Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2023-04-11 | OnePlus is newer by about 2 years, potentially better software support |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 165.5 x 76 x 8.3 mm | OnePlus is taller and wider, slightly bulkier |
| Weight | 184g | 195g | Samsung is lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.72" | OnePlus has a larger screen, more immersive for media consumption |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have same sharpness and clarity |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 391 | Samsung display is negligibly sharper |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung has better contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | OnePlus has smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | OnePlus significantly better outdoor visibility, readable in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) | OnePlus chipset offers better performance, more efficient, supports 5G |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 402,916 | OnePlus scores more than double, much better general performance and gaming |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 619 | OnePlus offers better graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.7 | OnePlus has higher resolution, better low light capability due to larger sensor |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Samsung offers slightly higher selfie resolution |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | No | Samsung offers ultrawide photos |
| Portrait Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung offers slightly higher resolution for portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Samsung offers slightly higher resolution for macro shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record Full HD video, comparable in quality |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 120fps | OnePlus has better slow-motion capability |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar capacity for all-day battery |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 67W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | OnePlus offers faster charging |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | OnePlus can charge other devices and uses a more modern battery |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 13 | OnePlus has the newer version and more recent features |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac, MIMO | OnePlus offers slightly better WiFi performance with MIMO |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1, LE, aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus offers better audio quality and power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | OnePlus supports additional satellite for potentially better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM usage |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | OnePlus offers more internal storage |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 8GB | OnePlus has a guaranteed 8GB of RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation mic | OnePlus offers better audio experience and clearer calls |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | OnePlus offers more modern biometric sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Both offer a comprehensive sensor set |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Superior Display Technology: AMOLED offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors.
- Wider Range of Cameras: Dedicated ultrawide camera, along with slightly higher resolution portrait and macro lenses.
- Lighter and Smaller: More pocketable and comfortable during extended use.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Snapdragon 695 offers much higher CPU and GPU performance, faster app loading, better gaming.
- Higher Refresh Rate: 120Hz screen offers smoother animations and scrolling.
- Brighter Display: 950 nits is much better for outdoor visibility in sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging.
- More Modern OS: Runs on Android 13 out of the box with a newer Bluetooth version.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res audio support and stereo speakers provide an improved listening experience.
- Better Main Camera Sensor: Larger sensor size with better low light performance.
- Reverse Charging: Can be used to charge other devices.
- More RAM and Storage: 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB storage options.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Sacrifices performance and screen brightness for a superior display technology and a wider range of cameras.
- OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite: Larger size, lower display contrast, and no ultrawide lens, trades these for better performance and a brighter, faster screen.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Media Consumer: Enjoys watching videos or movies with vibrant colors and deep blacks on an AMOLED screen.
- Casual Photographer: Values a versatile camera system with an ultrawide lens for diverse shot compositions, even though performance is not best.
- Comfort Focused: Prefers a lighter, more compact phone for easy handling and portability, even if it means compromising on performance.
- Budget Conscious: Is looking for a device with a solid display at a lower price.
Use Cases:
- Watching streaming content with deep contrast and rich colors, especially indoors.
- Taking a variety of photos with ultrawide, standard, portrait, and macro lenses.
- Everyday browsing and social media with focus on media viewing over gaming and heavy multitasking.
Ideal User for OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite:
- Performance Enthusiast: Values speed, fluidity, and responsiveness for gaming and multitasking.
- Outdoor User: Needs a bright screen readable in direct sunlight for outdoor use.
- Frequent Charger: Wants the convenience of very fast battery charging, and wants a longer lasting battery through an efficient chipset.
- Audio Enthusiast: Prioritizes quality audio with Hi-Res support and stereo speakers.
- Social Media User: Values a smooth experience on social media apps due to the 120Hz refresh rate.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, heavy app use, and multitasking smoothly.
- Using the phone outdoors in bright daylight for navigation, photos, or calls.
- Quickly charging the phone between tasks and charging other devices.
- Listening to music or videos with good quality audio.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize vibrant colors and deep blacks (AMOLED) or screen brightness and smoothness (120Hz)?
- Performance Needs: How important is gaming, heavy app use, and multitasking performance?
- Camera Priorities: Do you prefer an ultrawide lens and more versatile camera options or a better low-light main sensor with higher resolution?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Media Consumption & Casual Photography (Indoors): If you primarily watch videos and take casual photos indoors, and prefer a more compact device, the Samsung Galaxy A32 could be preferable due to its AMOLED display and more versatile camera system.
- Scenario 2: Performance, Outdoor Use, & Quick Charging: If you want a fast, smooth device for gaming and outdoor use, and need fast charging capabilities, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is the better option due to its powerful processor, brighter screen, and rapid charging.
- Scenario 3: Price-to-Value: If the cost of ownership is a significant factor, consider the price of each device in your region and compare what each phone offers within your desired budget. The newer model is expected to have a higher price.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. While the AMOLED screen on the Galaxy A32 is attractive, the significantly better performance, brighter screen, faster charging, and more modern features of the OnePlus are more important for my typical usage. I need a phone that handles multitasking smoothly, can be used comfortably outdoors, and offers a better overall experience in terms of speed, audio, and software.
