Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs. Xiaomi Poco M5s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | Xiaomi Poco M5s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm | 160.5 × 74.5 × 8.3 mm | Poco M5s is more compact and easier to handle; A32 5G is slightly bulkier |
| Weight | 205g | 178.8g | Poco M5s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.43" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference for most users |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Poco M5s has a much sharper display with more detail; A32 5G appears less crisp |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 409 PPI | Poco M5s offers significantly sharper text and images; A32 5G's display might appear pixelated |
| Technology | TFT LCD | AMOLED | Poco M5s provides richer colors, deeper blacks, better viewing angles, and improved power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard 60Hz refresh rates, so no noticeable difference in smoothness |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Poco M5s is far better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; A32 5G may be hard to see outdoors |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) | Mediatek MT6785V/CD Helio G95 (12 nm) | Poco M5s has a more powerful chipset with better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 249,720 | 418,627 | Poco M5s offers significantly faster performance for apps, multitasking, and gaming; A32 5G will feel slower |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC3 | Mali-G76 MC4 | Poco M5s offers superior graphics performance, better gaming experience |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 48MP | 64MP | Poco M5s captures more detailed images; A32 5G still provides good quality photos |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | A32 5G might perform slightly better in low light, capturing a bit more light |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 13MP | 13MP | Both capture detailed selfies |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | A32 5G has a slightly wider aperture for slightly better low-light selfies |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixel size | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.14 µm pixel size | Similar performance for ultrawide shots |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Similar performance for portrait mode |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | A32 5G may produce more detailed macro shots |
| Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, 720p@960fps | Poco M5s offers more versatile video recording options including 1080@60fps and 720p@960fps slow-mo; both have good video recording |
| Camera Features | Ultra stable video | Night Mode | Samsung A32 has Ultra stable video, Poco M5s has Night Mode |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, should last a full day with average use |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Poco M5s charges much faster, reducing charging time significantly |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco M5s can act as a power bank for other devices |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Poco M5s has a newer OS out of the box, though A32 5G is upgradable. Unknown max. version for Xiaomi. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Similar WiFi capabilities, Poco M5s has MiMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 LE | 5.0 LE | A32 5G has a slightly newer Bluetooth version, potential for better performance and connection |
| Storage & Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Poco M5s provides more storage options. Both do not support expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6/8GB | Similar multitasking and performance capabilities |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Poco M5s offers better audio quality through stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both provide secure and fast biometric unlocking |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown Screen | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M5s offers better screen protection |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic Proximity | Poco M5s provides a more comprehensive sensor suite for a better experience in AR/VR applications and gaming |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:
- Slightly better low-light standard camera performance: Due to its slightly wider aperture (f/1.8 vs f/1.9).
- Slightly better low-light selfies: Due to wider aperture (f/2.2 vs f/2.4).
- Potentially better Bluetooth: Newer Bluetooth version.
- Slightly higher resolution macro camera: 5MP vs 2MP, which could produce more detailed macro shots.
- Ultra stable video: For smoother video recordings in challenging scenarios
Xiaomi Poco M5s Advantages:
- Superior Display: Significantly higher resolution (1080x2400) and pixel density (409 PPI) AMOLED screen, resulting in sharper and more vibrant images and videos.
- Much Higher Brightness: 1100 nits vs 0 nits, provides significantly better outdoor visibility.
- Faster Performance: Higher AnTuTu score (418,627 vs 249,720) due to a more powerful chipset, for smoother app launching, multitasking and gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging vs 15W, allowing for much quicker charging.
- More versatile video recording options: Offers 1080p@60fps and 720p@960fps slow-motion recording.
- More storage options: Available with up to 256GB of internal storage.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used as a power bank.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- More comprehensive sensor suite: Including compass, gyroscope, and ultrasonic proximity sensor.
- Night Mode for better low light photos
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A32 5G: sacrifices display quality, outdoor brightness, charging speed, and overall performance for a slightly better low-light camera performance, which can be considered a worthwhile trade-off for some.
- Poco M5s: misses out on Ultra Stable video feature.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A32 5G:
- Users who prioritize good low-light camera performance: Those who often take photos in less ideal lighting conditions might prefer this phone.
- Users who need Ultra Stable Video: Those who take videos in shaky conditions might prefer this phone.
- Budget-conscious users: Who are looking for a standard 5G smartphone and do not require high-end performance or display.
Use Cases:
- Casual photography
- Basic social media use
- Everyday tasks that don't demand high performance
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Poco M5s:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who consume media (videos, photos, games) or read a lot on their phone will appreciate the vibrant AMOLED screen.
- Users who want faster performance: Gamers and those who multitask frequently will appreciate the more powerful chipset.
- Users who prioritize faster charging: Those who need to quickly top up their phone will benefit from the 33W fast charging.
- Users who need better outdoor visibility: Those who often use their phone in bright sunlight will benefit from the high screen brightness.
- Users who enjoy quality audio: Those who listen to music or watch videos with sound will appreciate the stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio.
- Users who need additional sensors: Those who play games that require gyroscopic movement will prefer this phone.
Use Cases:
- Media consumption (streaming, gaming)
- Moderate to heavy app usage and multitasking
- Photography and videography in various conditions.
- AR and VR apps
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is display quality? (AMOLED vs. TFT LCD)
- How important is performance for gaming and everyday tasks? (AnTuTu score, chipset)
- How important is charging speed? (15W vs 33W)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Conscious & Camera Focused: If you need a basic 5G phone with a decent camera, and your budget is tight, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G can be considered. Just be aware of the sacrifices in display, speed, and charging.
- Scenario 2: Media Consumption & Performance: If you prioritize display quality, performance, and faster charging for a better overall experience, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Outdoor Visibility: If you use your phone outdoors a lot, and need a bright display, the Xiaomi Poco M5s is a great choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco M5s. While the Samsung A32 5G has a few minor advantages, such as slightly better low-light camera performance, the benefits of the Poco M5s are far more compelling for most users. The superior AMOLED display, significantly faster performance, much quicker charging, better audio, and superior outdoor visibility makes it a much better choice for my needs. As a daily driver, the Poco M5s provides a more enjoyable and efficient user experience. The inclusion of a more comprehensive sensor suite is also beneficial. Even though the Samsung has slightly better low-light performance with its standard camera, the overall package of the Poco M5s is just superior, especially with the added benefits of Night Mode.
