Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Asus ROG Phone 8
1. Specifications Comparison
Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Asus ROG Phone 8 | Practical Impact |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2024-01-18 | Asus ROG Phone 8 is significantly newer, potentially having longer software support. |
Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Asus ROG Phone 8 is larger, potentially less comfortable for small hands. |
Weight | 184g | 225g | Samsung Galaxy A32 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. |
Build | Unknown Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus ROG Phone 8's screen is more resistant to scratches and drops. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen. |
Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Both offer a similar level of detail. |
Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 388 PPI | Samsung Galaxy A32 has slightly sharper text, though difference is likely negligible. |
Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | Asus ROG Phone 8's display is much smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus ROG Phone 8 is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers significantly faster performance in all tasks. |
AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 2,020,000 | Asus ROG Phone 8 is substantially faster for gaming and demanding applications. |
GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 750 | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a much more powerful GPU for graphics-intensive tasks. |
RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 12/16 GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers far superior multitasking capabilities. |
Camera | |||
Main Camera Resolution | 64.2MP | 50MP | Samsung Galaxy A32 has higher resolution, but that doesn't always mean better image quality. |
Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Samsung Galaxy A32's slightly wider aperture can help in low light, but the difference is minimal. |
Main Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.56" | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
Main Camera Sensor Model | Unknown | Sony IMX890 | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a better sensor, that often translates to better image quality. |
Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Asus ROG Phone 8 can capture more detailed selfies. |
Wide Angle Lens | 8MP | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A32 can capture wider scenes. |
Portrait Lens | 5MP | Not Available | Samsung Galaxy A32 can capture depth information for portrait mode. |
Macro Lens | 5MP | 5MP | Both have similar macro capabilities. |
Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not Available | 13MP | Asus ROG Phone 8 can capture wide and macro scenes. |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Asus ROG Phone 8 can capture much higher-quality video with advanced stabilization. |
Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Asus ROG Phone 8's videos are likely smoother. |
Slow-motion Recording | No, 30 fps | Yes, 480fps | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers significantly higher slow-motion capabilities. |
Battery | |||
Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5500 mAh | Asus ROG Phone 8 likely provides slightly longer battery life. |
Charging | Li-Ion, no fast charging | 65W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Asus ROG Phone 8 charges significantly faster. |
Software | |||
OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 16) | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a newer OS and likely longer software support. |
Connectivity | |||
Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Asus ROG Phone 8 has much faster and more efficient Wi-Fi. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE | Asus ROG Phone 8 has a newer version of Bluetooth with lower energy consumption. |
GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Asus ROG Phone 8 offers more accurate location services. |
Storage | |||
Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256 GB | Asus ROG Phone 8 has more storage, beneficial for large apps and media libraries. |
Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards. |
Audio | |||
Quality | Basic audio features | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 Microphones | Asus ROG Phone 8 has superior audio quality and recording capabilities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry, especially for users with smaller hands.
- Slightly higher pixel density: Potentially sharper text, though the difference is small.
- Wider angle and depth cameras: Offers more versatile photography options like wider views and portraits.
Asus ROG Phone 8 Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful processor and GPU: Provides vastly superior performance for gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
- Much smoother display with a higher refresh rate: Better experience when scrolling, gaming, or watching fast-paced videos.
- Brighter display: Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Higher resolution video recording: Ability to record in up to 8K.
- Faster charging: Significantly quicker battery recharge times.
- Longer software support: Will receive updates for a longer period.
- More storage: Larger storage capacity.
- More RAM: Superior multitasking capabilities.
- Enhanced audio capabilities: Better quality audio playback with stereo speakers and improved microphone array.
- Better screen protection: The screen is more durable with Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
- Superior connectivity: Supports the latest Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, ensuring faster speeds and lower latency.
- More accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: sacrifices raw power for a lower price and lighter build. Its display is less smooth and less bright, and charging speeds are slower.
- Asus ROG Phone 8: larger and heavier, also more expensive, but delivers top-tier performance and features. Lacks a dedicated portrait lens, and only has a Wide Angle lens as a 2nd option with the macro lens, whereas the A32 has both lenses separate.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking a functional phone at a lower price point.
- Light users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, web browsing, and social media.
- Users who prefer a lighter and smaller phone: Those who prioritize portability and ease of handling.
Casual photographers: Users who want a versatile camera setup for everyday shots, including portrait and wide angle capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Everyday social media browsing and messaging.
- Basic photography for sharing on social media.
- Watching videos.
- Making phone calls.
- Occasional navigation and basic gaming.
Asus ROG Phone 8 - Ideal User:
- Mobile Gamers: Those who prioritize high performance, smooth graphics, and responsive controls.
- Power users: Individuals who need maximum performance for demanding apps, multitasking, and video editing.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who consume high-resolution video and prioritize great audio.
- Users who prefer the latest technology: Those seeking a device with top-tier features and future-proof capabilities.
Content Creators: Those who require high-quality video recording and advanced audio capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive games with smooth performance.
- Editing high-resolution photos and videos.
- Enjoying multimedia content with high audio and visual fidelity.
- Recording professional-grade video.
- Using high-performance apps.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A32 is significantly cheaper than the ROG Phone 8
- How important is raw performance? The ROG Phone 8 is much faster.
- What are my priorities for photography? The A32 has a dedicated portrait and wide angle lenses, while the ROG has the Wide Angle lens combined with the macro, and a better main sensor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget and everyday use: If you are on a tight budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a good choice.
- Gaming and Performance: If gaming, video editing, or overall performance is essential to you, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the better pick.
- Multimedia and content creation: If you need a device with a great display and audio and video recording capabilities, the Asus ROG Phone 8 is the superior option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Asus ROG Phone 8. My primary reasons are:
- Performance: As someone who values smooth and responsive performance for gaming and other demanding tasks, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a must. The difference in raw processing power and GPU performance is massive and worth the extra cost for me.
- Display Quality: The 165Hz refresh rate and 2500 nits brightness are highly beneficial for gaming and viewing content outdoors. The difference compared to the A32’s display would be very noticeable.
- Future-Proofing: With a newer chipset and software, the Asus ROG Phone 8 will likely remain relevant for a longer time with better performance and software support, making it a better investment long-term.
- Battery: The fast charging is a very useful feature that I would make great use of.
- Audio Quality: The audio is important to me, both for gaming and listening to music, and the ROG phone provides much better audio options than the A32.
While the Samsung A32 is lighter and has a more versatile camera system in terms of dedicated lenses, the performance compromises and overall experience are too significant for me to ignore. The ROG Phone 8 offers a superior experience in nearly all aspects that are crucial to my needs, making it the clear choice.