Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Realme 9 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Realme 9 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 164.3 × 75.6 × 8.5 mm | Realme 9 Pro is slightly thinner and narrower, potentially feeling more comfortable in hand. Samsung is a tiny bit taller. |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | Realme 9 Pro is 10g lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both are nearly the same size. Negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 9 Pro has a significantly sharper display, making text and images clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | Realme 9 Pro provides a noticeably sharper visual experience. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 9 Pro offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the TFT LCD on the Samsung. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 9 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations look much smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. Note: This is likely an error in the provided data as it should have a numerical value |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Realme 9 Pro's Snapdragon 695 chipset offers better performance for everyday tasks, multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 402,916 | The Realme 9 Pro performs noticeably better in benchmarks, indicating faster app loading and smoother performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 619 | Realme 9 Pro's Adreno 619 GPU will provide better gaming performance compared to Mali-G57 MC3. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP (f/1.8) | 64MP (f/1.79) | Realme 9 Pro's higher resolution may capture more detail in good lighting conditions. Wider aperture might offer slight advantages in low light. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/2" | Both have the same sensor size. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 0.70 µm | Samsung's slightly larger pixel size might capture more light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.0) | Realme 9 Pro captures slightly more detailed selfies and has a wider aperture for better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/3.13" | Realme 9 Pro's selfie camera likely captures more light with its larger sensor |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.00 µm | Larger pixels in the Realme 9 Pro mean better light capture and low light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens Resolution | 8MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.2) | Similar wide angle performance |
| Wide Angle Lens Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/4" | Realme 9 Pro likely captures more light with its larger sensor |
| Wide Angle Lens Pixel Size | 1.12 µm | 1.12 µm | Same pixel size, resulting in comparable performance. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung A32 5G has a dedicated sensor for better portrait mode pictures, although it has low resolution. |
| Macro Lens Resolution | 5MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Samsung A32 5G's dedicated macro camera should capture slightly more detail. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | Samsung offers higher video resolution (4K), suitable for those who need higher quality video recording. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 9 Pro charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12, upgradable to 13 | Realme 9 Pro comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones support standard Wi-Fi connectivity. Realme also has MiMO. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both have 5.1 LE. Realme has additional codec support for better wireless audio quality |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G supports more satellite systems (Galileo) for potentially better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128 GB | Realme 9 Pro only comes in 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Both are suitable for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Realme 9 Pro excels with better audio features (Hi-Res, mic quality). Samsung has Dolby capabilities |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both have side-mounted fingerprint sensors. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Realme 9 Pro has a Gyroscope, which might be needed for certain games or VR. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Better Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate make for a much smoother and sharper viewing experience.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 695 chipset provides better performance in benchmarks and real-world usage, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Faster Charging: The 33W charging is significantly faster than the Samsung’s 15W charging, which can be a huge benefit.
- Better Audio: The device has a noise-canceling mic and supports Hi-Res Audio for a better experience in recording and listening to audio.
- Newer Android OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box which is a slightly newer version than the Samsung’s Android 11.
- Better Bluetooth Audio Codec Support: Supports APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC for higher quality wireless audio.
- Additional Sensors: Gyroscope is a must for mobile gaming and VR experiences.
- Better Selfie Camera: Better low light performance and detail from the front facing camera.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- 4K Video Recording: It is capable of recording video in 4K, which is useful for high quality video recording.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor is helpful in portrait shots.
- Slightly Better Macro: The Macro Camera is slightly higher resolution.
- Slightly Larger Pixels on Main Camera: Could capture more light.
- More GPS Satellite Systems: Galileo support in addition to GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou.
- Dolby Audio: Dolby Atmos and Digital plus provide a good audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 9 Pro: Lacks a dedicated depth sensor, has a 2MP Macro lens and has no 4k video recording.
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: Inferior display, slower charging, and lower overall performance than the Realme 9 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Realme 9 Pro:
- Gamers: The more powerful chipset, Adreno 619 GPU, smoother 120Hz display, and gyroscope make it a better choice for gaming.
- Multimedia Consumers: The higher resolution and refresh rate screen enhance the experience of watching videos and browsing social media.
- Power Users: The faster charging and better overall performance will benefit people who use their phone heavily throughout the day.
- People focused on audio quality: Hi-Res Audio support and a noise cancelling mic help in audio quality.
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:
- Basic Users: Suitable for casual users who prioritize battery life and aren't very demanding of display quality or performance.
- 4K Video Recording enthusiasts: The ability to record video in 4K makes it a good choice for people who want high quality video.
- Those on a Very Tight Budget: Potentially more affordable if you opt for the base 64GB storage configuration and you don't mind the lower specs.
Specific Use Cases:
- Realme 9 Pro: Excels in gaming, video consumption, photography, and daily productivity tasks.
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: Ideal for basic browsing, calling, and those needing a phone that provides 4K video capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality and smoothness? If a sharp, smooth display is a priority, the Realme 9 Pro is the clear winner.
- What level of performance do you need? If you need fast and smooth performance for gaming or multitasking, the Realme 9 Pro is much better.
- How important is quick charging? If you value fast charging, then the Realme 9 Pro is the best choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If cost is the most important factor and you are not going to be using your phone for demanding applications, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a good pick.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Multimedia: If you want to game on your phone or watch a lot of video content, the Realme 9 Pro is the better choice for its better display and processing.
- Scenario 3: Daily User with Faster Charging Needs: If you need your phone to charge quickly, the Realme 9 Pro is better.
- Scenario 4: 4K Video Recording and Dedicated Depth Sensor: If you need to record in 4K and prefer a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is better.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 9 Pro. The primary reasons are its superior display (higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate), significantly better performance (Snapdragon 695), and much faster charging. These aspects contribute directly to a better overall user experience, whether I am gaming, browsing, or just using the phone daily. The higher quality audio codecs and the extra sensor also contribute greatly to why I would chose this phone over the Samsung.
While the Samsung has some advantages, such as 4k video recording, a dedicated depth sensor and a slightly better macro lens, these benefits do not outweigh the overall improvements offered by the Realme 9 Pro. The Realme 9 Pro provides a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable experience for my daily usage.
