Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Sony Xperia 5 IV
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 156 × 67 × 8.2 mm | The Galaxy A32 5G is larger and bulkier, making the Xperia 5 IV more pocketable and comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 205g | 172g | The Xperia 5 IV is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | The A32 5G's larger display is better for media consumption, while the Xperia 5 IV's smaller size might be better for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2520 | The Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper and clearer display with significantly more detail. |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi | 449 ppi | The Xperia 5 IV's higher pixel density results in a sharper and more detailed picture, which is noticeable in text and images. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | OLED | The Xperia 5 IV's OLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the A32 5G's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 5 IV has a smoother user experience with scrolling and animations due to its 120Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, but this is likely an error. Actual brightness for each would differ. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 5 IV's chipset offers significantly higher performance for demanding tasks like gaming and video editing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 1,021,542 | The Xperia 5 IV scores much higher, indicating vastly superior processing and graphics capabilities. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Adreno 730 | The Xperia 5 IV's GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks with greater ease, like high-end gaming. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 12MP | A32 5G has higher resolution, good for printing large photos. Xperia 5 IV has larger pixel size meaning better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.7 | The Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture allows more light to hit the sensor, potentially resulting in better low-light photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | 1/2" | 1/1.7" | The Xperia 5 IV's larger sensor captures more light, leading to better overall image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 12MP | Both have similar resolutions, meaning the impact would be marginal. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV's wider aperture captures more light, improving selfies in low-light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP | Xperia 5 IV has optical zoom capabilities. The A32 5G lacks a dedicated telephoto lens, so it will rely on digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | 12MP | Xperia 5 IV will capture wider and more detailed shots with its higher-resolution sensor |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP | None | A32 5G can achieve portrait mode via hardware, whereas the Xperia 5 IV would rely on software and sensor data. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | None | A32 5G can take close-up shots, which is missing in the Xperia 5 IV. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV offers higher frame rates, better stabilization and HDR for better video quality. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 119 | The Xperia 5 IV has a respectable camera rating, while the A32 5G is not rated. |
| Camera Features | 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, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | The Xperia 5 IV has optical zoom and OIS, offering superior photo quality, especially when zooming and in low-light conditions |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, suggesting similar battery life. Actual results will vary based on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | The Xperia 5 IV will charge significantly faster than the A32 5G. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Non-removable | The Xperia 5 IV offers more versatility with bypass and reverse charging. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | Both phones have similar software upgrade paths to Android 13, but the Sony has more recent software at its core. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Xperia 5 IV supports the newer WiFi 6, offering better speed and stability on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.2 | The Xperia 5 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, potentially offering better connection stability and lower latency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Xperia 5 IV supports more satellite systems for faster and more accurate location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Xperia 5 IV supports eSIM for digital carrier switching, which allows the user to have two mobile plans simultaneously. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | The Xperia 5 IV offers larger storage options, which is especially useful for storing more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB | The Xperia 5 IV's 8GB of RAM will handle multitasking and gaming more efficiently than the A32 5G's lower RAM configurations. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, which could be a disadvantage if you need more space. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 5 IV offers better overall audio experience with Hi-Res and Stereo Speakers |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both provide a quick way to unlock the phone. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 5 IV offers superior screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | The Xperia 5 IV includes additional sensors useful for navigation and environmental sensing, as well as gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.5" screen offers a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption, but it's less portable.
- Macro and Depth Cameras: Inclusion of dedicated macro and depth cameras allows for more photo creativity.
- Potentially lower price: While not listed, the A32 is positioned as a budget phone.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED screen with higher resolution, higher pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset provides much faster processing and graphics performance for demanding apps, gaming and overall smoother experience.
- Better Camera System: Larger main sensor, telephoto lens, and advanced video capabilities offer better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: The 30W charging will charge the battery much faster.
- Advanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and more comprehensive GPS support.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers provide a better listening experience.
- Premium Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection.
- Additional Battery Features: Offers Reverse Charging and Bypass Charging, not available on the A32 5G.
Trade-offs:
- Size: The Xperia 5 IV is smaller, which is better for portability but offers a smaller display area.
- Macro and Depth: The Xperia 5 IV lacks dedicated Macro and Depth lenses found on the A32 5G.
- Price: The Xperia 5 IV is likely much more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious consumers: People looking for a 5G phone without spending a lot of money.
- Casual Media Consumers: Users who prioritize a larger screen for browsing and basic media consumption.
- Users interested in Macro and Portrait photos: Those who would make frequent use of the macro and portrait lenses for creative shots.
- Basic Smartphone Users: People who need a reliable phone for everyday tasks without demanding high performance.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Gamers and power users who need fast processing speeds and high graphics performance.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a superior camera system with telephoto lens, OIS, and advanced video features.
- Audiophiles: People who prioritize high-quality audio with Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers.
- Users wanting a premium feel: Those who appreciate the better build quality and screen protection.
- Users who need the latest connectivity: Those who require WiFi 6 and a newer Bluetooth standard.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:
- Watching YouTube videos and social media content.
- Basic gaming.
- Everyday social media photography and quick snaps.
- Taking close-up and portrait photos for fun.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Playing demanding games.
- Professional photography and videography.
- High-quality audio enjoyment.
- On-the-go productivity and multitasking.
- Making full use of eSIM and all connectivity features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is my budget? The A32 5G is positioned as a more budget friendly phone, whereas the Xperia 5 IV will be at a premium price point.
- How important is performance for me? If you game or use demanding apps, the Xperia 5 IV will provide a significantly better experience.
- How important is the camera for you? If high quality photography is a priority, the Xperia 5 IV will be better with a more versatile camera system and the additional features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user on a budget: If you primarily browse social media, watch videos and use standard apps, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G will be suitable.
- Scenario 2: Photography and Performance focus: If you are a photographer or gamer, the Sony Xperia 5 IV's camera system and high performance will be a significant benefit.
- Scenario 3: Need good everyday experience: The Sony Xperia 5 IV will be the better phone, with a superior display, audio and build quality.
- Scenario 4: Need of specific camera features The Galaxy A32 5G has a Macro and Depth lens, which the Xperia 5 IV does not have. If those are very important, the A32 5G is the only option.
My Choice:
I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a larger display and additional macro/depth cameras, the Xperia 5 IV offers significant advantages in areas that are more important to me: the superior OLED display with 120Hz, the much faster performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, a more versatile camera system with optical zoom and better low-light performance, the advanced audio capabilities with hi-res audio and stereo speakers, plus the more robust build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus. Although the Xperia 5 IV comes at a higher price point, the improvements in display, performance, camera, and audio make it worth the premium. The additional connectivity features and enhanced sensors are also a plus for a more versatile device that's capable of handling modern tasks well, providing a more enjoyable overall user experience.
