Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. TCL 40 SE
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | TCL 40 SE | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 167.9 × 76.5 × 8.5 mm | TCL 40 SE is slightly taller and thinner, while the A32 5G is a bit thicker. Minor differences, won't drastically affect handling. |
Weight | 205g | 190g | TCL 40 SE is noticeably lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.5" | 6.75" | TCL 40 SE has a slightly larger screen, providing a marginally more immersive viewing experience. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same resolution; clarity will be similar. |
PPI | 270 | 260 | Very similar pixel density, both will appear equally sharp to the naked eye. |
Technology | TFT LCD | IPS LCD | TCL 40 SE has better display technology (IPS) offering better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to TFT LCD. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | TCL 40 SE's 90Hz refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, a better experience when navigating the UI and gaming. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | TCL 40 SE is dramatically brighter, offering better outdoor visibility, particularly in bright sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G37 (12 nm) | Dimensity 720 (A32 5G) offers significantly better performance for gaming and multitasking compared to the Helio G37 (TCL 40 SE). |
AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 160,000 | Galaxy A32 5G offers significantly better performance in benchmarks, which translates to faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming. |
GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 (ARM Mali-G57) | PowerVR GE8320 (PowerVR GE832) | The A32 5G's GPU provides superior graphics performance, crucial for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
Camera | |||
Standard Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.80µm | 50MP, f/1.85, 0.70µm | TCL 40 SE has higher megapixel count, but the A32 5G has a slightly wider aperture and larger sensor with larger pixels, leading to better low-light photos. |
Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A32 5G has higher resolution front camera, while the TCL 40 SE has slightly wider aperture that could offer slightly better low light selfie. |
Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | None | Samsung A32 5G offers more versatility with a wide-angle lens to capture more expansive scenes, while TCL does not offer any wide angle lens. |
Portrait(depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | Similar depth camera performance, providing similar quality in portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75µm | A32 5G has a higher resolution macro camera, allowing for more detailed close-up photos, while TCL 40 SE has smaller resolution macro lens. |
Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | A32 5G can record in 4K and also supports 1080p@120fps for higher quality video, while TCL 40 SE is limited to 1080p. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery life. |
Charging | 15W | 18W | TCL 40 SE charges slightly faster, which is helpful for quick top-ups. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 | TCL 40 SE has a newer Android OS out of the box, which could mean longer support and more features over time. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | TCL 40 SE offers more storage options, which is beneficial for users who store a lot of media. |
RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 4/6 GB | Samsung A32 5G has a variant with more RAM, good for multitasking and gaming. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Stereo Speakers | Samsung A32 5G offers a slightly better audio experience due to Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus, enhancing spatial sound and surround sound, while TCL 40 SE offers stereo speakers for louder and balanced audio playback. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 720 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Helio G37 in the TCL 40 SE, suitable for gaming and multitasking.
- Better Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens, higher-resolution macro lens and the ability to record 4K videos provides a far superior camera setup for capturing more scenarios.
- More RAM Option: An 8GB RAM variant is beneficial for users who multitask extensively or enjoy mobile gaming.
- Better Audio Quality: Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus enhance the audio experience with enhanced spatial audio and surround sound.
- Faster Video Recording: Offers 1080p@120fps recording
TCL 40 SE Advantages:
- Newer OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box, offering more up-to-date features and potentially longer software support.
- Larger and Brighter Display: Slightly larger screen size with significantly higher brightness, better for outdoor viewing.
- Smoother Display: 90Hz refresh rate provides a more fluid user experience when scrolling and navigating the UI.
- Lighter Design: The phone is 15g lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging is slightly faster than the 15W of the A32 5G.
- Higher Storage Option: Offers up to 256GB of internal storage.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 5G sacrifices newer OS for superior performance and a more versatile camera system.
- The TCL 40 SE offers a more modern display and slightly faster charging but lacks the raw performance and camera versatility of the A32 5G.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal User:
- Gamers: The superior chipset, GPU, and RAM options make this phone much better for gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The wide-angle lens, higher resolution macro lens, 4k video recording and all the features provide a more versatile experience for capturing photos and videos.
- Multitaskers: The option for 8GB RAM makes this a good choice for users who use a lot of apps simultaneously.
- Users Who value Performance over a newer OS: For people who care more about smooth performance and camera versatility.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with better performance
- Capturing a variety of photos and videos with different focal lengths.
- Heavy multitasking between apps
- Media consumption with enhanced audio experience.
TCL 40 SE Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize display quality, a newer OS, and lighter weight over raw performance.
- Outdoor Users: The higher screen brightness makes this a good choice for use in bright sunlight.
- Media Consumers: A larger and smoother display is ideal for watching videos and browsing the web.
- Users Who Prefer Newer Software: The latest OS can be appealing to users wanting the latest features.
Use Cases:
- Watching videos and browsing the internet outdoors.
- Everyday social media use and light mobile gaming
- Users who prefer newer OS version and smoother display.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A32 5G may have a slightly higher price but offers a performance and camera upgrade.
- The TCL 40 SE may offer a better value for users focused on display and a newer operating system for a potentially lower price.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Ask Before Buying:
- How important is gaming and overall performance? If high performance is critical, the A32 5G is much better.
- Do you need a versatile camera system? If so, the A32 5G is superior due to its wide-angle lens, higher-resolution macro lens and 4k video recording capability.
- What are your display needs? If you value smooth scrolling and outdoor visibility more, the TCL 40 SE is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Frequent gamer and multimedia creator: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G for its powerful chipset, versatile camera, and better video recording.
- Scenario 2: Mostly casual user focusing on media consumption and web browsing: Choose the TCL 40 SE for its brighter, larger, and smoother display and newer operating system.
- Scenario 3: User who prioritizes battery life and faster charging: The TCL 40 SE offers slightly faster charging and similar battery life and should be a go to for this use case.
What I would choose and why:
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. While the TCL 40 SE has a newer operating system and a better display for outdoor usage, the A32 5G offers superior performance, a more versatile camera system, and better audio. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including mobile gaming and content creation, the A32 5G's superior chipset, better camera, and 8gb ram option makes it much better suited for my use case. The 4k video recording, wide-angle lens, and higher-resolution macro lens in the A32 5G camera would make capturing photos and videos much more enjoyable.