Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 161.8 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | Slightly taller and wider (2.4mm) but slightly thinner (0.2 mm). The difference is negligible for most users but some may prefer the slightly more compact Poco M3 Pro. |
| Weight | 205g | 190g | The Poco M3 Pro is lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Poco M3 Pro has a significantly sharper and clearer display due to higher pixel density. Better for reading, viewing high-resolution content, and overall visual clarity. |
| PPI | 270 | 405 | The Poco M3 Pro's higher pixel density results in noticeably sharper text and images. |
| Technology | TFT LCD | IPS LCD | The Poco M3 Pro's IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to TFT LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Poco M3 Pro's 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother and more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare brightness due to missing data, may require further research. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Different chipsets; the Poco M3 Pro scores significantly higher in benchmarks suggesting better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 379,761 | The Poco M3 Pro's higher score indicates smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G57 MC2 | The A32 5G has a slightly more powerful GPU on paper, but real-world difference may be minor. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 48MP | 48MP | Similar main camera resolution |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.79 | Poco M3 Pro's wider aperture (though marginal) might offer slightly better low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | Samsung S5KGM2 | Omnivision OV48B | Different sensors, meaning different image processing characteristics. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 8MP | The A32 5G has a higher-resolution front camera for potentially more detailed selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Poco M3 Pro's wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | Not available | The A32 5G includes a dedicated wide-angle camera, which is absent in the Poco M3 Pro. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Similar portrait lenses with minor difference in pixel size and sensor model. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | A32 5G offers higher resolution for macro shots. |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 1080p@120fps | 1080p@30fps | The A32 5G supports higher resolution video recording and also supports 1080p @120 fps. |
| Slow Motion Video | 120 fps | 960 fps | The Poco M3 Pro has greater slow-motion capabilities |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 18W | The Poco M3 Pro offers slightly faster charging. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M3 Pro can be used as a power bank. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 11 | Samsung will offer an additional update compared to the Poco, which has no max Android version listed. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both phones have similar WiFi standards |
| WiFi Features | Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | Dual band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Xiaomi has Wi-Fi MiMO capabilities |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.1 LE | Both phones have similar Bluetooth features |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones have similar GPS capabilities |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both phones have Dual SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both phones have similar storage options |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Samsung may offer a more RAM (8 GB) variant |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio | The A32 5G has more enhanced surround sound features, while the Poco M3 Pro has hi-res audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M3 Pro offers better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity | The Poco M3 Pro has more advanced sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: Offers more detail in front-facing shots.
- Wide-Angle Camera: More versatile camera setup, capturing a broader field of view.
- 4K Video Recording: Captures higher-quality video footage.
- Higher RAM Option: Up to 8GB for better multi-tasking (depending on the variant).
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital Plus: Enhanced audio for a more immersive experience, especially with headphones.
- Software Updates: Guaranteed update to Android 13
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Higher Resolution and Sharper Display: Offers a significantly clearer viewing experience.
- Smoother 90Hz Refresh Rate: Enhanced fluidity for scrolling and animations.
- Significantly Better Performance (AnTuTu Score): Faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming.
- Faster Charging: Reduces charging time.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank to charge other devices.
- Gyroscope and Compass: Additional sensors allow advanced features and better gaming performance.
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3: Better scratch resistance for the display
- Better Slow-Motion Capabilities Higher fps recording
Trade-offs:
- The A32 5G gives up display quality and performance for better selfie resolution, a wide-angle camera, and 4K recording.
- The Poco M3 Pro has a better display, battery, performance and build quality but lacks 4K video and a wide-angle camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal Users:
- Casual Photographers: Users who value a wide-angle lens for landscape shots, group photos and higher resolution selfies.
- Content Creators: Who require 4K Video capabilities
- Users who prefer Dolby Atmos - Ideal for those who want better sound quality for their headphones.
- Users who prioritize software updates - Will receive Android 13.
Use Cases:
- Capturing varied photos using the different camera lenses.
- Recording videos in 4K for social media or personal use.
- Listening to music and movies with enhanced audio quality.
- Users who do not engage in heavy gaming or resource intensive applications.
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G Ideal Users:
- Mobile Gamers: The superior performance and smoother display make it great for gaming.
- Media Consumers: Enjoying movies and videos on a sharp, smooth display.
- Everyday Users: Those who value fast performance and a smooth user experience.
- Users who prioritize device protection - Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen protection.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth performance.
- Watching high-resolution videos and streaming content.
- Daily tasks like browsing, social media, and communication benefit from the smoother display.
- Using it as a power bank when needed.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Poco M3 Pro generally offers more bang for the buck considering its performance and display upgrades over the A32 5G.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? If a sharp, smooth display is a priority, the Poco M3 Pro is the clear winner.
- How frequently will I use the camera and what type of photos do I take? If a wide-angle lens and 4K video are crucial, the A32 5G might be preferred, otherwise the Poco M3 Pro would be better.
- What is my primary use case? For gaming and heavy app use, the Poco M3 Pro is superior. For casual use, the A32 5G is still capable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Mobile Gaming and Media Consumption: The Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G is the recommended choice due to its superior performance and display.
- Scenario 2: Casual User Focused on Photography and Media Creation: The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G may be more suitable due to its wide-angle lens, better selfie cam and 4K video.
- Scenario 3: Budget-Conscious User Seeking Smooth Experience: The Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G provides the better experience due to a combination of its performance and display.
- Scenario 4: User that values additional software updates: The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is the better option since it will receive an update to Android 13.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G. My reasoning is based on a combination of factors that I prioritize in a smartphone:
- Display Quality: A high-resolution display with a 90Hz refresh rate significantly enhances my daily user experience. From reading articles to watching videos, and browsing social media, the sharper and smoother display of the Poco M3 Pro is a noticeable upgrade.
- Performance: The higher AnTuTu score reflects real-world performance improvements, leading to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. This performance boost is invaluable for daily use and when I want to play games.
- Overall Experience: While the A32 5G has its perks like 4K recording, the daily performance and visual clarity offered by the Poco M3 Pro makes it a better overall experience.
- Screen Protection: The protection offered by the Gorilla Glass 3 is essential for me, as I tend to be clumsy with my devices.
Although the Samsung A32 5G has a slightly higher resolution front camera, better audio and 4K video, these aren't deal breakers for me compared to the superior display, performance and build quality of the Poco M3 Pro.
