Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the specifications, highlighting the practical impact of the differences:
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | A32 5G is larger and bulkier, potentially less comfortable for single-handed use and smaller pockets. S21 5G is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 205g | 169g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use and carrying around. A32 5G may feel heavy over time. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab-style smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | A32 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption, while S21 5G is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | S21 5G has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. Text and images will appear crisper. |
| PPI | 270 | 421 | S21 5G has a significantly higher pixel density, resulting in clearer visuals, sharper text, and better picture quality. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | S21 5G's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, richer colors, wider viewing angles, and better power efficiency. A32 5G's TFT LCD is less vibrant and has weaker viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S21 5G’s 120Hz display provides much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in fast-paced content or games. A32 5G's 60Hz display can feel less responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | S21 5G display is significantly brighter and much more usable in direct sunlight. A32 5G screen visibility is expected to be poor under strong light. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | S21 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, better multitasking, smoother gaming performance. A32 5G may experience lag during demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 749,100 | S21 5G offers vastly superior overall performance, capable of handling demanding apps and games with ease. A32 5G is suited for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G78 MP14 | S21 5G's GPU offers much better graphics processing, crucial for gaming and other graphic intensive applications. A32 5G's graphics capability is noticeably weaker. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | A32 5G has higher resolution, but resolution alone doesn't equate to quality. S21 5G likely has better image processing. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.76" | S21 5G has a larger sensor, which means better light capture and improved low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | S21 5G has larger pixel size which is important for low-light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 64MP | S21 5G offers dedicated telephoto/portrait capabilities, allowing optical zoom and better portrait photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 10MP | A32 5G has a higher resolution selfie camera; however, image processing on the S21 5G might give it better quality. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP | None | A32 5G has a dedicated wide-angle lens, which is great for capturing landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | None | A32 5G has a depth sensor which helps with better background blur when taking portrait photos. |
| Macro lens | 5MP | None | A32 5G has a dedicated macro lens which allows you to take close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 12.2MP | S21 5G has a wide-angle lens that can also be used to take macro photos. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | S21 5G supports higher video resolution, offering professional quality video recording and more creative flexibility. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | S21 5G offers effective video stabilization, crucial for smooth footage when recording on the move. A32 5G does not have stabilization leading to shaky video. |
| Slow-motion | 120 fps | 960 fps | S21 5G offers a much higher slow motion recording option. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | S21 5G has been independently tested and confirmed to have high-quality cameras. |
| Camera Features | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | S21 5G offers more advanced features like OIS, continuous autofocus, RAW capture, and dedicated night mode. A32 5G has additional digital image stabilization and ultra stable video feature. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A32 5G has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life. S21 5G is still sufficient for a full day of normal use. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S21 5G charges faster, meaning less time plugged in to get a full charge. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, No charger in-box | S21 5G offers the convenience of wireless charging and reverse charging but does not come with a charger in the box. |
Software, Connectivity, Storage and Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Max version 13 | Android 11, Max version 15 | S21 5G is expected to receive longer software update support and access to newer Android features. |
| WiFi | Up to Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | S21 5G supports Wi-Fi 6, meaning faster internet speed in compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | A32 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, which can sometimes improve power efficiency and connection speed, but the difference in practical usage is likely negligible. S21 5G supports more audio codecs, which can impact the quality of wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S21 5G offers better location accuracy, especially in dense urban environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM capability. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | S21 5G offers more internal storage for apps, photos, and videos. A32 5G has a smaller storage base. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 8GB | S21 5G has sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking and app usage. A32 5G could have less memory for smooth operation depending on the configuration selected. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S21 5G offers a more premium audio experience with stereo speakers and noise cancellation for calls. |
Security, Build Quality, and Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | A32 5G has an ergonomic side-mounted sensor. S21 5G offers a basic in screen fingerprint sensor which may be less practical. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S21 5G offers superior screen protection against scratches and damage. A32 5G has unknown protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer, Hall | S21 5G has more sensors which is useful for apps and games that utilize them. A32 5G does not have as many sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Lower Cost: The A32 5G is typically more budget-friendly, making it an accessible option for price-conscious buyers.
- Dedicated Wide Angle and Macro lens: These lenses offer a lot of flexibility when taking photos for some users.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and higher brightness offers a much better visual experience.
- Faster Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly better processing power, making the phone faster and smoother in everyday use and for demanding tasks like gaming.
- Better Camera System: The larger main camera sensor and inclusion of optical zoom, OIS and advanced camera features result in better image and video quality, especially in low light and while moving.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: The 25W fast charging and inclusion of wireless charging capabilities offer more convenient charging options.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation offer a superior audio experience for media and calls.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus offers superior screen protection.
- More sensors: The additional sensors on the S21 5G give additional functionality with games and other applications.
Trade-offs
- Size and Weight: The A32 5G is larger and heavier, while the S21 5G is more compact and lighter, which could be preferred by some users.
- Battery vs Performance: A32 5G offers larger battery but inferior performance where S21 5G offers better performance and feature set but has a smaller battery size.
- Camera versatility vs quality: A32 5G has more lenses for different situations while the S21 5G has better quality images.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users seeking 5G connectivity and a large screen.
- Users who prioritize battery life over top-tier performance.
- Users who desire a dedicated wide angle lens, macro lens and a depth sensor.
- Users who like the side mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and communication.
- Long periods of media consumption.
- Basic gaming.
- Users that need dual SIM support.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
- Ideal Users:
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality and overall premium experience.
- Users who need a high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Users who want a compact, easy-to-handle phone.
- Users who take advantage of 5G connectivity.
- Users who want a premium build quality with advanced screen protection.
- Users who want additional features such as wireless charging and reverse wireless charging.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and other performance intensive tasks.
- High-quality content creation.
- Professional photos and videos.
- Viewing media and other content at a higher quality.
- Utilizing dual-frequency GPS for accurate positioning.
Price-to-Value
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: Offers good value for budget-conscious users needing 5G and a large display. However it is slower than the S21 5G and has a lower quality display.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 5G: Justifies its higher price with a much better screen, superior performance, a more advanced camera, better build quality and faster charging capabilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How much emphasis is placed on display quality and visual experience? If high quality is essential, the S21 5G is the clear choice.
- Is raw performance crucial, or are basic tasks sufficient? The S21 5G provides significantly better performance for demanding apps and games.
- What is the importance of camera quality and features? S21 5G offers better quality and advanced features, while A32 5G offers some extra lens choices but at lower quality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If budget is the primary concern, the A32 5G is a good option, but compromises must be made on performance, display, and camera quality.
- Performance User: If you're a gamer, content creator, or heavy user the S21 5G is the better choice for a smoother, more enjoyable experience.
- Camera Enthusiast: The S21 5G's higher quality main camera sensor and advanced features make it ideal for taking professional photos and videos. A32 5G offers more versatility with more lenses.
- Battery Life User: If you need a phone that can last a long time, the A32 5G has a larger battery but has some significant downsides compared to the S21 5G.
My Choice and Reasoning
Given the choice between the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G and the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Here's why:
- Superior User Experience: The S21 5G's AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better visual experience compared to the A32 5G's TFT LCD. The smoother animations and more vibrant colors enhance everyday use.
- Performance: As someone who values responsiveness and speed, the Exynos 2100 chipset in the S21 5G is a considerable advantage. It can handle demanding tasks, including gaming, and has a superior multitasking capability compared to the A32 5G.
- Camera Capabilities: I value a high-quality camera and the S21 5G does not disappoint. The larger main camera sensor, optical image stabilization, optical zoom, and 8K video recording capability make it a far more versatile camera system.
- Enhanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, better audio quality, and superior screen protection all add up to a better overall premium feel.
- Longer Lifespan: The S21 5G also offers more software update support, which ensures the device stays secure and up-to-date longer, making it a worthwhile investment over time.
While the A32 5G has some compelling features such as the larger battery, its lower display quality, inferior performance, and lower camera capabilities mean that the additional cost of the S21 5G makes it a more worthwhile choice due to the better overall experience it provides.
