Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 155.7 × 74.5 × 7.9 mm | The S21 FE is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. The A32 5G is larger and may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 205g | 177g | The S21 FE is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and carrying around. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Minimal difference; both are large enough for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | The S21 FE offers a much sharper and clearer display, which is noticeably better for reading, videos, and detailed content. |
| PPI | 270 | 403 | The S21 FE's higher pixel density results in a more crisp and detailed image, less noticeable pixelation. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | The S21 FE's AMOLED display provides richer colors, deeper blacks, better contrast, and improved power efficiency with dark themes compared to the A32's LCD display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The S21 FE provides much smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience, appearing significantly more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The S21 FE is significantly brighter and thus much more usable outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | The S21 FE's Snapdragon 888 is a flagship-level chip offering much faster performance for demanding tasks, smoother multitasking, and higher gaming frame rates. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 923,836 | The S21 FE's benchmark score is drastically higher, translating to a much smoother and faster user experience in all aspects. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 660 | The S21 FE's Adreno 660 GPU provides superior graphics performance, which is better for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | The A32 boasts higher megapixels, but the S21 FE's larger sensor may result in better image quality and low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.76" | S21 FE's larger sensor generally leads to better low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and more detail. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | 0.80 µm | 1.80 µm | S21 FE has larger pixel size allowing it to capture more light, leading to better image quality and low light performance. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | None | 8MP | S21 FE offers dedicated zoom capabilities and better portrait photos with blurred backgrounds, while A32 lacks this feature. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 32MP | S21 FE captures more detailed and higher-quality selfies, especially beneficial in good lighting. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | None | A32 allows for capturing wider shots, useful for landscapes and group photos. S21 FE doesn't have a dedicated wide angle camera but utilizes wide angle lens for macro shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) Camera | 2MP | None | A32 has dedicated depth sensor to enhance portrait shots. S21 FE doesn't have a dedicated depth camera. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A32 has dedicated macro lens for close up shots. S21 FE doesn't have a dedicated macro lens. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | None | 13MP | S21 FE has a ultrawide camera with macro capabilities which makes this a more versatile option. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS | The S21 FE offers a more advanced video recording experience with higher frame rates and electronic image stabilization, resulting in smoother and more stable footage with better color accuracy. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video, Digital image stabilization | Triple camera, Optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), RAW, Night mode | The S21 FE has a more versatile camera system with optical zoom, image stabilization, RAW capture, and better autofocus, making it more suitable for a variety of photography scenarios. The A32 offers a greater number of cameras. |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | Not Tested | 117 (overall), 119 (photo), 107 (video) | The S21 FE's camera is evaluated with a good performance across all areas with tested scores. A32 is untested. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | Not Tested | 127 (overall), 126 (photo), 130 (video) | The S21 FE's selfie camera is evaluated with a good performance across all areas with tested scores. A32 is untested. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | The A32 has a slightly larger battery which could translate to longer usage between charges, although other factors play a role. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The S21 FE charges much faster, minimizing downtime and quicker top-ups. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.5W, Non-removable, No charger in-box | The S21 FE offers more charging versatility with wireless and reverse wireless charging capabilities. The A32 has no such features. S21 FE does not include a charging brick in the box, unlike A32. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is likely to provide longer battery life than the S21 FE.
- Wider array of cameras: Has a larger number of cameras allowing for more flexibility.
- More affordable: Generally positioned as a more budget-friendly option.
Practical Implications: The A32 5G is suited for users who prioritize battery life and capturing photos from multiple perspectives and/or close-up shots, and may prefer a more affordable price.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and higher brightness offers a significantly better visual experience.
- Flagship-level Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset delivers a much faster and smoother experience, better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Better Camera Quality: Larger sensor, optical zoom, OIS, and enhanced video capabilities result in better overall photo and video quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: 25W fast charging and wireless charging make it more convenient to recharge.
- Modern Features: Includes a more recent Android version and premium features like wireless charging and a more robust build.
Practical Implications: The S21 FE is designed for users who prioritize a premium display, high performance, and excellent camera quality, with a more refined user experience.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 5G sacrifices display quality, performance, and camera capabilities for a lower price.
- The S21 FE 5G has a smaller battery and may be more expensive than the A32 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life.
- Casual users who do not need top-tier performance.
- Users who need a basic smartphone for everyday tasks and communication.
- Users who want to capture images from different perspectives (macro, wide).
- Specific Use Cases:
- Long days without easy access to charging.
- Basic social media browsing and web surfing.
- Casual photography and video recording.
- Users who prefer having a wide variety of cameras over high quality cameras.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a good value proposition for users who prioritize affordability and battery life over top-tier performance and premium features.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
- Ideal User:
- Users who want a premium experience with excellent display quality.
- Mobile gamers and power users.
- Users who prioritize high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who enjoy modern premium features.
- Specific Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile games and apps.
- High-quality video and photo capture and editing.
- Media consumption (videos, movies, etc.)
- Users that want a modern experience with wireless charging.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a great value for a flagship-level experience at a more competitive price than other flagship models, though likely more expensive than the A32.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The A32 5G is more budget-friendly, whereas the S21 FE 5G is more of a premium offering.
- How important is display quality and performance? If a great display and high performance are critical, the S21 FE 5G is the clear choice.
- What are your camera needs? If you want great image quality and versatile camera modes, the S21 FE 5G is better. If you want a variety of different cameras, A32 5G might be more appealing.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. It offers essential smartphone features with good battery life at a lower cost.
- Scenario 2: Power User/Mobile Gamer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Its powerful chipset, high refresh rate display, and superior camera are better suited for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Scenario 3: Camera Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. The enhanced camera system, optical zoom, and OIS give it a significant edge in overall image quality and video recording.
- Scenario 4: Casual User
* **Recommendation:** Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. Offers all the necessary features for daily tasks and communications and has a great battery life.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G. Here's why:
Despite the slightly smaller battery, the S21 FE offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other category. The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate is a significant upgrade, making everything from browsing the web to watching videos much more enjoyable. The flagship-level performance of the Snapdragon 888 means that the phone would remain fast and responsive even with heavy usage, and is more future-proof than A32 5G. The better camera system is important to me as well as the fast wireless charging.
While the A32 5G has its merits, especially for a budget user, the overall experience and daily usability of the S21 FE outweigh the drawbacks, in my opinion. The improved screen, performance and premium features would have a greater impact on my day-to-day phone usage than having a larger battery or a slightly more affordable price tag.
