Samsung Galaxy A32 vs Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date February 25, 2021 August 9, 2021
Release Year 2021 2021

Physical

Volume 98.24 cm³ 110.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.48 "/g 3.17 "/g
Weight 184 g 205 g
Height 158.9 mm 164 mm
Width 73.6 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8.9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Awesome Black
  • Awesome White
  • Awesome Blue
  • Awesome Violet
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 84.6 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.9 mAh/cm³ 45.19 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) Exynos 850 (8 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Mali-G52

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Here's a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A32 and Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho, focusing on practical implications:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A32Samsung Galaxy A12 NachoPractical Impact
Design
Dimensions158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mmA32 is more compact, potentially more comfortable in smaller hands and pockets. A12 Nacho is larger.
Weight184g205gA32 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. A12 Nacho is heavier.
Display
Size6.4"6.5"Very similar screen sizes; negligible real-world difference.
Resolution1080x2400720x1600A32 offers a much sharper display with significantly more detail. A12 Nacho will look noticeably less crisp.
PPI411270A32's higher pixel density results in sharper images, text, and videos. A12 Nacho will appear pixelated compared to A32.
TechnologyAMOLEDPLS LCDA32's AMOLED provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. A12 Nacho's PLS LCD will appear less vibrant.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzA32 has smoother scrolling and animations. A12 Nacho has a standard refresh rate.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsBoth phones offer identical peak brightness. Outdoor visibility might be similar under normal circumstances, but AMOLED can be seen better under direct sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G80 (12 nm)Exynos 850 (8 nm)A32’s Mediatek chip offers better raw performance. A12 Nacho’s chip is more power-efficient on paper.
AnTuTu Score200,458117,300A32 provides a significantly faster and smoother experience overall. A12 Nacho is slower and might lag on more demanding tasks.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Mali-G52A32 has a slightly more powerful GPU, providing better gaming performance compared to A12 Nacho.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.848MP, f/2.0A32 captures more detailed photos and performs better in low light due to its larger sensor and wider aperture.
Selfie Camera20MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2A32 captures much sharper and detailed selfies.
Wide Angle Lens8MP, f/2.25MP, f/2.0A32 captures wider, more detailed scenes.
Depth Sensor5MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4A32 generates better background blur in portrait mode.
Macro Lens5MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4A32 captures more detailed close-up images.
Video1080p@30fps, No stabilization, No slow-motion1080p@30fps, No stabilization, Yes slow-motionBoth have similar video quality, but A12 Nacho has slow motion, while A32 doesn't.
Camera FeaturesContinuous shooting, Panorama, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensationPhase detection autofocus (PDAF)A32 has more camera control settings, while A12 Nacho has faster focusing.
Battery
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhBoth phones have the same battery size, providing similar battery life.
ChargingLi-Ion15W fast charging, Li-IonA12 Nacho charges faster, reducing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 11 (upgradable to 13)Both run the same version of Android
Connectivity
WiFi802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band802.11a/b/g/n/acA32 offers Dual Band WiFi. Both are compatible with common WiFi standards.
Bluetooth5.0, various profiles5.0 LEA32 has more advanced audio features support. A12 Nacho has low energy Bluetooth option for power saving.
Storage
Internal64/128 GB32/64/128 GBBoth have up to 128GB of storage.
RAM4/6/8 GB3/4/6 GBA32 offers up to 8GB of RAM, which improves multitasking capabilities and gaming performance.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage.
Audio
QualityBasicDolby AtmosA12 Nacho provides a slightly better audio quality, specially for spatial sounds.
Security
FeaturesBasic fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorA12 Nacho’s side-mounted sensor offers faster and more convenient unlocking experience.
Sensors
SensorsFingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, GyroscopeFingerprint, Proximity, AccelerometerA32 has more advanced sensors, suitable for augmented reality (AR) and gaming.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:

  • Superior Display: AMOLED screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, higher resolution, and pixel density, resulting in much better visual experience.
  • Stronger Performance: Significantly higher AnTuTu score due to a more powerful chipset and GPU, leading to smoother and faster app loading, better multitasking, and improved gaming.
  • Better Cameras: Higher resolution main, selfie, and other camera sensors, producing more detailed images and better low-light performance.
  • More RAM: Offers an 8GB RAM option for superior multitasking.
  • Additional Sensors: Includes a compass and gyroscope, which is useful for AR applications and enhanced gaming experiences.
  • More Features: Offers a wider array of camera functions, including continuous shooting, panorama, and manual settings, as well as advanced Bluetooth support.

Practical implications: The A32 is a better choice if you value a higher quality display and superior performance. This would make daily use, gaming and media consumption much better.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho Advantages:

  • Fast Charging: Supports 15W fast charging, which reduces charging times.
  • Dolby Atmos: Enhanced audio capabilities.
  • Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: A more modern sensor location.
  • Slow-motion: A video recording function that the A32 lacks.
  • Phase detection autofocus (PDAF): For a quicker focusing performance.

Practical implications: The A12 Nacho is a more budget-oriented option that is competitive, if you do not value high performance and quality display

Trade-offs:

  • The A32 sacrifices slow-motion capabilities for overall higher camera performance.
  • The A12 Nacho compromises on display and performance for more budget-friendly option with a few competitive features.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Samsung Galaxy A32:

  • Ideal User: Users who prioritize a high-quality visual experience, smooth performance, and good camera capabilities.
  • Use Cases:
    • Media Consumption: Enjoying movies, videos, and streaming content with a vibrant display and sharp visuals.
    • Social Media: Capturing and sharing high-quality photos and videos with friends and family.
    • Gaming: Playing mobile games that require smooth performance and responsive controls.
    • Multitasking: Switching between multiple apps and tasks with ease.
  • Price-to-Value: Offers significantly higher value in terms of display and performance.

Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho:

  • Ideal User: Users on a tight budget who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks and value the few extra features offered.
  • Use Cases:
    • Basic Communication: Making calls, sending texts, and using basic messaging apps.
    • Casual Photography: Taking occasional photos and videos for personal use.
    • Light Browsing: Browsing the internet, checking emails, and using social media lightly.
    • Media Consumption: For viewing content as needed, when a high quality display is not essential.
  • Price-to-Value: A more affordable option that still delivers basic features that are competitive.

4. Decision Framework

Here are three key questions to guide your decision:

  1. How important is display quality?

    • If you value a vibrant, sharp, and smooth display, choose the A32.
    • If a basic display is acceptable, the A12 Nacho will suffice.
  2. How demanding are your performance needs?

    • If you plan to play mobile games, edit videos, or multitask heavily, the A32 is significantly better.
    • If you only need to perform basic tasks, the A12 Nacho will be adequate.
  3. What's your budget?

    • If you can afford it, the A32 offers better performance and higher quality features.
    • If budget is a major concern, the A12 Nacho is a more affordable option that still performs well.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (Heavy User): If you're a heavy user who plays games, consumes lots of media, and likes to share content, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the superior choice.

  • Scenario 2 (Budget User): If you're on a tight budget and only need a reliable smartphone for basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho will fulfill your needs adequately.

  • Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you desire a blend of performance and affordability, with a slightly more modern design, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho could be a fit for you.

Personal Choice:

If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy A32. The significantly superior display with its AMOLED panel and 90Hz refresh rate is a big selling point for me. I value a crisp and vibrant display for media consumption, and the A32 offers a much better viewing experience. The performance gains from the Helio G80 chipset and the additional RAM are crucial for smoother multitasking and a lag-free experience. Although the A12 Nacho is an ok phone, the A32 offers a much better overall experience, which is worth the price difference to me.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Digital media communication
  • Technical storytelling
  • User-centric technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.