Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Asus ROG Phone 7
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Asus ROG Phone 7 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 173 x 77 x 10.3 mm | ROG Phone 7 is significantly larger and thicker, making the A32 more pocketable. The ROG 7's size makes it less comfortable for one-handed use and less pocketable |
| Weight | 184g | 239g | A32 is much lighter, improving comfort during extended use. The ROG 7 is heavier, potentially causing fatigue during extended gaming sessions. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | ROG Phone 7 provides a larger viewing area, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2448 | Both offer similar sharpness, a typical user would not notice the slight differences |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both provide very similar pixel density with a minimal real-world difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | ROG Phone 7 offers drastically smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced games, and day to day usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ROG Phone 7 is drastically better for outdoor visibility, especially in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | ROG Phone 7 has a much more powerful chipset, translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and significantly better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,603,292 | ROG Phone 7 delivers drastically higher performance, a 700% difference, handling demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 740 | ROG Phone 7's GPU provides superior graphics processing, ensuring higher frame rates and better visual quality in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | ROG Phone 7 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life, especially during heavy usage. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 65W fast charging, Li-Polymer | ROG Phone 7 can recharge much faster, minimizing downtime and offering convenience. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, USB power adapter (65-Watt) / 30-watt in India, 10W reverse wired | ROG Phone 7 offers additional charging features such as bypass charging during gameplay, and can act as a power bank for other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm | A32 has a higher megapixel count but lacks the large sensor and high-end sensor model of ROG Phone 7, potentially resulting in slightly lower quality images in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70 µm | ROG Phone 7 offers higher resolution and better sensor, leading to more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12 µm | ROG Phone 7 has a higher resolution wide angle, better details in wide angle pictures. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 offers a dedicated depth camera for portrait shots while the ROG 7 relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1/5" Samsung S5K5E9, 1.12 µm | Both feature a macro lens with similar resolution, although the ROG Phone 7's sensor could potentially result in marginally better quality. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@240fps | ROG Phone 7 offers much higher video recording capabilities, including 8K resolution and higher frame rate options. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer | 4K/8K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch/Manual focus, PDAF, Cont. shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | ROG Phone 7 provides more advanced video recording and image processing capabilities, better night photography and professional video recording tools. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 15) | ROG Phone 7 runs on a newer version of Android, potentially receiving longer software support and security updates, but both phones have upgradable OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ad/ax/be, Dual band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | ROG Phone 7 supports newer Wi-Fi standards (Wi-Fi 6E/7) for faster speeds and better performance in crowded networks, and additionally features Wi-Fi MiMO for better connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP | Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, AVRCP, EDR, GAP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HDP, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | ROG Phone 7 has a newer version of Bluetooth and supports higher quality audio codecs (Apt-X, LDAC, AAC). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | ROG Phone 7 supports more satellite systems, improving location accuracy, especially in challenging environments and urban areas. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones have dual SIM support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | ROG Phone 7 has significantly larger storage options, making it ideal for users with large media libraries, many games, or a need to record a lot of video footage. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB | ROG Phone 7 offers more RAM, improving multitasking and performance in demanding applications and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via SD card, meaning users are stuck with the onboard storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | DTS / DTS X, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | ROG Phone 7 offers a far superior audio experience, including enhanced surround sound and Hi-Res audio capabilities for music lovers, alongside effective noise cancellation and stereo speakers for better immersive listening experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both provide basic biometric security with a fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | ROG Phone 7 offers superior screen protection, making it more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite, but the Samsung has Geomagnetic sensor as a unique feature. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry, better for one-handed use.
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Dedicated Depth Camera: Offers dedicated hardware for portrait mode.
Asus ROG Phone 7 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides significantly faster performance, ideal for gaming and demanding applications.
- Larger, Smoother Display: Offers a bigger screen and a much higher refresh rate, leading to a better visual experience.
- Higher Brightness: Screen is much more visible in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera System: While the main camera has lower resolution, it boasts a more advanced sensor and better video recording capabilities, higher quality photos in different light conditions
- Significantly More Storage and RAM: Comes with much higher storage and RAM options, accommodating more files, games, and smooth multitasking.
- Larger Battery & Fast Charging: Longer battery life and faster charging, reducing downtime.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes better quality audio and stereo speakers, creating better audio experience with the phone itself
- Superior Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, offering faster wireless performance and better connectivity.
- Screen Protection: Offers much better screen protection against scratches and damage with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Trade-offs:
- Size & Weight: ROG Phone 7 is bulkier and heavier, making it less convenient for daily carry compared to the A32.
- Price: ROG Phone 7 is significantly more expensive than the Galaxy A32.
- Missing Depth Camera: ROG Phone 7 lacks a dedicated portrait mode camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals, everyday users who prioritize portability, basic smartphone functionality.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, media consumption, basic photography, and regular communication.
- Strengths: Affordable price, compact design, lightweight, decent camera for everyday use.
- Weaknesses: Limited performance for heavy gaming or intensive tasks, lacks advanced features.
- Price-to-value: Good for budget-conscious users wanting a basic smartphone.
Asus ROG Phone 7:
- Ideal User: Mobile gamers, power users, media enthusiasts, people who need high performance, and professionals who prioritize quality and performance.
- Use Cases: Demanding gaming, high-quality video recording and playback, content creation, heavy multitasking, professional work that require strong performance.
- Strengths: Top-tier performance, best gaming experience, excellent display, versatile camera, robust build quality, high-end audio experience, large storage capacity.
- Weaknesses: High price, bulkier design, less pocketable.
- Price-to-value: Excellent for users who demand top-tier performance and features regardless of cost, with additional features that cater to gaming.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget?
- The A32 is a budget-friendly phone while the ROG Phone 7 is a high-end device.
- What are my primary use cases?
- If it's basic everyday use, the A32 suffices. For gaming, media creation and demanding tasks, the ROG Phone 7 is ideal.
- How important are gaming/performance and camera quality to me?
- If performance is a priority, ROG Phone 7 is the clear winner. If a basic camera will suffice, the A32 is ok.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget - Recommend the Samsung Galaxy A32. It is cheaper and performs well for day-to-day tasks.
- Scenario 2: Mobile Gamer or Power User - Recommend the Asus ROG Phone 7. It offers superior performance and features designed for gaming.
- Scenario 3: General User Seeking a Balance of Performance and Features - While the Asus ROG Phone 7 may still be preferred due to having superior performance, it comes at a much higher price point. The user should compare price points before deciding.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would go for the Asus ROG Phone 7. While the price is significantly higher, the drastically improved performance, superior display, much larger storage and RAM, better camera system (despite losing the depth camera), and enhanced audio experience make it a much better overall phone. The ability to have a significantly brighter display, and far smoother refresh rate is a game changer in real world usage, and being a power user who plays mobile games, the increased battery capacity, and the ability for faster charging is incredibly important. While the ROG phone is much heavier, the benefits provided are far more enticing than the benefit of a lighter phone. Therefore, I would prefer the Asus ROG Phone 7 due to the superior features despite the higher cost and weight.
