Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy S24+
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm | 158.5 x 75.9 x 7.7 mm | A32 5G is slightly taller and thicker, making the S24+ more pocketable and comfortable. |
| Weight | 205g | 196g | S24+ is slightly lighter, which is beneficial for extended use. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | S24+ provides a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | S24+ offers much sharper text and images, with much higher detail, providing a far superior visual experience. |
| PPI | 270 | 513 | S24+ has significantly greater pixel density, resulting in a clearer, more refined display. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | Unspecified | The A32 5G has a TFT LCD, where S24+ has an unlisted technology. This suggests an older display technology on the A32 5G. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24+ offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24+ offers drastically better visibility in bright sunlight, and will offer HDR content. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24+ will provide significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. |
| Antutu Score | 249,720 | 1,639,695 | S24+ has drastically higher benchmark score, signifying a far superior performance profile. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 750/Xclipse 940 | S24+ will deliver a much superior graphical experience for gaming and demanding apps, with different GPU technology between the two devices. |
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+ captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance, with more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | Minor differences in resolution. Image quality will be significantly different with the upgraded sensor on the S24+. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm | S24+ offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing closer shots with better detail than digital zoom on the A32 5G. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | S24+ captures wider scenes with more detail and better low-light performance due to its larger sensor. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 5G offers a dedicated portrait lens, but quality is likely lower than the software solutions found in the S24+. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 5G includes macro lens for close-up shots, but quality may vary and the S24+'s main camera will likely provide better detail. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps with EIS, Stereo Sound | S24+ allows higher resolution and higher frame rates with better stabilization and audio recording capabilities. |
| 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 | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S24+ offers superior video capabilities, advanced shooting modes, and RAW capture for more professional-grade photography. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Samsung Galaxy S24+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both offer similar battery capacities; real-world usage will be very close. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | S24+ charges much faster, saving considerable time when powering up the phone. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24+ offers wireless charging, the ability to act as a power bank for other devices, as well as bypass charging to reduce heat during usage while plugged in. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages
- Lower Cost: The A32 5G is positioned as a budget-friendly device, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Lenses: The A32 5G includes dedicated macro and depth sensors, which are missing on the S24+.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: While basic, some users prefer the side-mounted sensor for its ergonomics compared to the under-display sensor (not specified but is the most common on flagships).
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Advantages
- Superior Display: The significantly higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate provide a much better visual experience.
- High-End Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset offers dramatically faster performance, suitable for demanding tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: S24+ offers better main camera performance, a telephoto zoom lens, and superior video capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: The S24+ charges significantly faster and also offers wireless charging, which greatly improves user convenience.
- Modern Connectivity: The S24+ has newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards for faster speeds and better efficiency.
- Enhanced Audio Features: Includes noise cancellation and stereo speakers, offering a better overall audio experience.
- Advanced Sensors: Includes a broader range of sensors, offering a richer experience for some use-cases.
Trade-offs
- The A32 5G provides a lower cost option for basic smartphone use, trading off performance and display quality.
- The S24+ comes at a higher price but provides top-tier performance, camera, and display technology.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks (calling, texting, browsing).
- Users who are less demanding of performance and display quality.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint reader.
- Use Cases:
- Casual social media browsing.
- Basic web surfing and email.
- Standard phone calls and text messaging.
- Photography is not a priority.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: Good value for budget-conscious users needing a basic smartphone with 5G connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Ideal User:
- Users who demand high performance, a superior display, and advanced camera capabilities.
- Users who engage in gaming and heavy multitasking.
- Users who prioritize a premium mobile experience.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Demanding applications and multitasking.
- Consuming high-quality video content.
- Users who want the most modern connectivity standards.
- Price-to-Value Ratio: High cost, but delivers top-tier performance and features for users willing to invest.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: What is your maximum budget for a new smartphone?
- Usage: What will be your primary use cases (basic tasks, gaming, photography, etc.)?
- Priorities: What features are most important to you (display, performance, camera, battery, etc.)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic User, Tight Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Reasoning: Provides essential smartphone functionality at a lower price point.
Scenario 2: Performance & Entertainment Enthusiast
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Reasoning: Offers the best performance, superior display quality, advanced camera features, and faster charging.
Scenario 3: Photography and Videography Focus
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24+
- Reasoning: Provides superior video capabilities, and the telephoto lens offers increased versatility.
- Scenario 4: Need long battery life with less frequent charging
- Recommendation: Both devices have similar battery life, this is not a deciding factor.
- Scenario 5: User who wants a lightweight and easily pocketable phone
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S24+ is thinner and lighter making it more pocketable.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy S24+. While it comes at a higher cost, the substantial advantages in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience make it a much more compelling device. I would find the smoother display and dramatically faster performance much more appealing and useful in daily life. Additionally, the superior camera system and faster charging would be highly beneficial for my photography and daily use. While the A32 5G is a capable device, the S24+ represents a significant upgrade across the board, offering a more premium and feature-rich experience. The additional functionality in modern wireless charging and bypass charging would also add a nice quality of life improvement.
