1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A32 and Motorola Moto G85, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Motorola Moto G85 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2024-06-25 | Moto G85 is a significantly newer device. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.9 × 73.1 × 7.6 mm | Moto G85 is slightly taller and thinner, potentially feeling sleeker in hand. A32 is more bulky. |
| Weight | 184g | 171g | Moto G85 is lighter, which can enhance comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Moto G85 provides a slightly larger viewing area for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both have similar pixel density which provides similar image sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | P-OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G85 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Moto G85 is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight. The A32's brightness is not listed. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 (6 nm) | Moto G85's chipset is newer and more efficient, offering better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 475,000 | Moto G85 is significantly faster, leading to smoother app loading, better gaming, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Moto G85 has a more powerful GPU for better gaming graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Moto G85 charges significantly faster. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both are sealed devices without user-replaceable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.79, 1/2", Sony LYT-600, 1.00 µm | Moto G85's main sensor is bigger and has wider aperture, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.70 µm | Moto G85 provides higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | Comparable wide-angle capabilities. |
| Portrait (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 offers dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 provides dedicated macro capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization; No slow-motion | 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps; Yes stabilization; No slow-motion | Moto G85 offers smoother video recording with stabilization, and better 1080p video. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Main: 88, Photo: 83, Video: 109 | Moto G85's camera performance is rated by DxOMark, indicating reasonable quality for its class. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera | Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, OIS, PDAF, LAF, RAW | Moto G85 provides more advanced features for better image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 14 | Moto G85 has a newer operating system, with longer potential update lifespan. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Moto G85 has the latest WiFi standard, offering faster speeds on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | Moto G85 has a slightly newer, more efficient standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Moto G85 provides slightly better location accuracy with additional satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | Moto G85 offers flexibility to switch carriers digitally with eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 64 GB | 256 GB or 128 GB | Moto G85 has more storage capacity (256GB vs 128GB). |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Moto G85 provides significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 Microphones | Moto G85 has better audio playback and recording. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both have a fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Moto G85 offers superior screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both have the same main sensor suite, A32 has additional Hall and Geomagnetic sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Here's a breakdown of the major advantages of each phone:
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Offers dedicated macro and depth sensors, which the Moto G85 lacks, allowing for more diverse photographic options.
- Hall and Geomagnetic Sensors: The addition of a Hall sensor and geomagnetic sensor can be useful for specialized apps, however, this is not something most users will need.
- Slightly Higher Pixel Density The pixel density is slightly higher giving a slightly crisper image, however, the difference is negligible.
Motorola Moto G85 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset and higher AnTuTu score, making it much better for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Brighter Display with Higher Refresh Rate: Significantly brighter screen, making it much more usable in outdoor conditions, along with a smoother 120Hz refresh rate.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor with wider aperture potentially results in better low-light images and overall image quality, supported by OIS.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging, allowing for quicker battery top-ups.
- Newer Software: Ships with a newer version of Android, with more security and software updates expected over its lifespan.
- Stereo Speakers and Dolby Atmos: Superior audio experience due to its stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
- eSIM Support: Offers the convenience of using a digital SIM for seamless carrier switching.
- Better build quality: Uses a Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection, protecting the screen from scratches and minor bumps.
- More RAM and Storage: Larger RAM and Storage options provide better multitasking and more room for files.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Compromises performance and display quality for more camera versatility (depth and macro), but these are not as important as the quality of the main sensor.
- Motorola Moto G85: Loses dedicated depth and macro cameras, for improved main camera quality, superior display, performance, and audio experience.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who prioritize a lower price point over advanced features or performance
- Users who prefer macro and depth photography: Users who frequently use macro and portrait modes.
- Users who do not game or multitask: Users who will only use this device for basic tasks, like social media, video consumption, messaging.
Specific Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Basic social media browsing and content consumption.
- Casual photography with macro and depth effect.
- Users who don't care about device performance.
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G85:
- Users who prioritize performance: Those who want a smooth, responsive phone for daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality and audio playback for watching videos and listening to music.
- Users who need better camera quality and performance: Those that often take pictures, especially in low-light conditions, or prefer faster shutter speeds.
- Users who want a modern device: Those who need the latest software and connectivity options.
Specific Use Cases for Motorola Moto G85:
- Gaming and multitasking.
- Watching videos and listening to music with good audio quality.
- Capturing higher-quality photos and videos.
- Using the phone outdoors in sunny conditions.
- Users who need smooth performance and responsiveness.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Moto G85 offers superior performance, a brighter display, better cameras, and faster charging, which justifies its higher price. This makes it the better value in the long run. The A32 is an older phone, and is likely cheaper due to its age, but the trade-offs are significant, even at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions for buyers to consider when choosing between these two phones:
What is your budget?
- If the budget is extremely tight, the Galaxy A32 will be more affordable as a legacy device.
- If the budget permits, the Moto G85 is a worthwhile investment for its substantial performance and display quality upgrades.
How important is performance and gaming?
- If these are not a priority, the Samsung Galaxy A32 would be sufficient for basic tasks.
- If performance is a priority, and one intends to game or heavily multitask, the Motorola Moto G85 is the clear choice.
What is your primary use case for the camera?
- If macro and depth-based photography are preferred over the main camera, the A32 is a decent option.
- If main camera image quality, better low-light performance, better video quality and smooth video performance are desired, the Moto G85 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the casual user: If you are a very casual user who wants to perform basic tasks on their device, the Galaxy A32 may be a good fit for its lower price, if you can find it, as it is a legacy device.
- For the multimedia consumer and gamer: If you consume a lot of multimedia content, game, and take many pictures, the Moto G85's display, audio, performance, and camera improvements make it a superior choice.
- For the budget-conscious user: The Samsung Galaxy A32 may be slightly cheaper (if it's possible to find one), but it offers a significantly worse user experience.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would pick the Motorola Moto G85. The primary reason is the significant performance upgrade. The Snapdragon 6s Gen 3 chipset combined with the increased RAM provides a much more fluid and responsive experience, making multitasking and gaming more enjoyable. The brighter 120Hz display is a huge advantage for outdoor visibility and overall screen smoothness. Additionally, the inclusion of faster charging, better main camera quality, and superior audio experience make it the better choice for my needs. Although the Galaxy A32 offers macro and depth lenses, these are less important to me than the quality of the primary camera. Overall, the Motorola Moto G85 offers a better user experience due to its enhanced performance, better display, and more practical features.
