Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S24
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2021-01-22 | 2024-01-24 | S24 is significantly newer, likely with longer software support and newer tech. |
| Size | 164.2x76.1x9.1 mm | 147x70.6x7.6 mm | A32 5G is larger, less pocketable. S24 is more compact, easier for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 205g | 167g | S24 is significantly lighter, comfortable for prolonged use. A32 5G feels heavier. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 has a more durable screen with better scratch and drop resistance. A32 5G's screen protection is not known. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.2" | A32 5G has a slightly larger screen for more visual content. S24 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S24 has a much sharper display with significantly more detail. A32 5G's display is less sharp. |
| PPI | 270 | 416 | S24 has a noticeably clearer and sharper display with finer details. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | S24 display tech not specified, A32 5G utilizes TFT LCD, which has inferior contrast compared to OLED or AMOLED (which is the S24’s tech, see below). | |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 offers much smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. A32 5G screen is less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 is much brighter, easily usable outdoors in bright sunlight. A32 5G outdoor visibility likely compromised by the absence of information on brightness. |
*Note: The S24 screen technology is confirmed to be AMOLED via external sources (which has superior contrast compared to TFT-LCD of the A32 5G).
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24 has a far more powerful, modern chipset. Significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 1,639,695 | S24 has drastically higher benchmark scores, translating to significantly superior overall performance and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 (ARM Mali-G57) | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) (Xclipse 940) | S24's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm | S24 has a larger sensor and larger pixels, resulting in better low-light performance and detail capture. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, | 12MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5K3LU | Similar selfie camera performance; A32 5G has slightly higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm | S24 offers optical zoom capabilities for better close-up shots without losing detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40µm | S24's wide-angle lens has a larger sensor and higher resolution, capturing more detail and better performance. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 5G has a dedicated depth sensor. S24 is missing a dedicated depth sensor. This means that in some scenarios A32 5G may produce better portrait photos (though the higher quality camera of the S24 may negate this) |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 5G has a dedicated macro lens. S24 doesn't have one, so for very closeup photos, the A32 5G may be more flexible. |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@120fps; No stabilization; Slow-motion 120fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps; EIS and Stereo Sound; Slow-motion 240fps | S24 supports higher video resolutions (8K), has superior stabilization, and offers significantly better video quality and versatility. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Ultra stable video | Night Mode 2.0, Optical zoom, Triple camera, OIS, PDAF, Panorama, RAW. | S24 has advanced features like night mode, optical image stabilization, and RAW capture, crucial for better photography and videography in various lighting conditions. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A32 5G has a larger battery, potentially longer battery life, but real-world endurance varies based on chipset efficiency. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | S24 charges significantly faster. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | S24 has added functionalities like bypass and reverse charging for convenience. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (max 13) | Android 14 (max 21) | S24 has a newer OS and is likely to get more updates. A32 5G is likely nearing the end of its updates lifecycle. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6E | S24 has a newer Wi-Fi standard for faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.3 | S24 has a newer bluetooth version which improves connection efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S24 has more GPS options for better accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 allows for eSIM options allowing for easy switching of carriers |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | S24 has higher internal storage options |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | S24 has more RAM which allows for smoother multitasking |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 has better audio clarity during calls with noise canceling and louder audio with stereo speakers |
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both have fingerprint readers, but they're different |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S24 has superior screen protection compared to A32 5G which has unknown specifications |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S24 has additional sensor for navigation and enviromental data |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages
- Potentially Longer Battery Life: The A32 5G has a larger 5000mAh battery which may mean slightly better battery life, though this may be negated by the S24's more efficient processor.
- Dedicated Macro Camera: For users who frequently take very close-up photos, A32 5G has a dedicated macro lens, which S24 lacks.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: For users who frequently take portrait photos with a strong bokeh effect, the A32 5G has a dedicated depth sensor, which S24 lacks.
- Side-mounted fingerprint reader: Some users prefer side mounted fingerprint readers.
- Lower Price: The A32 5G is likely significantly more affordable, making it a budget-friendly option, though this was not specified in the given data.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Advantages
- Significantly Superior Performance: The S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides dramatically faster performance, superior app loading times, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Much Better Display: The S24 has a much sharper, brighter display with a higher refresh rate, offering a superior viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: The S24's camera system has a better main sensor, optical zoom, and superior video recording capabilities with stabilization.
- Faster Charging: The S24 charges faster with 25W fast charging.
- More Modern Features: The S24 has newer features such as reverse charging, bypass charging, 5G connectivity, and a more up-to-date Android operating system.
- Better Build Quality: The S24 has a stronger build and more durable screen using Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Better Connectivity: The S24 has more modern wireless connectivity features.
Trade-offs
- Battery vs. Performance: A32 5G users gain battery life, but it sacrifices significantly in performance compared to the S24.
- Camera Flexibility vs. Quality: A32 5G provides flexibility with macro and depth sensors, but the overall image quality is inferior to the S24.
- Price vs. Features: The S24 is a much more expensive device. The A32 5G offers an affordable option at a significant reduction in features and overall quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who prioritize affordability and basic functionality over advanced features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texting, social media, and light browsing.
- Users Seeking Macro Photography: Individuals that need a phone that can take good up close macro photography.
- Users who are not concerned with gaming performance: Users who don't play demanding games or use graphically intensive applications
Specific Use Cases:
- Elderly users who need a simple device for communication.
- Students or young adults on a strict budget.
- Users who only need essential smartphone features.
- Users who want a dedicated macro camera.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ideal User
- Performance-Oriented Users: Individuals who need a high-performance phone for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want advanced camera capabilities and a superior photography experience.
- Power Users: People who use their phone heavily for work, content creation, and other intensive tasks.
- Users Who Prioritize Display Quality: Those who value a high-quality display for multimedia consumption and visual clarity.
- Users who value modern features: People who want the newest technologies in their smartphone.
Specific Use Cases:
- Gamers who want smooth, high-performance gameplay.
- Content creators who need a high-quality camera and video capabilities.
- Professionals who need a powerful device for work productivity.
- Users who value a premium experience with cutting-edge technology.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions buyers should consider:
What is my budget? The A32 5G is much more affordable, while the S24 is a premium device. Price is the biggest factor when deciding between these two.
How important is performance and display quality? If performance is a priority, the S24 is the clear choice. If you just need to perform the very basics, the A32 5G can do the job. Similarly, if you need a high quality display, the S24 is vastly superior.
How important is camera flexibility vs quality The A32 5G has a dedicated macro and depth sensor. If you need these features, the A32 5G may be superior for you. Otherwise, the S24's much more powerful camera and videography features would be the superior option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If your budget is very limited and you only need basic smartphone functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a suitable choice.
- Scenario 2: Performance Matters: If you prioritize fast performance, a high-quality display, and a better camera, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the much better option.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Approach: If you value a balance of performance and camera versatility, and your budget is more flexible, the Samsung Galaxy S24 should be strongly considered, as the advantages it provides are significant.
My Choice and Reasoning
Given the provided specifications, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24.
My reasoning is based on the following points:
- Significant Performance Advantage: The S24's drastically better chipset offers a much smoother and faster user experience, which is essential for multitasking and demanding applications.
- Superior Display: The much sharper, brighter, and smoother display of the S24 significantly enhances the viewing experience for everyday use and multimedia consumption.
- Superior Camera Capabilities: The S24's camera system is vastly superior, with better low-light performance, optical zoom, and advanced video features.
- Future-Proofing: With its newer chipset, operating system, and more modern features, the S24 is more future-proof and will likely remain relevant for a longer time than the A32 5G.
- Better Build Quality: The screen protection of the S24 is superior.
Although the A32 5G might offer slightly better battery life and a dedicated macro sensor, the significant overall advantages in performance, display, camera quality, and longevity of the S24 outweigh these benefits for me. If I were to need a secondary phone specifically for macro photography, that could be considered separately.
