Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. OnePlus 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2023-01-09 | OnePlus 11 is significantly newer, benefiting from more recent technology. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphones, no foldable display. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 163.1 x 74.1 x 8.5 mm | OnePlus 11 is slightly taller and wider, but both are similar in size and thickness, leading to comparable one-handed usability. |
| Weight | 184g | 205g | Samsung Galaxy A32 is lighter, more comfortable for extended use. OnePlus 11 is heavier but still manageable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | OnePlus 11 provides a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1440x3216 | OnePlus 11 provides significantly sharper visuals, text, and images, noticeable in daily use, leading to a more crisp experience. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 525 | OnePlus 11 has noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density leading to a better viewing experience for text and detailed content. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but OnePlus 11's higher resolution will be more impactful. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus 11 offers smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | OnePlus 11 offers dramatically better outdoor visibility, making it suitable for use in bright sunlight. A32 brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | OnePlus 11 has a much more powerful processor, resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming, and longer future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,389,474 | OnePlus 11 offers drastically higher performance, evident in all tasks, especially demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 740 | OnePlus 11's GPU is significantly faster for graphics-intensive applications and gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00µm, Sony IMX890 | Samsung A32 has higher resolution, while OnePlus 11 has a larger sensor for better light capture and image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, pixel size | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.1", 1.00µm, Samsung S5K3P9 | A32 higher resolution and wider aperture. The real difference is going to be in the image processing. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not Included | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74", 0.80µm, Sony IMX709 | OnePlus 11 has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom, missing on A32. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2, pixel size | Not Included | Samsung Galaxy A32 includes a dedicated wide-angle lens, missing on the OnePlus 11 |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size | Not Included | Samsung Galaxy A32 includes a dedicated portrait depth sensor, missing on the OnePlus 11 |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size | Not Included | Samsung Galaxy A32 includes a dedicated macro lens, missing on the OnePlus 11 |
| Wide Angle + Macro | Not Included | 48MP, f/2.2, 1/2", 0.80µm, Sony IMX581 | OnePlus 11 has a dedicated wide-angle + macro lens, missing on the A32, offering versatility |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | Up to 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS | OnePlus 11 offers significantly higher video quality, with 8K and higher frame rates, plus video stabilization for smoother videos. |
| Camera DXOMark | Not Listed | 127 (Mobile), 134 (Photo), 121 (Video) | OnePlus 11 has a more sophisticated camera system, with a rating that shows a significant difference in quality compared to the unrated Samsung A32 |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, with comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 100W Fast Charging, Lithium | OnePlus 11 has dramatically faster charging, allowing for a much quicker refill time, Samsung A32 lacks fast charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both feature non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 13, Upgradable to 14 | OnePlus 11 has a more recent OS version and longer software support, potentially providing more features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac, Dual-band, etc. | Wi-Fi 7, Dual-band, etc. | OnePlus 11 supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds and reduced latency, plus Wi-Fi MiMO for more robust connections. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, etc. | Bluetooth 5.3 LE, etc. | OnePlus 11 has a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version with advanced audio codecs for higher quality and more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | OnePlus 11 provides more precise location with a wider range of satellite systems and dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | OnePlus 11 offers eSIM support, allowing for more flexibility in switching carriers. A32 includes two physical nano SIM card slots |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128 GB | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | OnePlus 11 offers significantly more internal storage options, better for storing large files, media and applications. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | OnePlus 11 offers more RAM for smoother multitasking and more efficient use of background apps. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone has expandable storage, requiring users to choose storage options carefully during purchase. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, etc. | OnePlus 11 offers superior audio experience with spatial audio and high-res audio support plus stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer basic fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | OnePlus 11 offers superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, etc | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, etc. | Both include accelerometer, gyroscope. A32 also has a Hall sensor and Geomagnetic sensor. One Plus also has a Gravity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Wide Angle, Macro, and Portrait Lenses: Offers more camera versatility with dedicated lenses.
- Lower Price: Usually available at a lower price point, making it more accessible for budget-conscious buyers.
OnePlus 11 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset offers drastically better performance.
- Higher Resolution and Refresh Rate: Provides sharper visuals, smoother animations.
- Significantly Brighter Display: Much better visibility in bright sunlight.
- Fast Charging: 100W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes a telephoto lens and better video capabilities.
- High Quality Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers.
- Newer Software & Connectivity: More recent Android version, Bluetooth 5.3, and Wi-Fi 7.
- More Storage and RAM: Higher RAM options for smoother multitasking and more internal storage capacity
Significant Trade-Offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 trades performance and advanced features for a lower price and lighter weight. Its camera has more versatility with extra lenses, but the overall quality is lower.
- The OnePlus 11 is heavier and more expensive, but offers a substantially superior user experience in terms of performance, display quality, charging speed, and camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Prioritizes affordability over high-end performance.
- Casual Users: Primarily uses phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and calls.
- Users Preferring Lighter Devices: Values lightweight and comfortable handling over premium features.
- Photography Focused Users: Users that value the versatility of dedicated Wide, Macro and Portrait lenses.
Use Cases:
- Everyday phone for basic communication and light app usage.
- Budget-friendly option for students or users who don't need high performance.
- Phone for users who value lighter form factor for daily use.
- Users interested in exploring dedicated lens photography on a budget.
OnePlus 11 Ideal User:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Demands fast and fluid performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Appreciates the latest technology and advanced features.
- Media Consumers: Enjoys watching videos, gaming, and browsing on a high-quality display.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Needs high-quality cameras and video capabilities.
- Audio Focused Users: Wanting a high quality audio experience
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high settings without lag.
- Professional photography and video recording.
- Heavy multitasking with demanding applications.
- Long battery life with fast charging for users on the go.
- Users who enjoy movies, music, podcasts, and immersive sound.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend? The OnePlus 11 is likely more expensive.
- Performance Needs: Do you need high performance for gaming or intensive apps, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Camera Priorities: Do you value camera versatility or camera quality and advanced video features?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Use: If you're on a tight budget and need a basic phone for casual use, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is adequate.
- Scenario 2: Gaming & Performance: If you are a gamer, or need smooth multitasking, or use demanding applications, the OnePlus 11 is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Videography: If you value camera versatility for different types of photography, the Samsung Galaxy A32 has that covered with more dedicated lenses, however if you need higher quality photos with advanced video recording options, the OnePlus 11 is a much better choice.
- Scenario 4: Outdoor Use & Media Consumption: If you need great display visibility in bright sunlight and want a better display and sound, the OnePlus 11 is the better option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the OnePlus 11.
Here's why:
- Performance: The significantly faster Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, combined with more RAM, ensures a far smoother and more responsive user experience for all tasks.
- Display: The combination of higher resolution, pixel density, and brightness results in a much more pleasing viewing experience, especially for media and gaming.
- Camera Quality: While the A32 has more dedicated lenses, the image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, and the advanced video features on the OnePlus 11 make it a much more capable camera system.
- Fast Charging: The 100W fast charging is a game-changer for anyone with a busy lifestyle.
- Audio: As a music and podcast enjoyer, the OnePlus 11's high quality sound and stereo speakers are a major plus.
- Future Proofing: Newer software and connectivity, more storage and RAM all offer better longevity.
While the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a decent phone, especially for users on a budget, the OnePlus 11's significantly superior performance, display, camera, battery and other high end specs, make it the better choice for me. I am willing to pay the premium for a noticeably better experience.
