1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 162.6 × 75 × 8 mm | OnePlus Nord 4 is slightly larger, potentially less comfortable for one-handed use for some users. A32 is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 184g | 199.5g | Samsung Galaxy A32 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.74" | OnePlus Nord 4 has a larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1240x2772 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a sharper display with more detail, making text and images appear clearer. |
| PPI | 411 | 450 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a slightly higher pixel density, resulting in slightly sharper visuals. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of AMOLED displays. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus Nord 4 has smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2200 nits | OnePlus Nord 4 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight, making it easier to see the screen. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7675 Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 (4 nm) | OnePlus Nord 4's newer chipset offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming experience. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,366,982 | OnePlus Nord 4 is considerably faster in day to day operations, with significantly better performance in demanding apps and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 732 | OnePlus Nord 4’s GPU offers better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Samsung Galaxy A32 captures slightly more detail in well-lit conditions, however this is not the only factor to consider regarding overall quality. |
| Standard Camera Sensor | N/A | Sony LYT-600 1/2" | OnePlus Nord 4 has a larger sensor, potentially capturing more light and performing better in low-light situations. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 16MP | Samsung Galaxy A32 has higher resolution for selfie shots. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A32's wider aperture can result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | N/A | Sony IMX471 1/3.13" | OnePlus Nord 4 has larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX355 1/2.8" | Both offer similar wide angle capabilities. OnePlus Nord 4 has a larger sensor, potentially better low-light. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Samsung Galaxy A32 has dedicated depth sensor for better portrait mode images. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not present | Samsung Galaxy A32 has dedicated macro lens for close up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps | OnePlus Nord 4 supports higher video resolution and frame rate, offering more flexible and better quality video recording. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes, EIS + OIS | OnePlus Nord 4 has electronic (EIS) and optical image stabilization (OIS), offering smoother and more stable videos. |
| Slow-motion Video | No | Yes, 240fps | OnePlus Nord 4 has better slow motion video capture capabilities. |
| DxOMark | Not available | Not available | Cannot directly compare camera performance using DxOMark. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | OnePlus Nord 4 has a larger battery, likely offering longer battery life. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 100W fast charging, Li-Polymer | OnePlus Nord 4 offers much faster charging, significantly reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both batteries are non-removable, standard for most modern smartphones. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord 4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 11, max 13 | Android 14, max 18 | OnePlus Nord 4 has a newer version of Android, offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | OnePlus Nord 4 has the Wi-Fi 6 standard offering faster speeds and better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | OnePlus Nord 4 has the newer Bluetooth version offering better connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), QZSS (L1 + L5) | OnePlus Nord 4 has better GPS performance for location-based services. |
| Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | OnePlus Nord 4 has more storage space, allowing for more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB | OnePlus Nord 4 has significantly more RAM, allowing better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio | Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | OnePlus Nord 4 offers a better audio experience, with clearer and more immersive sound and improved voice capture. |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both phones use basic fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | The specific screen protection technology is unknown for both devices. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Samsung has a Compass and Hall sensor. OnePlus Nord 4 has a Gravity sensor |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter Design: Significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Offers a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Macro Lens: Features a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Older device, likely available at a lower price point.
Practical Implications: The A32 suits users who prioritize a lightweight design, enjoy portrait and macro photography, and want a more budget-friendly option.
OnePlus Nord 4 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Significantly faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and overall responsiveness.
- Larger, Sharper Display: Larger screen, higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and much higher brightness offering a much better visual experience.
- Better Camera System: Larger main camera sensor, better video recording capabilities, and better stabilization, resulting in improved picture and video quality.
- Larger Battery & Faster Charging: Larger battery and significantly faster charging speeds, increasing battery life and usability.
- Newer OS and Connectivity: Newer Android version, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.4, providing access to the latest features and better connectivity.
- More Storage and RAM: More base storage and RAM, improving multitasking and the amount of apps/media you can store on the phone.
- Better Audio Experience: Stereo speakers and dual microphones, for a more immersive experience and better audio capture quality.
Practical Implications: The Nord 4 caters to users seeking top-tier performance, excellent display, better camera capabilities, longer battery life, and modern features.
Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Trades performance, screen quality, battery charging, and camera features for a lighter design, dedicated depth and macro sensors, and a potentially lower price.
- OnePlus Nord 4: Slightly heavier than the A32 and lacks a dedicated depth and macro sensor, with its key advantage being performance, display quality, battery performance, and better connectivity.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a more affordable smartphone with basic features.
- Casual Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts (Specific): Users who are into portrait and macro photography will appreciate the dedicated sensors.
- Lightweight Phone Preference: Those who prioritize a lighter and compact phone for easy handling and carrying.
Use Cases: Basic social media use, casual photography, everyday communication, browsing and standard app use.
OnePlus Nord 4 Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch a lot of videos and want an immersive experience with a large screen.
- Mobile Photographers/Videographers: Those who take photos and videos frequently, seeking higher quality and more flexible recording options.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users seeking a smartphone with the latest features and better performance.
Use Cases: Mobile gaming, streaming video content, professional photography and videography, heavy multitasking, performance-intensive apps, and demanding everyday use.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case? (Casual use, gaming, photography, etc.)
- How important is performance to you? (Do you need the fastest experience or is basic performance sufficient?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for better performance and features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Basic Use): If your primary concern is cost and you only need basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better choice.
- Scenario 2 (Performance & Display Focused): If you prioritize performance, a better visual experience, and camera quality, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the superior option, given the much better chipset, display and camera system.
- Scenario 3 (Photography): If you need to take a lot of photos with varied styles, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers a more flexible camera system with better video quality, even though it lacks dedicated depth and macro sensors. However, the Samsung Galaxy A32 might be preferred for those who specifically prioritize portrait and macro photography.
- Scenario 4 (Battery Life & Charging): For users who need a long battery life with fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the better choice.
Personal Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would definitely go with the OnePlus Nord 4.
Here's why:
- Future-Proof Performance: The Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 is a massive leap over the Helio G80. It's not just about current app speeds; it's about how well the phone will perform in 2-3 years. I value the longevity of a phone's performance as technology continues to advance.
- Significantly Enhanced Display: The combination of higher resolution, a smoother 120Hz refresh rate, and incredible brightness (2200 nits) is a game-changer for daily use, video streaming, and gaming. The outdoor visibility, a crucial factor for me, is vastly superior on the Nord 4.
- Better Camera System: While the A32 has a higher megapixel count on the main camera and dedicated depth/macro cameras, the Nord 4’s camera system benefits from a larger sensor, better video recording capabilities, and excellent stabilization.
- Superior Battery & Charging: I don't want to worry about my phone dying in the middle of the day, and the Nord 4's larger battery along with the rapid 100W charging allows me to quickly replenish the phone when needed.
- Modern Features and Connectivity: The newer OS and improved connectivity options on the Nord 4 ensure that the phone remains up-to-date and performs at its best. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 also provides noticeable real-world speed and stability improvements.
- Better Audio Experience: The stereo speakers are important for media consumption, as well as clearer microphone audio.
The Samsung Galaxy A32's strengths in being lighter and having dedicated depth/macro cameras are not enough to overcome the sheer performance, display, and camera benefits of the OnePlus Nord 4. The A32 feels like a device from the past compared to the Nord 4. I want a device that can keep up with my needs and will feel powerful for years to come, and the OnePlus Nord 4 is that device. While it may be slightly heavier and lacking in portrait and macro sensors, the overall user experience and longevity it offers justify my choice.
