Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. OnePlus Nord 3
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 3 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2023-07-11 | OnePlus Nord 3 is significantly newer, with newer features and technologies. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 162 × 75.1 × 8.2 mm | OnePlus Nord 3 is slightly taller and wider, while the A32 is negligibly thicker. Differences are unlikely to be majorly noticeable in day-to-day use. |
| Weight | 184g | 193.5g | Samsung Galaxy A32 is slightly lighter, which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.74" | OnePlus Nord 3 offers a more immersive viewing experience due to its larger display. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 3 provides sharper images and text due to its significantly higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 451 PPI | OnePlus Nord 3 has slightly sharper images due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, providing a great visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus Nord 3 offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1450 nits | OnePlus Nord 3 has drastically superior outdoor visibility under bright conditions. The A32's brightness is likely inadequate for sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 3 offers vastly superior performance, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,103,441 | OnePlus Nord 3 is significantly faster in all tasks, from everyday use to demanding applications and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G710 MC10 | OnePlus Nord 3 has a much more powerful GPU, enabling better graphics in games and other demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should provide a full day of battery life under moderate usage. |
| Charging | Li-Ion, 15W (Note: spec missing) | 80W fast charging, Li-Polymer | OnePlus Nord 3 offers significantly faster charging times, a huge advantage for users who need to quickly top up their phones. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64.2MP | 50MP | Samsung Galaxy A32 captures slightly more detailed photos under ideal conditions due to its higher resolution, but this isn't the whole picture. |
| Main Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.56" | OnePlus Nord 3 has a larger sensor which will allow for more light capture and improved dynamic range and low light photos. |
| Main Camera Sensor Model | Unknown | Sony IMX890 | OnePlus Nord 3 uses a higher quality Sony sensor. |
| Main Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.00 µm | OnePlus Nord 3's larger pixel size may improve low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Samsung Galaxy A32 might produce marginally more detailed selfies in good lighting conditions, however other factors contribute more to image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A32 might let in slightly more light resulting in better low-light selfies, but this is not the full picture. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Unknown | Sony IMX471 Exmor RS | OnePlus Nord 3 has a higher quality Sony sensor. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.00 µm | OnePlus Nord 3's pixel size is specified, which may impact low-light performance |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP | 8MP | Similar wide angle camera. |
| Portrait mode | 5MP | None | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 2MP | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a higher-resolution macro lens, which will produce slightly more detailed close-up images. |
| Video Quality | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps with EIS | OnePlus Nord 3 allows for far better video recording, with higher resolution and frame rate, and Electronic Image Stabilization. |
| OIS | No | Yes | OnePlus Nord 3 has Optical Image Stabilization for much more stable video. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 (upgradable to 16) | OnePlus Nord 3 ships with a more recent version of Android and will receive longer software updates, making it more future-proof. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | OnePlus Nord 3 supports newer Wi-Fi standards, providing faster speeds and better performance, especially in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | OnePlus Nord 3 has more modern and efficient bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | OnePlus Nord 3 has more accurate GPS with the addition of QZSS, dual band GPS, and Galileo. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | OnePlus Nord 3 offers more storage options for users who need to store more files, apps and media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8/16 GB | OnePlus Nord 3 has significantly more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and more seamless switching between apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage, meaning users are limited to the internal storage of the device. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | OnePlus Nord 3 provides significantly better audio experience. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Potentially more detailed main camera in ideal lighting: The 64.2MP sensor may capture slightly more detail compared to the 50MP of the Nord 3. However, this depends more on the quality of the sensor, not just the megapixels.
- Dedicated Portrait (Depth) Camera: This can provide better depth of field and potentially more accurate portrait mode effects.
- Slightly lighter: The difference in weight might be noticeable for users with specific preferences.
- Lower Price: The A32 is significantly cheaper than the Nord 3.
OnePlus Nord 3 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 9000 chipset provides drastically faster performance for all tasks, including gaming, multitasking, and app loading.
- Significantly Better Display: Larger, sharper display with higher refresh rate, much higher brightness, leading to a noticeably better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Superior Camera Quality: While the A32 has a higher megapixel count, the OnePlus Nord 3 has better quality sensors with larger pixel sizes, and Optical Image Stabilization, leading to better image quality, especially in low light, and far better video.
- Fast Charging: 80W fast charging capability dramatically reduces charging times.
- More RAM: Significantly more RAM allows for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- More Storage: Larger storage options available (256 GB vs. 128 GB max).
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res Audio provide a superior listening experience.
- Newer Software: Ships with a more recent version of Android and longer software support.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, leading to faster speeds.
- More Advanced GPS: More accurate GPS due to support for QZSS and dual band GPS.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Price: The OnePlus Nord 3 is more expensive compared to the Samsung Galaxy A32.
- Portrait Camera: The OnePlus Nord 3 lacks a dedicated depth camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday use, with a focus on still photography in good lighting conditions.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, social media, communication, light gaming, taking pictures in good light, users who value having a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, and a slightly lighter device.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a decent, albeit basic, smartphone experience at a lower price point.
OnePlus Nord 3:
- Ideal User: Users who need a high-performance phone for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, professional photography/videography and multi-tasking, and users who are keen on consuming media.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, heavy multitasking, video editing, professional photography and videography, media consumption, and users who value fast charging, and a smooth and lag free user experience.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with significantly better performance, display, camera, and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If budget is the primary concern, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the more affordable option.
- What are my primary use cases? If performance, display quality, and camera quality are paramount, the OnePlus Nord 3 is the clear winner. If the phone is only used for very basic functions, the A32 could be suitable.
- How important are camera features like portrait mode? If a dedicated depth sensor is a must, the Samsung A32 has an advantage. However, if video quality or low light performance are a higher priority, the OnePlus Nord 3 is the better option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern.
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A32. It provides a basic smartphone experience at a lower cost.
Scenario 2: Need a phone for gaming, video, or heavy multitasking.
- Recommendation: Choose the OnePlus Nord 3. It provides the performance needed for heavy use, and has an excellent display, battery and camera for these uses.
Scenario 3: Camera quality is important, and portrait mode is a high priority.
- Recommendation: The Samsung Galaxy A32's dedicated portrait camera might be preferred. However, for the most part, the OnePlus Nord 3's sensor quality is going to produce higher quality photos, especially in low light.
My Choice
Given the data, I would choose the OnePlus Nord 3.
Reasoning:
The OnePlus Nord 3 represents a significant leap forward in terms of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. While the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a more budget-friendly option, the gap in performance is enormous. The Dimensity 9000 chipset in the Nord 3 is not just incrementally faster, but several times faster than the Helio G80 in the A32. This has a direct impact on the user experience, ranging from app loading times to gaming performance. The 120Hz AMOLED display with a brightness of 1450 nits on the Nord 3 is also a vast improvement over the A32.
While the A32 may have a dedicated depth sensor and slightly higher megapixel count on its main camera, the sensor quality, larger pixels, and OIS on the Nord 3 are significantly more important for overall image quality. The fast 80W charging is a feature I would find extremely convenient in my daily routine.
The OnePlus Nord 3 is the clear choice, if the budget allows. The improved speed, display, camera performance and overall user experience is worth the extra cost.
