Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Realme 12x
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Realme 12x | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2024-04-07 | Realme 12x is a much newer device, with more up-to-date components |
| Dimensions | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is taller and wider but thinner, impacting pocketability and one-handed use. |
| Weight | 184g | 190g | Samsung Galaxy A32 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers a larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1604 | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a significantly sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 264 | Samsung Galaxy A32’s display is much sharper, which is better for reading, viewing detailed images or videos. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung Galaxy A32 offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors; better for media consumption. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x provides slightly smoother animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have an unspecified peak brightness which is a limitation. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 12x has a newer, more efficient chipset, leading to better performance and potentially longer battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 442,599 | Realme 12x offers significantly better performance in daily tasks, multitasking, and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 12x has a more powerful GPU which translates to better graphics performance |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer comparable battery life for typical usage. |
| Charging | Li-Ion, Non-removable | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer, Non-removable | Realme 12x has a faster charging which allows for quicker top ups, using a newer Li-Polymer battery chemistry. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a higher resolution main camera, potentially capturing more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a higher resolution selfie camera. The Realme 12x's slightly wider aperture might offer better low-light selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for more versatile photos, which the Realme 12x lacks. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a higher resolution depth sensor, potentially better for bokeh effects. Realme 12x has details of sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Realme 12x lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion 120fps | Both phones record in 1080p at 30fps, but only the Realme 12x has a 120fps slow-motion mode. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12x ships with a newer version of Android out of the box, potentially providing better features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Both offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Realme 12x has a newer, more energy efficient Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer similar GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB / 128 GB | 256 GB / 512 GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB / 8 GB | 12 GB | Realme 12x has significantly more RAM, which is much better for multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x has higher quality audio playback with stereo speakers, better for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 12x has a more modern and convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones lack clear information about their screen protection, this is a limitation. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Both have a comprehensive sensor suite for a wide range of features. Realme 12x has a magnetometer sensor for more precise compass readings. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Superior Display Quality: The AMOLED display offers much better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, making it better for media consumption and overall visual experience. Its higher resolution makes it much sharper than the Realme's display.
- More Camera Versatility: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens and a dedicated macro lens provides more options for different photographic scenarios.
- Higher Resolution Front Camera: The 20MP front camera will capture more detailed selfies.
Realme 12x Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset and higher AnTuTu score translate to much smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming capabilities.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14, offering access to the latest features and security updates.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging for quicker battery top-ups.
- Significantly more RAM & storage: 12GB of RAM offers better multi-tasking, 256/512GB storage means less reliance on cloud storage.
- Hi-Res Audio and Stereo Speakers: Offer a superior audio experience for media consumption.
- More Modern Design: Realme 12x is thinner and features a more modern side mounted fingerprint sensor.
Trade-offs:
- Display Quality vs. Performance: The Samsung Galaxy A32 prioritizes display quality, while the Realme 12x emphasizes performance and speed.
- Camera Versatility vs. Processing Power: The Samsung offers more camera options, but the Realme processes photos much faster.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Casual Users: Users who prioritize screen quality for media consumption, reading, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value versatile camera options, including wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Budget-Conscious: Users who value a vivid screen and are not focused on gaming or heavy multitasking.
- Users who care about selfies The high-resolution selfie camera makes this a good choice for frequent selfie takers
Realme 12x Ideal User:
- Gamers: Users who prioritize smooth performance and higher refresh rates for a better gaming experience.
- Multitaskers: Those who regularly use multiple apps simultaneously and require faster loading times.
- Power Users: Individuals who prefer having a large amount of internal storage and RAM for heavy usage.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest Android version and features.
- Users Who Value Audio: Those who want higher quality audio playback through stereo speakers.
Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Watching videos, browsing social media, taking photos in various scenarios, reading e-books.
- Realme 12x: Playing graphic-intensive games, switching between multiple apps, capturing videos, listening to music with stereo speakers, fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your priority: display quality or raw performance? (Samsung for screen quality, Realme for speed).
- Do you need the most versatile camera system, or is a single high-quality camera enough? (Samsung for more lenses, Realme for processing power).
- Are you a heavy gamer, or do you primarily use your phone for basic tasks? (Realme for gaming, Samsung for casual use)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Media Consumption): If you watch a lot of videos and want the best viewing experience, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better choice, thanks to its AMOLED display.
- Scenario 2 (Gaming and Multitasking): If you play mobile games or constantly switch between apps, the Realme 12x's superior performance will be a much better fit.
- Scenario 3 (Casual Photography): If you take pictures casually and want the extra flexibility of wide-angle and macro lenses, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better option.
- Scenario 4 (Long-Term Use and Future-Proofing): If you want a phone that will stay fast and updated for longer, the Realme 12x is superior due to its newer processor and Android version.
My Choice:
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme 12x. While the Samsung Galaxy A32's AMOLED screen is tempting, the sheer performance difference between the two devices is too significant to ignore. The Realme 12x's superior chipset, larger RAM, more storage, faster charging, and newer software will provide a much better experience for demanding use cases.
I do not believe the lack of a wide angle lens will be a significant detriment for the type of use cases that I would be using this phone for, and I would much rather have a smoother and more responsive experience. The added benefit of stereo speakers and high-resolution audio playback is also a plus.
