Samsung Galaxy A32 5G vs ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date January 22, 2021 July 9, 2024
Release Year 2021 2024

Physical

Volume 113.71 cm³ 111.51 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 2.97 "/g
Weight 205 g 229 g
Height 164.2 mm 164 mm
Width 76.1 mm 76.4 mm
Thickness 9.1 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Design Sleet (Black Version)
  • Snowfall (Silver Version)
  • Cyclone (Transparent Black Version)
  • Frost (White Version)

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.8 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1116 x 2480
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 89.1 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 400 PPI
Refresh Rate 60 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1600 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 140.57 mAh/in²
Battery Density 43.97 mAh/cm³ 58.29 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 6500 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.4 GHz Cortex-X4 & 3x3.2 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x3.0 GHz Cortex-A720 & 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A520)
GPU Mali-G57 MC3 Adreno 750 (1 GHz)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, Gen 2, OTG, DisplayPort, Accessory Connector

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32 5GZTE nubia Red Magic 9S ProPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions164.2 × 76.1 × 9.1 mm164 × 76.4 × 8.9 mmSimilar physical size, slight difference in thickness is negligible.
Weight205g229gSamsung A32 5G is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for longer use. The Red Magic 9S Pro may feel more substantial in hand.
Display
Size6.5"6.8"Red Magic 9S Pro has a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution720x16001116x2480Red Magic 9S Pro offers much sharper visuals with a significantly higher pixel count, reducing pixelation and enhancing clarity for all tasks.
PPI270400Red Magic 9S Pro provides a crisper, more detailed image due to higher pixel density. Text and images will appear much clearer.
TechnologyTFT LCDAMOLEDRed Magic 9S Pro offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. It also provides better viewing angles and power efficiency with dark themes.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzRed Magic 9S Pro provides smoother scrolling, transitions, and animations making general use and gaming feel much more fluid.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones have identical peak brightness. It is unknown if these are their real max brightnesses.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm)Red Magic 9S Pro's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is significantly more powerful, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score249,7202,369,542Red Magic 9S Pro scores much higher in benchmarks, indicating vastly superior real-world performance for demanding tasks and future-proofing.
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 750Red Magic 9S Pro has a significantly more powerful GPU, resulting in much better graphical performance for gaming and other GPU intensive applications.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh6500mAhRed Magic 9S Pro has a larger battery offering potential for longer battery life between charges. Actual battery life will vary based on usage.
Charging15W Fast Charging80W Fast ChargingRed Magic 9S Pro charges significantly faster, reducing the time spent plugged into the wall. This is beneficial for users who need to top up their phone quickly.
FeaturesNon-removableNon-removableBoth phones share these battery features: Non-removable
Camera
Standard Camera48MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 0.8µm50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.57", 1.0µmRed Magic 9S Pro has a slightly higher resolution sensor with larger pixel size. This suggests better low-light performance and slightly more detailed images.
Selfie Camera13MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.0, 1/3.06", 1.12µmRed Magic 9S Pro's higher resolution, larger sensor, wider aperture may lead to better quality selfies, especially in lower light conditions.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µmRed Magic 9S Pro has a significantly higher resolution wide angle camera with a slightly wider aperture for superior wide-angle shots.
Portrait mode2MP, f/2.4,N/AThe A32 has a dedicated depth sensor which may help with portrait mode shots, which the red magic lacks.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µmThe A32 has a higher resolution macro lens compared to the red magic.
Video Recording4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fpsRed Magic 9S Pro provides more video recording options with up to 8K recording. The additional 1080p@240fps mode provides greater flexibility for slow-motion footage.
Video StabilizationNoYesRed Magic 9S Pro provides video stabilization, which reduces shakiness and produces smoother video.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 14Red Magic 9S Pro has a more modern OS out of the box with better features and security updates. The A32 has software that is outdated, but can be upgraded.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be, Dual Band, Wi-Fi MiMORed Magic 9S Pro supports the newest WiFi standard, offering better performance, lower latency, and access to the 6GHz band, as well as MIMO.
Bluetooth5.1 LE, A2DP, EDR, HID, LE5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, LDAC, SBC, AACRed Magic 9S Pro has a newer Bluetooth version. It also supports additional audio codecs for better wireless audio quality.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5)Red Magic 9S Pro supports more satellite systems for enhanced location accuracy and faster lock times.
SIMDual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM)Both phones support dual SIM and dual standby.
Storage
Internal Storage64 GB or 128 GB256 GB or 512 GBRed Magic 9S Pro offers significantly more storage space for apps, media, and games.
RAM4 GB, 6GB or 8 GB12 GB or 16 GBRed Magic 9S Pro has significantly more RAM which leads to better multitasking, better performance and future-proofing.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage.
Audio
QualityDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital PlusDTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphonesThe Red Magic 9S Pro has better overall audio with enhanced surround sound, better audio separation and voice capture.
Security
Featuresside-mounted fingerprint sensorbasic fingerprint sensorSamsung A32 5G features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor; Provides basic biometric security
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass 5ZTE Nubia Red Magic 9S Pro has much better protection.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, AccelerometerFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeRed Magic 9S Pro has more sensors, which allow for more functionality like compass and gyroscope, essential for some games and apps.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Advantages:

  • Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter (205g vs. 229g), making it more comfortable for extended use.
  • Side-mounted Fingerprint: More advanced fingerprint sensor.
  • Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera: Has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots.
  • Macro Camera: Higher resolution macro camera (5MP vs 2MP)

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED, higher resolution, higher PPI, and 120Hz refresh rate offers much better visual experience and smoother scrolling.
  • Significantly Higher Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip offers vastly superior performance for gaming, demanding apps, and multitasking.
  • Much Larger Battery & Faster Charging: 6500mAh battery and 80W charging allows for longer usage and faster charging times.
  • Superior Camera Quality: Generally has superior sensors and capabilities across various lenses, with higher resolutions and wider apertures, leading to better photos and video, especially wide angle shots.
  • Video stabilization: Has video stabilization
  • Newer Software: Comes with a newer Android 14 version, and better future update support.
  • Newer Connectivity Standards: Faster WiFi 7, and Bluetooth 5.2.
  • More RAM and Storage: 12GB/16GB RAM and 256GB/512GB of storage allow for more multitasking, apps and files.
  • Better Audio: Enhanced audio with DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers and 3 microphones.
  • Better Build Quality: Better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5.
  • More Sensors: Has Compass and Gyroscope for more advanced apps/games. Trade-offs:

  • Samsung A32 5G: Lighter and has a portrait mode and macro lens, at the cost of performance, display quality, battery, and charging.

  • ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro: Heavier, and lacks a dedicated depth sensor, at the benefit of all other areas.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Ideal Users:

  • Budget-conscious users: Seeking an affordable 5G smartphone.
  • Casual users: Primarily using their phone for basic tasks, social media, and web browsing.
  • Users needing light weight: Prefer a lighter phone for extended use.
  • Users who care about portrait mode/macro shots: Will take advantage of the dedicated sensors.

Use Cases:

*   Daily social media browsing.
*   Web browsing and light application use.
*   Casual photography where image quality isn't top priority.
*   Basic mobile gaming.

ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro Ideal Users:

  • Mobile Gamers: Demanding high-end performance and a high refresh rate display.
  • Power Users: Requiring smooth multitasking and fast performance for demanding apps.
  • Media Consumers: Wanting a high-quality display and long battery life for watching videos and content.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Looking for the best photo quality and recording.
  • Users looking for good overall features: Want the best overall performance, software, connectivity, and build quality

Use Cases:

*   High-end mobile gaming with maximum settings.
*   Smooth multitasking with multiple apps open.
*   Watching HDR videos.
*   Photography and videography, with high quality and stabilization.
*   Using the latest software and connectivity standards.

Price-to-Value Ratio:

  • The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G offers a decent experience for its budget price point.
  • The ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro commands a higher price but offers top-of-the-line performance and features, making it worth it for those who value performance, gaming, media consumption, and camera.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your budget? The A32 will be much cheaper than the red magic.
  2. What will you use the phone for? Basic tasks or gaming, video editing, and high end photography?
  3. Which features are most important to you? A lightweight phone with macro and portrait or a high-end device with a superior display, performance, and camera?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If cost is the primary concern and you only need a basic 5G phone for daily use, the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is a reasonable option.
  • Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer/Power User: If you prioritize performance, gaming, or heavy multitasking, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 3: Content Creation/Media Consumption: If you value display quality, high-resolution video, and want a great camera experience, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro is superior due to its display, camera, and recording capabilities.

My Choice

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro. Here's why:

While the Samsung A32 is significantly lighter and has a better fingerprint sensor, and some dedicated sensors that the Red Magic lacks, the Red Magic is superior in nearly every other way. It's a more modern phone that provides a much better display, significantly higher performance, more battery, and faster charging. The camera is also generally much better, and more capable. I do not value the portrait mode or macro as much, so the Red Magic is a clear winner for my use case. Even if I were not a gamer, the greatly improved performance, the vastly improved screen quality, and the better camera more than outweigh the slight disadvantage in weight and the lack of a dedicated depth sensor. The extra RAM, storage, and software are also a major factor for me. The increased future proofing offered by the red magic is also important. In short, the ZTE nubia Red Magic 9S Pro provides a superior overall experience, making it well worth the premium for those who need high performance and the latest technology.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.