Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A04s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Negligible size difference, both feel similar in hand. |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | A04s is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size; both are suitable for media consumption, browsing, and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have similar screen clarity, which is decent for the price point. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Both have similar pixel density for similar viewing experience |
| Technology | TFT LCD | PLS LCD | TFT LCD on the A32 5G typically offers better color reproduction and viewing angles compared to PLS LCD, potentially appearing more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A04s has a smoother display experience due to its higher refresh rate, leading to less perceived motion blur. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays will perform similarly in terms of brightness. Missing actual brightness value to further analyze. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | A32 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 117,300 | A32 5G offers over twice the benchmark performance. Noticeable in demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G52 | A32 5G has a superior GPU for better gaming and graphics processing performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04s has a slightly higher resolution main camera but sensor model is not specified, so the overall image quality is not guaranteed to be superior. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A32 5G takes significantly better selfies with much higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not Available | A32 5G's wide-angle lens offers versatility for landscape and group shots, which is missing in the A04s. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar performance for portrait mode with comparable depth sensors. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 5G macro lens captures much detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | A32 5G is able to record in much higher video quality for superior video experiences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Charging times for both will be very similar. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | A04s comes with a newer OS version and is likely to receive future updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A32 5G supports dual-band WiFi for potentially faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | A32 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s supports more GPS satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Both phones come in a 128 GB maximum storage option, but the A04s offers more options to fit various budgets. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 3GB/4GB | A32 5G can be configured with more RAM for smoother multitasking capabilities and more headroom. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Basic audio features | A32 5G's Dolby Atmos audio provides a richer and more immersive sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Neither phone has a specified protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A32 5G additionally features Geomagnetic sensor. A04s offers Ultrasonic proximity virtual, which is not found in A32 5G |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Dimensity 720 chipset provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera System: Higher-resolution front-facing camera, an ultrawide lens, and a macro lens offer more versatility in photography and much better image quality, especially when compared to the selfie camera.
- Higher Quality Video Recording: Capable of recording video at 4K resolution, offering a far better video experience.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support provides a richer audio experience for media consumption.
- More RAM: Up to 8 GB of RAM available on the A32 5G allows smoother multitasking, less app reloading, and more headroom for intensive applications and games.
- Better Display Technology: TFT LCD displays offers better viewing experience in terms of color reproduction and viewing angles.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 12 and is upgradable to Android 14, potentially ensuring longer software support.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate Display: Smoother scrolling and animations on the display can enhance the daily user experience.
- Better Location Accuracy: Support for QZSS results in more accurate GPS.
- Slightly Lighter: The lighter design is helpful when being held over extended periods.
- More Affordable: Lower cost to value when compared with A32 5G.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A32 5G sacrifices the display refresh rate for a better chipset, cameras, and build quality.
- A04s offers a smoother display and is more affordable but compromises on performance, cameras and audio quality.
- Neither phone has an expandable storage option.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal Users:
- Gamers: The significantly more powerful chipset handles mobile gaming much better.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The higher-quality and versatile camera system provides the tools needed to capture a wide variety of shots.
- Multimedia Consumers: The Dolby Atmos audio provides a more immersive experience, especially when coupled with the brighter display.
- Power Users: Users who need a phone that can handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Specific Use Cases for A32 5G:
- Playing graphics-intensive mobile games.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various settings.
- Watching movies and shows with enhanced audio.
- Running multiple applications simultaneously.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those seeking a very affordable device with a larger display and newer software version.
- Casual Users: Those who mainly use their phones for basic tasks, social media, and browsing.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Simple interface and usability at a lower cost.
- Users Prioritizing Smooth Scrolling: The higher refresh rate display will provide a smoother experience in daily tasks.
Specific Use Cases for A04s:
- General web browsing and social media usage.
- Watching videos on a large display.
- Making phone calls and sending messages.
- Light gaming.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider Before Buying:
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, or are basic functions enough?
- Camera Priorities: How important is high-quality image and video capture, particularly for selfies and wide-angle shots?
- Budget Constraints: Are you willing to spend more for significantly better performance and camera features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gamer & Photographer: Choose the Galaxy A32 5G due to its superior processing power and better camera features.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User & Basic Tasks: Choose the Galaxy A04s for its affordability and smooth display experience.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Performance & Features: Choose Galaxy A32 5G, if budget allows, due to its superior chipset and the richer feature set.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. While the 90Hz refresh rate on the A04s is tempting, the A32 5G offers a far superior overall experience with its significantly more powerful chipset, much better cameras (especially the selfie and wide-angle), 4K video recording, and enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos. The A32 5G would handle daily tasks and more demanding applications more efficiently, making it a better investment for long-term use. The difference in performance is so significant that the slightly smoother screen of the A04s does not outweigh the advantages of A32 5G.
