1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Size | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 159.1 × 73.3 × 8.3 mm | Virtually identical; negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 184g | 189g | Samsung A32 is slightly lighter; may be noticeable during long usage. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-folding smartphones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Almost identical; no practical difference. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2400 | Identical sharpness and clarity; excellent for media consumption. |
| PPI | 411 | 409 | Negligibly different; no visible difference in pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good outdoor visibility on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both devices. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. (Note: This is unusual and likely a data error, brightness should be a value, it is suggested that further information is needed) |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1200 (6nm) | OnePlus Nord 2 5G's chipset is significantly faster; noticeable difference in app loading, gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 714,400 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G is substantially more powerful, providing a much smoother experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G77 MC9 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G has much stronger graphical performance for demanding apps and games. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX766, 1.00µm pixels | Samsung has higher resolution, but OnePlus has a larger sensor with larger pixels, typically resulting in better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615, 0.80µm pixels | OnePlus has higher resolution and a newer sensor, but Samsung's wider aperture may perform better in some low-light scenarios. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.25, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14 µm pixels | Both have similar specs, OnePlus has larger pixel size which will likely result in better low light performance |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A32 has dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A32 has dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Black & White Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" GalaxyCore GC02M1, 1.75 µm pixels | OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a dedicated Black & white lens for black and white photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers higher resolution video recording and supports additional video modes, resulting in better video quality and flexibility. |
| Video Stabilization | No | EIS | OnePlus Nord 2 5G has Electronic Image Stabilization, resulting in less shaky videos. |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 240 fps | OnePlus Nord 2 5G supports slow-motion recording, with 240fps slow motion compared to 30 fps on Samsung. |
| 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 | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers better video features (4K, EIS, OIS), and better image capture (PDAF, RAW). Samsung A32 has a dedicated portrait and macro camera, while OnePlus has a black and white. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung A32 has larger battery, which generally translates to longer battery life, if not used heavily. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 65W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | OnePlus Nord 2 5G charges much faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-user-replaceable batteries. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Both phones are updatable to the same max version. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | OnePlus Nord 2 5G supports the latest Wi-Fi standard, for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G has a newer version of Bluetooth for improved connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus Nord 2 5G supports more satellite systems, potentially leading to more accurate and reliable GPS performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | OnePlus Nord 2 5G provides more internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | OnePlus Nord 2 5G offers more RAM, leading to better performance when multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus Nord 2 5G has enhanced audio features. |
| Security Features | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both offer standard biometric security. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | OnePlus Nord 2 5G has superior screen protection, making it more scratch resistant. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, RGB | OnePlus has more advanced features like RGB, Samsung has less commonly used Hall, Geomagnetic sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: 500mAh larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Dedicated Portrait and Macro Lenses: Offers greater versatility for photography, especially for close-up shots and portrait effects.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Camera: Potentially better low light performance when using the front facing camera
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: Superior chipset and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming experience.
- Better Camera Sensor and Video: Higher quality photos, particularly in low-light conditions due to larger pixels, plus 4K video recording. Offers OIS.
- Black & White Sensor: Greater versitility in low light or black and white photography.
- 65W Fast Charging: Much faster battery charging.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides added durability.
- More RAM and Storage options: Offers up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB storage, providing better multitasking capabilities.
- Stereo Speakers and Noise Canceling Microphone: Improved audio experience overall and better call quality.
- Newer WiFi and Bluetooth Standard : Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, offering better and more reliable connectivity.
- More Advanced Sensors: Offers the RGB sensor, which can provide more accurate readings in complex lighting environments.
- Slow-Motion Video: Offers up to 240 fps slow-motion video capture.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A32: Sacrifices performance and camera quality for longer battery life and more niche cameras (macro and portrait).
- OnePlus Nord 2 5G: Sacrifices some battery capacity for significantly better performance, camera capabilities, and faster charging.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those looking for a lower price point with all-day battery life.
- Casual users: People who primarily use their phone for social media, browsing, and basic photography.
- Macro and Portrait Enthusiasts: Users who specifically desire the dedicated portrait and macro lens capabilities.
Use Cases:
- Long trips/days out: The large battery will last an entire day without needing to be recharged.
- Casual photography: Good for everyday shots, but not ideal for demanding photography.
- Basic media consumption: The AMOLED screen will provide a good media consumption experience, but the weaker chipset might not be ideal for demanding tasks.
OnePlus Nord 2 5G Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Gamers and users who need smooth multitasking and demanding app performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality, video capabilities, and low-light performance.
- Users needing fast charging: Those who need to quickly charge their phone throughout the day.
- Users who want a more premium experience: This device offers more premium features such as Stereo Speakers, Gorilla Glass and superior connectivity.
Use Cases:
- Gaming and heavy multitasking: The powerful processor and ample RAM will provide a smooth and responsive experience.
- High-quality photos and videos: Great for content creation, vacation photos, and capturing special moments.
- Fast-paced lifestyles: The fast charging will keep you going throughout the day without having to be tethered to an outlet.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If you have a strict budget, the Samsung A32 might be more affordable, but with significant compromises in performance.
- What is more important, performance or battery life? If you require fast app loading and smooth gaming, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the clear choice. If your primary concern is having the phone last the entire day, the A32 will work better.
- How important is camera quality and versatility? If you require better image quality, video performance, low light capabilities, and better video recording capabilities, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Battery Focused
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32. It sacrifices performance for longer battery life and is likely more affordable.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Focused
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 2 5G. It provides significantly better performance, camera quality, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User
- Recommendation: OnePlus Nord 2 5G. Although more expensive, the better performance, camera, charging speed and overall quality provide better value.
My Choice
I would choose the OnePlus Nord 2 5G.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A32 offers a larger battery, the OnePlus Nord 2 5G provides a significantly better overall experience. Its superior processor results in smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities. The camera is significantly better, particularly with its larger sensor and inclusion of OIS for video. The faster charging capability is a significant convenience, and the additional RAM and storage offer more headroom for the future. The inclusion of features such as stereo speakers, noise canceling microphone, newer wifi and Bluetooth standards, and a more durable glass panel makes it the more premium feeling phone out of the two.
While the slightly larger battery of the A32 is beneficial, the overall performance and features of the Nord 2 5G outweigh that for my use case. The A32 feels like a device that prioritizes cost savings rather than an overall quality experience, whilst the Nord 2 5G is a clear premium device with a large number of features.
While the price difference might be a factor, the long-term benefits and experience of the OnePlus Nord 2 5G make it a worthwhile investment for my use case.
