32 5G is slightly more compact but thicker. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | Realme 12x is lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Both have similar HD+ resolution, sufficient for daily use, but not as sharp as higher-resolution displays. Minor difference is negligible. |
| PPI | 270 | 264 | Similar pixel density, with no noticeable difference in clarity for most users. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 12x's IPS LCD typically provides better viewing angles and color reproduction than TFT LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x's 120Hz refresh rate offers a much smoother user experience, especially when scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness information not available for either phone - this makes comparisons impossible. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 12x's newer and more efficient chipset provides faster performance and better battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 442,599 | Realme 12x demonstrates significantly superior performance, indicating smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The A32 5G has a slightly more powerful GPU in terms of processing cores, however overall performance is still lower than Realme 12x. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2" sensor, Samsung S5KGM2, 0.80 µm pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Realme 12x has a slightly higher resolution main camera which may lead to more detailed images in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | 8MP, f/2.1, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | Samsung A32 5G offers higher resolution front camera, but Realme 12x has a slightly wider aperture which can allow more light for low-light photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, Unknown sensor, 1.12 µm pixel size | None | Samsung A32 5G offers a dedicated wide angle lens, beneficial for landscape photography and group shots, while the Realme 12x lacks one. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, Omnivision OV02B1B, 1.75 µm pixel size | Both offer dedicated depth sensors with similar capabilities for background blur. Realme 12x has a larger pixel size which can mean better performance in low light. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, Unknown sensor, Unknown pixel size | None | Samsung A32 5G offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, whereas Realme 12x lacks this. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung A32 5G can record in 4K resolution, offering higher detail and better quality videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same capacity, meaning similar battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Both support similar charging speeds, which is slow compared to modern standards. |
Storage & Memory
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | Realme 12x provides significantly more storage, suitable for users with large media libraries or lots of apps. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 12GB | Realme 12x offers higher RAM, meaning more smooth multitasking and less lag. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, making internal storage choice important. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x has better audio due to stereo speakers and higher resolution output, ideal for audio enthusiasts. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | Realme 12x comes with the latest Android version out of the box. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- 4K Video Recording: Offers higher quality video capture compared to the 1080p on the Realme 12x.
- Dedicated Wide-Angle and Macro Lenses: Provides more versatility in photography.
- Slightly higher front-facing camera resolution
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score and a newer chipset, leading to faster app loading and better gaming.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother user experience.
- Higher RAM and Storage Options: More memory for multitasking and more space for files, apps and media.
- Better Audio Experience: Higher quality audio output with stereo speakers
- Newer Android Version: Ships with a more modern version of Android.
- Lighter and Thinner: More comfortable to hold and carry.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: sacrifices performance and display smoothness for the flexibility of the camera system with additional lenses and 4K recording.
- Realme 12x: trades off a more versatile camera system for a better overall performance and smoother display experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:
- Casual photographers: Users who value having a wide-angle and macro lens for different shooting scenarios and also prioritize 4K video recording.
- Users on a stricter budget : May be found at a lower price point given its release date.
- Brand loyalists: Users specifically seeking a Samsung device.
Use Cases:
- Capturing landscape photos, group shots, and close-up macro details.
- Recording higher quality 4K videos for personal use.
Realme 12x Ideal User:
- Performance-focused users: Gamers or those who prioritize a fast and smooth experience.
- Media consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and enjoy smoother animations.
- Users who want more storage: Those who store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking a high-value device without breaking the bank.
- Users who prioritize a light and thin device
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding games with better frame rates.
- Consuming media with smooth scrolling and video playback.
- Multitasking with a large number of apps.
- Listening to music or podcasts through the stereo speakers.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or overall performance? (If camera, Samsung might be better. If performance, go for Realme.)
- How important is a smooth display experience? (If high refresh rate matters, Realme is the clear choice.)
- How much storage space do you need? (If you need a lot, the Realme 12x with options of 256GB/512GB might suit you better)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Photography Enthusiast (Budget-Conscious): If you prioritize a versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro lenses and want to record videos in 4K, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is more suitable given its extra cameras.
- Scenario 2: Casual User (Performance-Oriented): If you want smooth performance, a large storage capacity, a modern Android experience, and a lighter device, the Realme 12x offers more value.
- Scenario 3: Media Consumer: If you prioritize smoother scrolling, higher quality audio, a lighter device and better performance the Realme 12x is better.
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Realme 12x.
Here's why:
- Performance Matters: The significantly higher AnTuTu score and the newer chipset of the Realme 12x make it a more future-proof device. The difference in performance between the two is very substantial for everyday tasks and any type of gaming.
- Smoother User Experience: The 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade for daily use, and will make the device feel faster and more responsive.
- More RAM and Storage: The 12GB of RAM and 256/512GB of storage are important for multitasking and not having to worry about running out of space.
- Audio Quality: The inclusion of stereo speakers makes a huge difference for media consumption.
- Newer OS: The Realme 12x will receive longer software support thanks to it launching with the latest android version.
While the Samsung A32 5G has a more flexible camera system on paper, the overall experience of the Realme 12x seems more well rounded. The increase in performance is not negligible and the difference in smoothness is very significant. For most users, the benefits of a smoother, faster, and lighter phone with more storage outweigh the additional features of the camera system.
It's a better phone for the majority of users due to these core performance and experience based upgrades.
