Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 164.3 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is slightly larger and might be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 184g | 195g | A32 is noticeably lighter; more comfortable for long-term holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.59" | Minimal difference; OnePlus might offer a slightly more immersive experience |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 1080 x 2412 | Virtually identical sharpness; both offer sharp visuals. |
| PPI | 411 | 401 | Both are similarly sharp, no real-world difference. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | A32 offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, particularly beneficial for watching videos and using dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, but we don't know what this value is. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G's newer chip results in faster performance, better efficiency, and improved gaming capabilities |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 406,221 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming potential |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a more powerful GPU, further enhancing gaming experience. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.7 | OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light performance, A32 has a marginally higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | A32 has higher resolution for detail; OnePlus has a slightly wider aperture for low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | A32 offers wide-angle shots for more creative photo options. |
| Depth Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 offers higher resolution portrait mode images, but the impact might be minimal. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 offers higher resolution for detailed macro shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record similar video quality, but Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers slow-motion recording. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, Digital Zoom,... | Triple Camera, Digital Zoom, DIS, CDAF,... | A32 offers more camera versatility (due to the extra lense) while Nord CE 2 Lite has more advanced image processing features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for general use. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 33W Fast Charging, Lithium | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G charges much faster, significantly reducing downtime. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will likely have better software support in the long run. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi ac, Dual Band, Direct, Hotspot | Wi-Fi ac, Dual Band, Direct, Hotspot, Wi-Fi MiMO | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has Wi-Fi MiMO improving connectivity performance |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE, apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has a newer Bluetooth version with support for more audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM | Both phones support dual sim. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB | Both have a max of 128GB; A32 has a smaller 64 GB storage option |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | 6GB or 8GB | Similar RAM options to handle multitasking and gaming; no expandable storage |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G will likely offer clearer call quality |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers faster and more convenient fingerprint authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | A32 has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better contrast, making it excellent for media consumption.
- More versatile camera: Offers a dedicated wide-angle lens for creative shots.
- More Sensors: Has a hall and geomagnetic sensor
- Lighter weight: More comfortable to hold for extended use.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G Advantages:
- Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chipset provides significantly better performance and gaming capabilities.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging drastically reduces charging times.
- Newer Bluetooth: Version 5.2 with advanced audio codecs for better wireless audio.
- Better GPS: Supports QZSS for more accurate location services.
- Noise cancellation microphone: Likely offers clearer call quality
- More advanced fingerprint sensor: side mounted sensor makes unlocking the phone more convenient.
- More up-to-date OS: Ships with a newer version of Android.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 has a superior display, but the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G offers smoother scrolling.
- The A32 has a more versatile camera system, but the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is faster and has a newer bluetooth version.
- The Nord CE 2 Lite 5G has superior performance, but the A32 has a lighter weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 - Ideal User:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize display quality for watching videos, movies, and enjoying vibrant visuals.
- Casual Photographers: Those who want versatile camera options, including a wide-angle lens, without demanding high-end performance.
Comfort-Oriented Users: People who value a lightweight device for easy and prolonged holding and basic functionality.
Use Cases:
- Watching movies/TV shows.
- Browsing social media and enjoying vibrant images.
- Taking various kinds of photos.
OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G - Ideal User:
- Performance Seekers: Users who value fast performance, smooth multitasking, and a lag-free experience for gaming or running intensive apps.
- Frequent Gamers: Users who play mobile games and want a smoother experience.
- Fast-Charging Advocates: Those who want a quick charge time, and don't want to wait long between charges.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want a more up to date operating system and Bluetooth with apt-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC audio codec support.
Users who value connectivity: Those who value a more accurate GPS and enhanced Wi-Fi.
Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Multitasking between apps seamlessly.
- Quickly charging the phone during busy days.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks (AMOLED), or smoother scrolling (120Hz refresh rate)?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Charging Habits: Do you need very fast charging or do you typically charge overnight?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (Media Consumption): If you primarily watch videos and value display quality, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a better choice.
Scenario 2 (Performance & Gaming): If you prioritize fast performance, gaming, and smoother user interface, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is the clear winner.
Scenario 3 (Balanced Use): If you want an all-around device that is lightweight with good features, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is suitable. If you want an all-around device with better performance, battery charging and sensors, the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G is suitable.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite 5G. While the AMOLED screen of the A32 is appealing, the faster performance, smoother display, quicker charging and more up to date software and bluetooth support, of the Nord CE 2 Lite 5G make it a more compelling option for my daily needs. The superior performance is a huge win for me, as I tend to multitask and play games often. The 120Hz refresh rate will make the user experience more fluid. I value quick charging, so the 33W fast charging is important to me. It also offers a better audio experience with Bluetooth 5.2 and the noise cancellation microphone.
