Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Google Pixel 9
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Google Pixel 9 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2024-08-22 | Pixel 9 is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no differences here. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | A32 is slightly taller and wider, may feel less comfortable in one hand for some users. Pixel 9 is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 184g | 198g | A32 is slightly lighter, which might make it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.3" | A32 has a marginally larger screen, which might be slightly better for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2424 | Both are similar; negligible difference in sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 422 | Very similar pixel density; no noticeable difference in sharpness to the human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; very similar display quality. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pixel 9 offers smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both appear to have missing or incorrect brightness values; cannot assess brightness differences. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Google Tensor G4 (4 nm) | Pixel 9's newer chip is much faster and more power-efficient, resulting in better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,071,616 | Pixel 9 provides vastly superior performance for gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G715 MC7 | Pixel 9's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | A32 has slightly larger battery; may translate to marginally longer battery life for similar usage. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 27W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Pixel 9's fast charging will significantly reduce charging times, along with better battery tech. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless (15W), Non-removable | Pixel 9 offers more convenient charging features like wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.69 | A32 has higher resolution; Pixel 9 has wider aperture and a better sensor for better low light performance. |
| Front Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2 | 10.5MP, f/2.2 | A32 has a higher megapixel selfie camera, but the Pixel is likely to have a higher quality sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | A32 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more flexible photography. |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A32 has a dedicated portrait lens for better depth of field effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | N/A | 48MP, f/1.7 | Pixel 9 has a higher resolution Wide angle and macro lens, which allows for more versatility. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Pixel 9 offers much higher video recording quality, along with OIS and EIS. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | Mobile: 154 (Photo: 161, Video: 150) | Pixel 9 has a much better camera score, indicating much better overall camera performance. |
| Features | Quadruple camera | Flicker sensor, Noise reduction, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF), NPU AI Engine, RAW, Night Mode | Pixel 9 offers significantly more advanced camera features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 21) | Pixel 9 will have a more up-to-date experience and better longer-term software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Pixel 9 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Pixel 9 has a newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GLONASS (L1), NavIC System, GNSS | Pixel 9 has more accurate GPS support for better navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Pixel 9 offers the flexibility of using an eSIM, which is helpful for travelers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | Pixel 9 provides more internal storage, especially in its higher variant. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 12GB | Pixel 9 provides much smoother multitasking and app switching due to much more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage; users are limited to built-in storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation mic, stereo speakers, 3 microphones | Pixel 9 provides better audio quality for calls, media, and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use similar fingerprint tech. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Pixel 9 has much better screen protection, reducing the risk of scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Pixel 9 has an additional barometer sensor; A32 has a compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Screen: A marginally larger display for users who prefer it.
- Slightly Lighter: Easier to hold for long periods and may be more comfortable to carry in a pocket.
- Dedicated Camera Lenses: Has a dedicated wide-angle, portrait and macro lens for additional versatility
- Larger Battery Capacity: Has a slightly bigger battery which could potentially lead to slightly longer battery life.
- Lower Cost: Likely to be more affordable, especially now being older
Google Pixel 9 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Tensor G4 chipset provides far superior performance for all tasks.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for a much more fluid and responsive user experience.
- Much Better Camera System: Superior image and video quality with wider aperture, OIS, EIS and advanced software features. It also has a much better Wide angle + Macro lens.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Significantly faster charging times and convenience with wireless and reverse charging.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer version of Android and expected to receive more updates and features.
- More Storage and RAM: Comes with a minimum of 128GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM, making the phone more future-proofed
- Better Audio: Improved audio quality for calls and media.
- Enhanced Build Quality: Gorilla Glass Victus 2 is more scratch and crack-resistant.
- Improved Connectivity: Faster WiFi and Bluetooth versions.
- More Accurate GPS: Supports more satellite systems for better navigation.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A32 offers slightly more camera flexibility with its additional lens, but the Pixel 9 delivers much higher quality for its camera system.
- The Galaxy A32 has a larger battery on paper, but the Tensor G4 chip on the Pixel 9 is more power-efficient and also supports much faster charging, which might be more important to some users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32: Ideal Users
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an affordable phone with basic functionalities.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Users who want slightly better battery, but do not mind charging speeds.
- Users Who Like Macro and Wide Angle Photography It has dedicated lenses for such use cases.
Specific Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, social media)
- Casual photography and video
- Basic mobile gaming
- Users who do not need high performance, and simply need a phone for daily tasks
Google Pixel 9: Ideal Users
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand smooth and fast performance for demanding applications and gaming.
- Photography Lovers: Users who want a top-notch camera with great image quality, low light performance, and versatile video capabilities.
- Tech Savvy Users: Those who want the latest features, software updates, and connectivity options.
- Power Users: Users who need plenty of RAM and storage, for multitasking
Specific Use Cases:
- High-quality photography and videography
- Demanding mobile gaming
- Multitasking with many apps
- Mobile creators who need stable video and professional features
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the A32 is more affordable.
- How important is performance? If you need smooth performance for gaming, apps, and multitasking, the Pixel 9 is the only option.
- How important is camera quality? If you prioritize top-notch photos and videos, the Pixel 9 is far superior, despite the dedicated lenses on the A32.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Low Budget: If you mostly use your phone for calls, texts, social media, and basic web browsing, the Galaxy A32 will suffice and save money.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Focused User: If you need smooth performance, a high-quality camera for capturing memorable moments and love photography, and want better video capabilities, the Pixel 9 is the only choice.
- Scenario 3: Power User: If you need lots of storage, RAM, and a fast processor for power use cases, then the Pixel 9 is far superior.
- Scenario 4: Casual Photographer If you want the versatility of having macro and wide angle lenses, the A32 might be an ok choice, but remember the Pixel 9 has a better wide angle/macro lens.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Google Pixel 9. While the Samsung Galaxy A32 might seem appealing for its lower price and slightly larger battery, the Pixel 9 is superior in nearly every other aspect. The significantly better performance of the Tensor G4 chip, the superior camera system with OIS/EIS and high quality sensors, the much smoother 120Hz display, and the convenience of fast and wireless charging, as well as more internal storage and RAM, all contribute to a much better user experience that justifies a higher price tag. For me, the improved experience in everyday use, as well as the longevity that the newer software and hardware provide make it a clear winner. The slightly larger battery on the A32 would not make much of a difference, since the Pixel 9 has much better fast charging and is more power efficient.
