Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Motorola Moto G42
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Motorola Moto G42 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 160.4 x 73.5 x 8 mm | Moto G42 is slightly taller and thinner; A32 is slightly thicker. Differences are minimal and likely unnoticeable. |
| Weight | 184g | 175g | Moto G42 is slightly lighter, which may make a difference in extended use for some users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Identical screen size for both. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide the same level of sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 411 | Identical pixel density, meaning the same level of detail. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks with AMOLED technology. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A32 offers smoother scrolling and animations with its 90Hz refresh rate which is more pleasant for general use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have same peak brightness, which means visibility outdoors in sunlight is comparable, though not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Snapdragon 680 (6nm) | Moto G42's chip is more power-efficient and offers better performance in benchmarks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 249,000 | Moto G42 demonstrates better benchmark performance, translating to smoother app loading, and general responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Moto G42's GPU is generally more efficient, potentially offering better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity means comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | Non-removable | 20W Fast Charging, Non-removable | Moto G42 charges quicker with 20W fast charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | A32 has higher resolution, but Moto G42 has larger pixel size, potentially capturing more light. Sensor model only specified for the Moto. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.2 | A32 has a higher resolution front camera; image quality will depend on post-processing. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Both phones have similar wide-angle camera quality. |
| Depth | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; Moto G42 relies on software. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32's macro lens captures more detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer similar video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quad camera, more features | Triple camera, PDAF, LAF | A32 has one more camera, but Moto G42 has phase detection and laser autofocus, which may lead to quicker and more accurate focus. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Moto G42 ships with a newer Android version, but both should end on Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer comparable WiFi performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 LE | Both have Bluetooth 5.0, Moto G42 utilizes low-energy, which extends battery life of accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS functionality, but Moto G42 includes SUPL assistance, potentially improving location accuracy in some cases. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offer the same maximum storage of 128 GB. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | A32 has a higher RAM configuration, which is good for multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which can be a limitation for some users. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G42 offers enhanced audio with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, which provides better multimedia experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G42 has a more modern and convenient side fingerprint sensor, offering slightly improved user experience over the basic A32 sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is unknown for both. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Samsung Galaxy A32 has Hall and Geomagnetic sensors in addition to the sensors found on the Motorola. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Higher Refresh Rate Display: 90Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations than the Moto G42's 60Hz, which will be much more pleasant for general use.
- Higher Resolution Main and Front Camera: Offers slightly more detailed photos under ideal conditions.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Can help produce better portrait photos.
- More RAM option: Up to 8GB vs 6GB on the Moto, which allows for more intensive multitasking
- Hall and Geomagnetic Sensor: Additional sensors enable additional functionality.
Motorola Moto G42 Advantages:
- More Efficient Processor: Snapdragon 680 offers better performance and power efficiency, contributing to better battery life.
- Faster Charging: 20W fast charging allows for quicker refills of the battery.
- Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers: Provide a superior audio experience for multimedia consumption.
- Newer Android version out of box: Ships with Android 12 while the A32 ships with 11.
- Better Autofocus: Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) and Laser Autofocus (LAF) provide quicker and more reliable focus in photos.
- Lighter Design: Although minimal, the 9g difference can make a difference over extended use.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 has a higher refresh rate, but the G42 has a more powerful and efficient processor.
- The A32 has a higher-resolution camera, but the G42 has better autofocus and better audio capabilities.
- The A32 has a depth sensor but less advanced auto focus.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Casual Users: Those who prioritize a smooth display experience for everyday browsing and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Entry-Level): Those who want high-resolution images and are interested in portrait photography.
- Gamers: More RAM makes for better performance for gaming
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G42:
- Multimedia Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and want immersive audio.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who value all-day battery and fast charging.
- Users Prioritizing Performance: Those who value a smoother user experience and faster app loading times.
- Users who value fast autofocus Those who take pictures often and value fast and accurate focus.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Ideal for browsing social media, watching videos, casual gaming, and taking pictures in well-lit conditions, users who prioritize smoothness and display quality
- Motorola Moto G42: Ideal for watching movies, listening to music, heavy multitasking, all-day usage, capturing everyday moments with good focus, users who prioritize battery life and good audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prioritize display smoothness or overall performance? (A32: smoothness, G42: performance)
- How important is audio quality and fast charging? (G42: superior audio, faster charging)
- Do you need a depth camera or more advanced autofocus? (A32: depth, G42: autofocus)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Heavy Social Media User, Casual Gamer): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 for its smoother display and slightly more RAM.
- Scenario 2 (Frequent Traveler, Multimedia Consumer): Choose the Motorola Moto G42 for its longer battery life, fast charging, and superior audio.
- Scenario 3 (Photo Enthusiast on a Budget): Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32 for its higher-resolution cameras and dedicated depth sensor.
- Scenario 4 (General User who wants responsiveness): Choose the Motorola Moto G42 for its better performing processor and battery life.
My Choice
Based on the specifications and my personal preferences, I would choose the Motorola Moto G42. While the Samsung Galaxy A32's 90Hz refresh rate is appealing, the Moto G42 offers a more well-rounded experience. Its more efficient processor provides a smoother overall experience and longer battery life. The combination of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers is a significant advantage for my frequent multimedia consumption. The fast charging capability is also very appealing and more convenient for day-to-day use. Although the camera is slightly lower resolution, the improved autofocus system is more important to me than a depth sensor and is more useful for capturing quick moments.
The slight benefits the A32 provide are not as meaningful as the improvements provided by the G42. Therefore, the Moto G42 is the better choice for me.
