1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm | The Huawei nova 8i is slightly taller and wider, but both are similarly thick. May affect one-handed use for those with smaller hands. |
| Weight | 184g | 190g | The Samsung A32 is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Huawei nova 8i offers a larger screen, better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2376 | Visually similar sharpness; the difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 391 PPI | Samsung A32 has a slightly sharper display, text and images may appear a bit clearer. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | AMOLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making for a more vibrant viewing experience, especially for dark content and themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Samsung A32 provides smoother scrolling and animations, making the phone feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have equal brightness, however, real brightness levels are missing, which can affect outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Different chipsets: Performance is nearly identical based on benchmark scores. Real-world performance will vary depending on the specific use case. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 201,000 | Both phones offer virtually identical performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Different GPUs: the choice of GPU will influence how well graphically intensive games perform; performance is largely similar in practical use. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | Samsung A32 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life between charges. |
| Charging | Li-Ion, no fast charging | 66W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Huawei nova 8i charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.9 | Samsung A32 has a slightly wider aperture which may result in better low light photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | Samsung A32 has a higher resolution front-facing camera, while Huawei has a wider aperture for potentially better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones offer similar wide-angle performance, with identical apertures. |
| Depth Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A32 offers more detail in portrait photos with a higher resolution lens. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung A32's macro camera captures more detailed close-up shots, although the lower aperture for both might not be ideal for low light macro. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization, no slow motion | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization, 120fps slow motion | Both phones have similar standard video recording capabilities; Huawei nova 8i has slow motion video recording capabilities while Samsung A32 does not |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 10 | Samsung A32 ships with a newer OS and has an upgrade path, offering newer features and security updates. Huawei's OS support is unclear. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Direct | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support similar WiFi standards. The Samsung adds Dual band and Direct capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, more profiles | 5.0 LE, aptX, LDAC, AAC | Samsung has a more extensive profile support but Huawei has better audio codecs for high quality audio transmission. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128 GB | Huawei nova 8i only offers 128 GB of storage, while Samsung A32 also has a 64 GB version, potentially at a lower cost |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB | Samsung A32 offers 8GB ram variant which is good for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic features | Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation, 2 Microphones | Huawei nova 8i offers more advanced audio with Stereo Speakers and Noise cancellation for clearer sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Huawei nova 8i has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor which may be quicker and more ergonomical. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Hall, Geomagnetic | Gravity | The Samsung includes hall and Geomagnetic sensor while Huawei nova 8i only has gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate provides a more vibrant and smoother visual experience.
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life.
- More OS Support: Comes with Android 11, upgradeable to 13, ensuring more extended software support and security updates.
- Higher Resolution Cameras: Offers higher resolution depth and macro cameras for more detail in photos.
- More RAM: Option for 8 GB of RAM
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Faster Charging: 66W fast charging greatly reduces charging times.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone offer better audio experience.
- Slightly Larger Screen: A slightly larger 6.67" display, which is good for media consumption.
- Slow-motion video: The phone offers 120fps slow motion recording.
- More advanced Fingerprint Sensor: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is often considered more convenient.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 trades fast charging and better audio for a more advanced display and a larger battery.
- The Huawei nova 8i prioritizes fast charging and audio over display quality and battery capacity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Media Consumers: Those who enjoy watching videos and browsing social media due to the vibrant AMOLED display.
- Everyday Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life and smooth performance over intensive gaming.
- Software Enthusiasts: People who want longer software support with newer features and security updates.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want higher resolution depth and macro cameras.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Binge-watching movies or TV shows on a vibrant screen.
- Casual gaming with smooth animations.
- Extended use throughout the day without needing frequent charging.
Huawei nova 8i Ideal User:
- Heavy Charger Users: Those who need fast charging due to limited time.
- Audio Lovers: Users who prioritize better audio quality for music, videos, and calls.
- Casual Gamers: Suitable for gaming that is not graphically intensive.
- General Users: Those who prioritize fast charging and good audio over the best display quality.
Specific Use Cases for Huawei nova 8i:
- Quick top-ups between meetings or classes.
- Listening to music or watching videos with better audio.
- Video recording with a slow-motion feature.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones offer a decent price-to-value ratio for mid-range devices, however, the Samsung A32, with its superior screen, battery, and software upgrades, might be better value for users valuing these features. The Huawei nova 8i could be more budget-friendly.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize a vibrant AMOLED display with a high refresh rate, or is a larger screen with decent quality sufficient?
- Battery vs. Charging: Is it more important to have a larger battery for longer use, or is fast charging more crucial?
- Multimedia Needs: Do you value high-quality audio (stereo speakers) or higher resolution cameras?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Long Battery Life): If you need a phone that lasts all day with minimal charging, choose the Samsung Galaxy A32.
- Scenario 2 (Fast Charging): If you prioritize quick charging and don't mind compromising slightly on battery, choose the Huawei nova 8i.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia Enthusiast): If you value a vibrant display and higher resolution cameras go with Samsung Galaxy A32, if you want superior audio then go with Huawei nova 8i.
- Scenario 4 (Balanced Usage): If you seek a balance of features without a specific priority, both phones are viable. However, the better software support of the Samsung A32 makes it a more forward looking choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A32. Here's why:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a more engaging and visually pleasing experience.
- Software Longevity: Having a newer OS with an upgrade path ensures my phone will remain relevant for a longer period with access to new features and security updates.
- Battery Life: While the Huawei Nova 8i's fast charging is appealing, I prefer the extended battery life offered by the A32, which reduces my reliance on having to charge so often.
- Versatile Photography: The slightly higher resolution on the depth and macro cameras offer more detail and versatility in daily photography.
While the Huawei Nova 8i's fast charging and audio are tempting, for my daily use, the better display and software support of the Samsung Galaxy A32 offers a better experience that's worth the minor compromises in other areas.
