Samsung Galaxy A32 vs Nokia C21 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 25, 2021 April 29, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 98.24 cm³ 107.57 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.48 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 184 g 178 g
Height 158.9 mm 164.8 mm
Width 73.6 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.52 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.6 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 118.79 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.9 mAh/cm³ 46.95 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 IMG8322

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG microUSB 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32Nokia C21 PlusPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mmNokia C21 Plus is larger and slightly thicker, may feel less comfortable for smaller hands.
Weight184g178gNokia C21 Plus is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended use.
Display
Size6.4"6.52"Nokia C21 Plus has a slightly larger display, good for media consumption.
Resolution1080 x 2400720 x 1600Samsung Galaxy A32 has significantly sharper text and images, better for reading and detailed visuals.
Pixel Density411 PPI269 PPISamsung Galaxy A32's higher pixel density provides a much clearer viewing experience.
TechnologyAMOLEDIPS LCDSamsung Galaxy A32 offers superior blacks, contrast, and potentially better power efficiency with dark themes.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzSamsung Galaxy A32 has smoother animations and scrolling, a more fluid visual experience.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBrightness is not available for comparison.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G80 (12nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28nm)Samsung Galaxy A32's chip is more powerful, leading to faster app loading and better multitasking.
AnTuTu Score200,458109,200Samsung Galaxy A32 provides significantly smoother performance, better for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy app usage.
GPUMali-G52 MC2IMG8322Samsung Galaxy A32 has a more capable GPU for better gaming and graphics processing.
Camera
Main Camera64.2MP, f/1.813MPSamsung Galaxy A32 captures more detailed images with a higher resolution main sensor.
Selfie Camera20MP, f/2.25MP, f/2.2Samsung Galaxy A32 takes significantly sharper and higher quality selfies.
Wide-Angle Lens8MP, f/2.2NoneSamsung Galaxy A32 can capture wider landscape photos.
Depth Sensor5MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Samsung Galaxy A32 offers better portrait mode with higher-resolution depth sensing.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.4NoneSamsung Galaxy A32 can capture detailed close-up shots.
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsBoth phones record video at the same quality, suitable for general use.
Camera FeaturesQuad, Autofocus, HDR, etc.Dual, PDAF, Front Flash, HDR, etc.Samsung Galaxy A32 has more camera lenses. Nokia C21 Plus offers PDAF for faster autofocus and front flash for better lit selfies in low light.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh4000mAhSamsung Galaxy A32 is expected to offer longer battery life, especially with efficient AMOLED display.
ChargingStandard10W Fast ChargingNokia C21 Plus charges faster, minimizing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 11Samsung Galaxy A32 can be updated to a newer Android version, with more features and security updates.
Connectivity
WiFi802.11ac, dual-band802.11nSamsung Galaxy A32 offers better Wi-Fi connectivity with faster speeds on the 5GHz band.
Bluetooth5.04.2 LESamsung Galaxy A32 has a newer Bluetooth standard, potentially better performance and energy efficiency.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoSamsung Galaxy A32 supports more satellite systems, potentially more accurate location data in areas with limited satellite visibility.
Storage
Internal Storage64/128 GB32/64 GBSamsung Galaxy A32 can have up to 128 GB of internal storage, suitable for more media and apps.
RAM4/6/8 GB2/4 GBSamsung Galaxy A32's higher RAM variants offer better performance with multitasking and demanding applications.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage, limiting storage options.
Security
Fingerprint SensorBasic fingerprint sensorRear-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth have fingerprint sensors; Samsung has basic one vs Nokia’s rear mounted.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, ProximityAccelerometer, ProximitySamsung Galaxy A32 is equipped with more sensors, enabling additional features such as enhanced motion-based games.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and 90Hz refresh rate provides a much sharper, more vibrant, and smoother visual experience.
  • Much Better Performance: More powerful processor (Helio G80) and GPU offer faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
  • Better Camera System: Higher-resolution main and selfie cameras, plus additional wide-angle, macro, and depth sensors, lead to more versatile and higher-quality photos and videos.
  • Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery offers better battery endurance, ideal for heavy users who need their phone to last all day.
  • More Storage and RAM options: Higher storage and RAM options lead to better multitasking and storage of media and apps.
  • Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Standards: Offers more stable connections to peripherals with more functionality.
  • Better GPS system: Offers more accurate location data through more satellite systems.
  • More sensors: Gyroscope enables additional features such as enhanced motion-based games

Nokia C21 Plus Advantages:

  • Slightly Lighter: A bit more comfortable to hold during extended use, even though slightly larger.
  • 10W Fast Charging: Allows for quicker recharges, reducing downtime.
  • Lower Price: Likely to be more budget-friendly, appealing to cost-conscious consumers.
  • Front Flash: Allows for better lit selfies in low light
  • Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Offers faster and more accurate focus, improving photo quality.

Trade-offs:

  • Samsung Galaxy A32: Higher price point, slightly heavier, no fast charging.
  • Nokia C21 Plus: Significantly lower performance, poorer display, inferior camera system, smaller battery capacity, no expandable storage.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:

  • Media Consumers: Enjoy watching videos and movies, browsing social media, and reading e-books, requiring a high-quality display.
  • Casual Gamers: Want to play mobile games with smooth performance and decent graphics, but aren't hardcore gamers.
  • Photography Enthusiasts: Value versatile cameras with multiple lenses and features for capturing various shots.
  • Multitaskers: Need a phone that can handle multiple apps and tasks without lag, with higher memory capacity.
  • Long Battery Users: Need a phone that lasts the whole day with heavy usage.

Nokia C21 Plus Ideal User:

  • Budget-Conscious Buyers: Prioritize affordability over high-end features.
  • Basic Smartphone Users: Primarily use their phone for calls, messaging, and light browsing, not demanding high performance.
  • First-Time Smartphone Owners: Looking for a straightforward and easy-to-use device.
  • Users Who Prefer a Lighter Device: Prefer a phone that feels lighter in hand.
  • Users that do not value display or camera quality
  • Users that value slightly faster battery charging

Use Cases:

  • Samsung Galaxy A32: Streaming movies, playing graphic-intensive games, taking detailed photos and videos, multitasking between apps, all-day usage without frequent charging.
  • Nokia C21 Plus: Basic daily communication (calls/texts), light social media browsing, simple apps, short video captures, general use.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. How important is display quality to you? (AMOLED vs. IPS LCD, resolution, refresh rate)
  2. How much do you value performance? (smoothness, multitasking, gaming capability)
  3. What is your budget? (price difference vs feature trade-offs)

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: High Priority - Visual Experience & Performance: If you value a vibrant, sharp display and smooth, fast performance, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the clear choice. You will benefit from the superior AMOLED screen and the more capable processor.
  • Scenario 2: Budget Priority: If you are on a strict budget and prioritize basic smartphone functionality over high-end features, the Nokia C21 Plus will satisfy those needs. However, be aware of the compromises in display quality and performance.
  • Scenario 3: Camera Priority: If you like taking detailed and versatile photos, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is superior. With its multiple lenses and higher resolutions.

My Choice

If I were choosing, I would select the Samsung Galaxy A32. Although it is more expensive and doesn’t have fast charging, the superior display with the AMOLED panel, higher resolution, and 90Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage for my typical use, which involves a lot of media consumption and social media browsing. Additionally, the faster processor and better camera system provide a much more enjoyable and versatile user experience overall, more in line with my demands. The additional battery capacity is also very useful.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.