Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Huawei Mate X3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Huawei Mate X3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Huawei Mate X3 offers a large screen in a compact form, allowing for tablet-like use and pocketability. A32 is a standard bar phone. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 156.9 × 141.5 × 5.3 mm (unfolded) | Mate X3 is significantly wider unfolded; A32 is taller and thicker; Mate X3 has a larger unfolded volume |
| Weight | 184g | 239g | A32 is noticeably lighter and more comfortable to hold for extended periods. Mate X3 is heavier due to its foldable design and materials. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 7.85" | Mate X3 offers a much larger screen for enhanced media consumption, multitasking, and gaming. A32 offers a more compact experience. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 2224 x 2496 | Mate X3 has a sharper display, providing clearer images and text. A32 is less sharp but still suitable for typical usage. |
| PPI | 411 | 426 | Both offer similar pixel density; differences are not noticeable in normal usage. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | A32's AMOLED provides deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than the unknown display tech of the Mate X3. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Mate X3 offers smoother scrolling and animations, providing a more fluid user experience. A32 has smooth but less so. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not available for comparison. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 4G (4nm) | Mate X3's chip is significantly faster, providing smoother performance in demanding tasks, including gaming, video editing, and multitasking. A32 is less powerful and will struggle with intensive tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,238,400 | Mate X3's benchmark score shows significantly superior performance compared to the A32, showcasing its higher processing power. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Mate X3's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. A32's GPU is weaker and less suitable for graphically intense tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | A32 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life; however, real-world battery life varies. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 66W fast charging, 50W wireless charging, Li-Polymer | Mate X3 offers much faster wired charging and wireless charging, leading to significantly quicker battery replenishment. A32 lacks fast charging capabilities. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, Wireless charge 50W | Mate X3 exclusively supports wireless charging; A32 lacks such capabilities. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" sensor, Sony IMX766, 1.00 µm pixel size | A32 has higher megapixel count; Mate X3 has a larger sensor with larger pixel size which usually gives better image quality. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.4 | A32 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a slightly wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | N/A | 16MP, f/3.4, 1/3.09" sensor, Sony IMX351 Exmor RS, 1.00 µm pixel size | Mate X3 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom capabilities; A32 lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | N/A | A32 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing expansive scenes; Mate X3 lacks this specific feature but has it combined. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode; Mate X3 lacks a dedicated depth sensor but it has a similar feature. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Mate X3 lacks this specific feature but it has it combined. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX688 | Mate X3 combines ultrawide and macro functionalities in a single lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS, No slow-motion | 4K@30/60fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EIS, Slow-motion 960 fps | Mate X3 can record in higher resolution (4K) and has better image stabilization (EIS) and slow-motion features; A32 is limited to 1080p and lacks EIS. |
| DxOMark | N/A | N/A | No data available for comparison. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Main camera for Selfies, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Mate X3 has a broader set of features including OIS and RAW; A32 has a Quadruple camera; Features are mostly shared. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Unknown | A32 runs Android; Mate X3 runs an unknown OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual-band, Hotspot, Direct, Display, MiMO | Mate X3 supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster speeds and better performance; A32 is limited to older standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Mate X3 has a newer version, potentially offering better range and efficiency; Both support A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Mate X3 has better and more comprehensive support for satellite systems, leading to better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Full Active | Mate X3 allows both SIMs to be active; A32 can have only one active at a time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB / 128 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1024 GB | Mate X3 has much larger storage options; A32 has significantly less space. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | 8 GB / 12 GB | Mate X3 has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app loading. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | Mate X3 offers better audio quality with stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Mate X3 has a more ergonomic and faster fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information available for comparison. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Mate X3 has a barometer; both share common sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and single-handed operation.
- AMOLED Display: Offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors.
- Lower Cost: Likely a more budget-friendly option than the high-end Mate X3.
Huawei Mate X3 Advantages:
- Foldable Design: Larger display that transforms into a more compact form, offering tablet-like functionality.
- Significantly More Powerful Performance: Superior chipset and GPU for demanding tasks like gaming and multitasking.
- Much Larger Display: Enhanced experience for content consumption, multitasking, and productivity.
- Superior Charging: 66W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution and higher quality for video recording, telephoto, and wide-angle + macro capabilities.
- Stereo Speakers: Superior audio experience for media consumption.
- More Storage and RAM: Significantly larger storage and RAM options, improving multitasking and performance.
- Newer Bluetooth and WiFi: Faster connectivity and improved performance.
- More Advanced Sensors: Includes barometer.
Significant Trade-offs:
- A32: Trades power, camera quality, and features for affordability and portability.
- Mate X3: Higher price point and heavier, bulkier form factor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Seeking an affordable phone with a good display.
- Casual users: Primarily for social media, browsing, and basic app usage.
- Users who prioritize portability: Prefer a lightweight and easy-to-handle phone.
- Users with basic photography needs: Who need good enough quality in daylight conditions.
- Users needing microSD expansion: The A32 offers microSD expansion for added storage which the Mate X3 does not have.
Use Cases for A32:
- Everyday communication (calls, texts, social media).
- Casual gaming and multimedia consumption.
- Basic photo capture and video recording.
- Reliable daily driver for general use.
Huawei Mate X3 Ideal User:
- Power users: Who require top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Content creators: Users who need a high-quality camera and video recording capabilities.
- Productivity-focused users: Who want a larger display for multitasking and productivity apps.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Who enjoy watching movies, videos, and playing games on a large screen.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Who want to experience the newest technology.
Use Cases for Mate X3:
- High-end mobile gaming.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Multi-tasking and content creation on the go.
- Immersive multimedia experience.
- Users who need to use their device as a tablet.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: Is price a major factor or are you willing to pay for premium features?
- Primary Use Case: What will you primarily use the phone for (e.g., gaming, productivity, casual use)?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a compact phone or a larger foldable device?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic User on a Budget: If budget is the primary concern and you need a phone for basic tasks and social media, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the more practical and cost-effective choice.
Scenario 2: High-Performance User: If you need top performance, a large display, and a versatile camera system, the Huawei Mate X3 is the clear winner despite its higher price.
Scenario 3: Tech Enthusiast: If you are interested in the latest technology and foldable devices, the Huawei Mate X3 is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Huawei Mate X3. Although its price is significantly higher and it is bulkier than the A32, the Mate X3's superior performance, larger and higher-resolution foldable display, more versatile camera system (with telephoto and higher video specs), and significantly faster charging make it a much more compelling option for my needs. While I appreciate the A32's AMOLED screen and light form factor, the lack of processing power and limited camera features make it a deal breaker. The Mate X3's ability to serve as both a smartphone and a compact tablet significantly enhances its value proposition for my work-related tasks and entertainment needs.
