Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Nokia X30
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Nokia X30 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2022-09-21 | Nokia X30 is a newer model, potentially benefiting from more recent tech and software. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm, 184g | 158.9 × 73.9 × 8 mm, 185g | Very similar in size and weight; A32 is slightly thicker. Minimal real-world difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Negligible size difference; Both offer similar screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both provide sharp visuals; no difference in screen clarity. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 409 | Virtually identical sharpness; difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide smoother scrolling and animations compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to comment on screen brightness since the data is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Nokia X30's chipset is more efficient and powerful leading to better performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 410,072 | Nokia X30 offers substantially better performance, noticeable in app loading, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Nokia X30's Adreno GPU is significantly faster, which matters for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4200mAh | Samsung A32 should offer longer battery life due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 33W fast charging, Lithium | Nokia X30 charges significantly faster; A32 has no fast charging mentioned. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have built-in batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1.00 µm pixel size | Samsung A32 has higher resolution, while Nokia X30 has larger pixels for better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm pixel size | Samsung A32 has higher resolution and wider aperture. May capture slightly brighter selfies in low-light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Nokia X30 has a higher resolution wide-angle lens, potentially capturing more detailed wide shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A32 has a dedicated depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization; No slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps; Yes stabilization; Yes slow-mo. | Nokia X30 can record smoother videos due to stabilization; Supports slow-motion and 60fps. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, other standard options | Dual camera, OIS, CDAF, Night Mode, other standard options | Samsung A32 has an extra camera lens; Nokia X30 provides superior image stabilization and low light features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max 13 | Android 12, Max 13 | Nokia X30 starts with a newer Android version; both will receive the same future major updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nokia X30 offers faster Wi-Fi speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | Nokia X30 has slightly newer tech, potentially more power-efficient; provides a wider array of audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nokia X30 supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support using two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Nokia X30 offers higher storage options, especially beneficial for large media libraries. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8 GB | Nokia X30 has a minimum of 6GB RAM which is better for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Basic | Both have comparable basic audio output quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | basic fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both have a basic fingerprint sensor for device unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Nokia X30 has superior screen protection, more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity | Samsung A32 has an extra compass sensor compared to Nokia X30. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 5000 mAh vs. 4200 mAh, providing potentially longer battery life.
- More Camera Sensors: Dedicated portrait and macro lenses, offering more versatile photography options, and higher resolution in the main and selfie cameras.
- Compass sensor: Provides additional functionality in navigation apps and games.
Nokia X30 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster chipset and GPU (Snapdragon 695 vs. Helio G80), resulting in smoother app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging, which means quicker battery top-ups compared to A32's standard charging.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers better resistance against scratches and drops.
- Modern Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 LE for faster and more efficient wireless connections.
- Optical Image Stabilization (OIS): Helps capture sharper images and videos, especially in low light.
- Higher Storage Options: Available with 256 GB internal storage.
- Improved video recording: 1080p@60fps and video stabilization.
- Software: Newer OS at launch.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A32 has a larger battery but significantly less performance than the Nokia X30.
- The A32 has more camera lenses, but the X30 offers higher quality imaging with OIS and larger sensor pixels.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Casual users: Who prioritize battery life and having versatile camera lenses for everyday photos, but don't heavily rely on performance for demanding tasks.
- Budget-conscious buyers: Who want a decent screen and good battery life at a lower price point.
- Users who prefer basic photography. The camera setup will provide enough quality for social media.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Extended use without frequent charging (e.g., long commutes, travel).
- Casual photography for social media, where a dedicated macro and depth sensor are a plus.
- Basic gaming.
- General day-to-day tasks, browsing, and social media usage.
Ideal User for Nokia X30:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Users focused on content consumption: Those who watch videos, stream content or play games for extended periods of time.
- Photography enthusiasts: Who want better quality photos, especially in low-light, and are looking for more stabilized video.
- Tech-savvy users: Who value fast wireless connectivity and modern features.
Use Cases for Nokia X30:
- Mobile gaming, especially games that demand higher frame rates and graphical detail.
- Photography and videography, where the OIS and faster processing improve overall results.
- Streaming content, browsing, multitasking.
- Users who prefer a device with better build quality.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Samsung A32 is likely more affordable, making it a better choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize battery life over all-out performance and camera quality.
- The Nokia X30, while likely more expensive, justifies the cost with a better processor, superior display protection, faster charging, and overall performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is battery life to me, compared to performance? If long battery life is paramount, the Samsung A32 is better. For better performance, the Nokia X30 is the clear choice.
- What do I value more in a camera, versatility or overall image quality? The A32 has more camera lenses, but the X30 provides better image quality and stabilization.
- Do I need fast charging and advanced connectivity? The Nokia X30 offers faster charging, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1 LE.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-conscious buyer wanting a reliable daily driver: The Samsung Galaxy A32 is likely more affordable and still offers decent battery life and camera versatility for everyday use.
Scenario 2: Mobile gamer or power user: The Nokia X30 is significantly better, thanks to its faster processor, better GPU, and faster charging.
Scenario 3: Casual photographer who uses the camera sparingly: The Samsung Galaxy A32 provides more versatile lenses (macro, portrait) but for better quality photos and video in general the Nokia X30 excels thanks to OIS.
My Choice
I would choose the Nokia X30.
While the Samsung Galaxy A32 offers a larger battery and more camera sensors, the Nokia X30 excels in areas that are more important to my typical usage: performance, build quality, and overall photography. The faster processor, superior screen protection, faster charging, and particularly the inclusion of optical image stabilization (OIS) in the camera are features that significantly enhance the daily user experience. While the Samsung A32 has more camera lenses, the superior quality offered by the Nokia X30 and the OIS is more important in my decision making. I value better image quality, and smoother performance over simply having more lens options or slightly better battery life.
