1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 159.2 × 73.5 × 7.9 mm | Samsung Galaxy A32 is slightly thicker, while OnePlus Nord CE 5G is slightly taller. The difference is negligible in daily use. |
| Weight | 184g | 170g | OnePlus Nord CE 5G is 14g lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.43" | Virtually identical screen sizes. The slight 0.03" difference is not noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Same resolution provides comparable sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 410 PPI | Practically identical sharpness, not noticeable by human eye. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and good contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 700 nits | OnePlus Nord CE 5G is much better in outdoor, bright sunlight conditions. A significant difference in real-world visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm) | OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a newer and more powerful chipset, leading to faster processing speeds and more efficient performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 385,000 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a much better performance, including faster app launches and smoother multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 (ARM Mali-G52 2EEMC2) | Adreno 619 (Qualcomm Adreno 619) | OnePlus Nord CE 5G's GPU offers noticeably better gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung Galaxy A32 has larger battery, likely resulting in longer battery life on a single charge. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers significantly faster charging, saving considerable time spent plugged in. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2", OV64B, 0.70µm | Slightly wider aperture on OnePlus Nord CE 5G could capture a bit more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.45, 1/3.13", Sony IMX471, 1.00µm | Samsung Galaxy A32 offers higher resolution and wider aperture. OnePlus Nord CE 5G has slightly larger pixel size that might help in low light. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.25 | Similar wide-angle camera, but Samsung Galaxy A32 has slightly wider aperture. |
| Depth Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated macro lens for closeup shots. |
| Black&White Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a dedicated black&white sensor. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | OnePlus Nord CE 5G can record much higher-resolution videos and better stabilization. |
| DxOMark Score | Not tested | 84 (Mobile), 89 (Photo), 80 (Video) | OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers higher quality photo and video quality. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple Camera, basic features | Triple Camera, 4K Video, more advanced features | OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a more advanced camera system, including 4K video, digital image stabilization, continuous autofocus and night mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Both offer similar software experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both have identical Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with many profiles | 5.1 LE with AptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC | OnePlus Nord CE 5G has newer and more efficient Bluetooth with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, NavIC | OnePlus Nord CE 5G supports more satellite systems, providing slightly better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both have similar SIM capabilities |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a larger storage option for users needing more space for media. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 6/8/12 GB | OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers better multitasking and is more suitable for demanding tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has an option to expand the storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic features | Noise cancellation microphone | OnePlus Nord CE 5G is likely to have clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Specific screen protection is not specified. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Both come with common sensors, but Samsung has slightly more sensor options |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery should provide longer battery life on a single charge.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Provides more options for different photography types.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: The 20 MP selfie camera with f/2.2 aperture has potential for better detail and low-light performance compared to OnePlus camera.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience in all aspects, from apps to gaming.
- Brighter Display: The 700 nits brightness makes the screen much more visible in bright sunlight.
- Better Camera Quality: 4K video, higher DxOMark score and better image stabilization for video recording.
- Faster Charging: 30W fast charging drastically reduces the time it takes to recharge.
- More RAM and Storage Options: 12GB RAM, and 256GB internal storage option is available.
- More Advanced Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 with support for high quality audio codecs.
- More GPS Systems: Provides a slightly better location accuracy.
- Noise Cancellation Microphone: Improves call quality.
- Night Mode: Offers improved low light performance.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 prioritizes battery and specific camera features over overall performance.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 5G prioritizes performance and screen quality, while slightly compromising on battery size and specific camera sensors like macro/depth.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Users who value a larger battery capacity and extended battery life above all else.
- Users who enjoy macro and portrait photography and appreciate dedicated lenses.
- Users who are not heavy gamers or multitaskers.
- Users who are on a tight budget and prioritize camera versatility.
- Users who are less concerned about display brightness or processing power.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from a charger where battery life is critical.
- Casual photography, with macro shots of nature or close-up portraits.
- Basic usage like social media, calls, and web browsing.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G Ideal User:
- Users who want a fluid and responsive phone experience.
- Users who value a brighter display for outdoor visibility.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming and multitasking.
- Users who record videos, appreciate higher resolution and need fast charging.
- Users who prioritize performance and speed.
- Users who value better audio codecs for bluetooth devices.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming, video editing and other intensive apps.
- Outdoor use where a bright screen is essential.
- Heavy multitasking and frequent app switching.
- Capturing high-quality videos and photos.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is battery life to you? (If you absolutely need the longest battery life, A32 is better, if you charge your phone frequently or don't use it much then it's not a big advantage)
- How important is performance and smoothness? (If speed and responsiveness are paramount, Nord CE 5G is far better)
- Do you prioritize specific camera features (macro/depth) over video quality and processing speed? (If you need macro or depth then the A32 offers this, but if you want high-quality videos or general photo quality then the Nord CE 5G is a better option)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you are a power user who enjoys gaming, uses demanding apps, and needs fast charging, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is the clear choice.
- Scenario 2 (Casual User): If you are a casual user who values battery life and takes occasional photos, the Samsung Galaxy A32 could be adequate, but you would miss the extra processing power and video quality provided by the OnePlus.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): If you are a photography enthusiast, neither phone is ideal but the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is still the better choice for overall quality. The macro and depth lenses in Samsung offer more flexibility but the video quality and main camera scores on the Nord is better.
- Scenario 4 (Outdoor Visibility): If you are frequently in bright sunlight and need a very visible screen, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G is significantly better.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the OnePlus Nord CE 5G.
Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A32's larger battery is appealing, the overall performance difference is too significant to ignore. The Snapdragon 750G chipset in the OnePlus Nord CE 5G offers a far superior experience in terms of speed, responsiveness, and multitasking capabilities. The dramatically brighter display is crucial for outdoor visibility, which is a common use case for me. The fast charging is also a significant time-saver, and the better video quality is important to me when I need to capture memorable moments. While I do appreciate that the Samsung has a macro and depth sensor, in my case the overall experience offered by the OnePlus Nord CE 5G outweighs these additional features, especially given it’s better main camera.
The OnePlus Nord CE 5G simply provides a more fluid and enjoyable smartphone experience, which is my priority. The difference in performance outweighs the benefits of having a slightly larger battery and additional camera lenses.
