1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Nothing Phone (2a) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 161.7 × 76.3 × 8.6 mm | Nothing Phone (2a) is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. |
| Weight | 184g | 190g | Samsung Galaxy A32 is negligibly lighter, which might be preferable during extended usage. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2412 | Both have similar sharpness, and the difference is unlikely to be noticeable. |
| PPI | 411 | 394 | Both have very similar pixel densities, resulting in similar display clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | Nothing Phone (2a) has dramatically better visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2a) will be much faster and more responsive, with better multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 688,952 | Nothing Phone (2a) has significantly better overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G610 MC4 | Nothing Phone (2a) offers much better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" sensor, Samsung GN9, 1.00µm pixels | Samsung Galaxy A32 has higher resolution on paper, while Nothing Phone (2a) likely has better image quality due to its larger sensor and pixel size, potentially capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.74" sensor, Sony IMX615, 0.80µm pixels | Nothing Phone (2a) captures more detailed selfie photos due to its higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenes |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for improved portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Lens | Not available | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm pixels | Nothing Phone (2a) utilizes its ultrawide camera also for macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No EIS, No Slow-Motion | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 1080p@120fps with EIS, Slow-motion: Yes, 240fps | Nothing Phone (2a) offers higher quality video recording, better stabilization, and slow-motion features. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Time-Lapse, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Nothing Phone (2a) has more advanced features such as OIS, PDAF, RAW capture, Night Mode and higher quality video capabilities. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, offering comparable battery life. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Nothing Phone (2a) charges significantly faster, reducing time spent plugged into a charger. |
| Charger in box | Yes | No | Samsung Galaxy A32 includes a charger, unlike Nothing Phone (2a) |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Max 13) | Android 14 (Max 17) | Nothing Phone (2a) has a newer Android version and will receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) supports faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) has a more efficient and feature-rich Bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | Nothing Phone (2a) offers potentially more accurate positioning due to more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a higher maximum storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Nothing Phone (2a) has significantly more RAM, which results in better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | Nothing Phone (2a) offers a superior audio experience with higher quality playback and stereo sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensors |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Nothing Phone (2a) uses more durable screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity | Both phones have a comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Wide Angle, Macro and Depth Sensors: Has a dedicated wide-angle lens, macro lens, and depth sensor, which can provide more flexibility in photography if you prefer those types of shots.
- Charger in Box: Includes a charger in the box, whereas the Nothing Phone (2a) does not.
Practical Implications: The A32 might appeal to users who desire more specialized camera modes or those who prefer having a charger included.
Nothing Phone (2a) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset and significantly higher AnTuTu score will result in much smoother performance in daily usage, multitasking, and gaming.
- Better Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals, and dramatically better outdoor brightness.
- Enhanced Cameras: Larger sensor and pixel size on the main camera and better quality selfie camera, along with more advanced video features such as 4K recording, OIS, and EIS.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging significantly reduces battery refill times.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher maximum storage capacity and RAM, which helps with multitasking, app responsiveness, and overall longevity.
- Modern Software: Ships with a newer Android version and is likely to receive more updates.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio support, stereo speakers, and 3 microphones for better playback and capture quality.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection for better durability
- Better Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
Practical Implications: The Nothing Phone (2a) offers a more premium experience with substantially better performance, a superior display, higher-quality camera results, faster charging, and a more modern software experience.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Nothing Phone (2a) has no dedicated wide-angle, macro or depth lens: This might be a disadvantage for users who frequently use those specific lens types.
- Nothing Phone (2a) does not include a charger: The user will have to purchase a charger, but there is the benefit of being able to choose one that fits their needs
- Samsung Galaxy A32 has older hardware: It's less future-proof in terms of performance and software updates.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Ideal User: Price-conscious users who prioritize a good display and a decent main camera with a more extensive array of lenses. Users who prefer to have all accessories already included.
- Use Cases: Casual browsing, social media, basic photography, and users who prefer having a wide angle and macro lens.
- Price-to-Value: This is an older phone which might be found at a budget price. However, the performance might not be on par with newer phones.
Nothing Phone (2a):
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, a high-quality display, and a good overall camera experience, along with the modern software. Users who also care about audio quality and charging speed.
- Use Cases: Demanding mobile games, heavy multitasking, high-quality content consumption, and users who prioritize taking quality videos and pictures.
- Price-to-Value: Offers significantly more features for a higher price. It is a newer phone which provides more value per dollar spent.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If price is the primary concern, the older A32 might be a more budget-friendly option. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a superior experience for its price.
- How important is performance for my daily use? If you're a heavy user, gamer, or multitasker, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a clear winner.
- Do I need a versatile camera setup with multiple dedicated lenses? The A32 has a wide angle, macro and portrait mode lens. If those are your priority then it is the more suitable option. If you prefer image quality from the main camera and better video quality, then the Nothing Phone (2a) is better.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If your priority is cost and you need a decent main camera with the convenience of an included charger, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is an option. However, be prepared for a slower experience compared to newer devices.
- Performance and Multimedia User: If you want a smooth experience, faster loading times, better graphics for games, superior video quality, fast charging, a modern OS, and more future-proof hardware, the Nothing Phone (2a) is the clear choice, despite the increased cost.
- Photography Enthusiast: If you prioritize a versatile camera setup with different dedicated lenses (wide-angle, macro, depth), the Samsung Galaxy A32 offers that. However, the Nothing Phone (2a) has a higher quality main camera for everyday shooting and a much better selfie and video capture capability.
My Choice
I would choose the Nothing Phone (2a).
Reasons:
- The performance difference is massive. The Dimensity 7200 Pro chipset in the Nothing Phone (2a) offers a vastly superior user experience compared to the Helio G80 in the A32. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
- The display on the Nothing Phone (2a) is superior due to its 120Hz refresh rate, and 1300 nits of peak brightness.
- The camera quality on the Nothing Phone (2a), despite having a lower resolution, is better due to the larger sensor and pixel sizes on the main camera, along with the significantly superior selfie and video capture capability with 4k recording, and OIS and EIS for better stabilization.
- The inclusion of 45W fast charging makes a significant impact in everyday usage, along with better storage and ram options.
- The longer software support life of the Nothing Phone (2a) makes it a more future-proof device.
While the A32 has a dedicated wide-angle, macro, and depth lens, the quality and versatility of the primary camera and the significantly superior performance of the Nothing Phone (2a) are more important to me. I would rather have fewer lenses but higher overall quality. The convenience of fast charging and the modern software also make the Nothing Phone (2a) a more attractive daily driver. I also don't mind not having a charger in the box, as I prefer to purchase ones that fit my needs.
