Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137)
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-02-25 | 2022-07-01 | A13 is newer, potentially having slightly better software support initially. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 165.1 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | A13 is noticeably larger and slightly thicker, might be less comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Weight | 184g | 195g | A32 is lighter, potentially more comfortable for extended holding. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | A13 offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2408 | Both offer very similar sharpness, which is good for typical usage. |
| PPI | 411 | 400 | Both have nearly identical pixel density, resulting in similar perceived sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | A32 has a superior display with deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a better viewing experience, particularly in dark environments and for HDR content. A32 will also be more efficient with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A32 provides smoother scrolling and animations, improving the fluidity of the user interface. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unable to compare brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm) | Both offer similar processing power for everyday tasks and casual gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 200,458 | 200,150 | Both have nearly identical performance; suitable for moderate usage. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Both offer similar graphics performance, handling most games at moderate settings. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | A32 has a higher resolution main sensor, potentially capturing more detail in good lighting. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | A32 has a significantly higher resolution front-facing camera, ideal for sharper selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | A32's wide-angle lens captures more detail with higher resolution compared to A13. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 provides better depth sensing capabilities, potentially resulting in better portrait mode effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 will capture more detailed macro shots due to the higher megapixel count. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer identical standard video recording at 1080p for typical usage. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Quadruple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | A13 has phase detection autofocus for slightly faster focusing. Both phones have a very comprehensive range of features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, suitable for a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | A13 has faster 25W charging, making it significantly quicker to charge compared to the A32. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | A13 ships with a newer version of Android, however both are upgradable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support common WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | A13 features a newer, more efficient Bluetooth version, potentially offering improved connection reliability and power saving. A32 has many more features available that may or may not be useful, depending on your usage. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both phones offer the same location capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality, which means you can use two SIMs at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128 GB or 64 GB | Unknown | A32 offers 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, A13 is unknown. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | Unknown | A32 has 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM which is useful for multitasking. A13 is unknown. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports storage expansion. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | A13 offers a more convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensor compared to the A32. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A13 has superior screen protection, which is important for device longevity. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A32 has a full suite of sensor useful for gaming and advanced features while A13 features a more advanced proximity sensor. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED screen with 90Hz refresh rate provides a better visual experience with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smoother animations.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors for main, selfie, wide-angle, depth, and macro lenses, providing more detailed and versatile photography.
- Wider range of sensors: Full suite of sensors including gyroscope is great for gaming and more advanced features.
- More Internal Storage: Comes in 64 GB or 128 GB configurations.
- More RAM Options: Can be configured with 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) Advantages:
- Newer Device: Launched later, potentially receiving software updates for a longer period of time.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for better scratch and impact resistance.
- Newer Bluetooth version: Improved power efficiency and connection reliability.
- Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF): Offers faster focusing speed for photos.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient for unlocking.
- More advanced Proximity Sensor: Uses an ultrasonic virtual proximity sensor.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 provides better overall camera quality and a superior display, but lacks fast charging and has slightly older bluetooth. The A13 has the faster charging, slightly newer bluetooth, and better protection, but a worse display and camera quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 is ideal for:
- Media Consumers: Those who prioritize a vibrant and smooth display for watching videos and browsing social media.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera system with better front-facing and additional lenses.
- Gamers: Users who will benefit from more RAM and a gyroscope sensor for better gaming capabilities.
- Users who prefer a compact design: It is smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
Use cases for Galaxy A32:
- Watching HDR content on a vibrant display.
- Taking high-resolution selfies and photos in various scenarios.
- Playing mobile games that benefit from a 90Hz refresh rate and gyroscope.
- Daily usage by those who prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a reliable and newer smartphone with a good balance of features.
- Users who prioritize durability: Those who want better screen protection and the convenience of a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
- Users who charge frequently: The fast 25W charging will benefit those who regularly need to top up their battery.
- Users who want a newer version of Bluetooth.
Use cases for Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):
- Everyday usage with a focus on reliability and battery life.
- Users who prioritize faster charging over display and camera performance.
- Users who value a more durable device.
- Users who want a newer version of bluetooth
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A32 provides more value in terms of display and camera technology, while the A13 provides better battery charging capabilities and durability for a budget price. The most effective choice depends on individual preferences.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Do you prioritize a great display and camera? If yes, the A32 is better with its AMOLED screen and higher resolution cameras.
- Do you need fast charging and a more durable screen? If yes, the A13 is better with its 25W fast charging and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
- Do you value better gaming or a more compact phone? If yes, the A32's gyroscope, and smaller form factor are better for this.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Social Media Enthusiast: The Galaxy A32 is better for its superior front camera for selfies and better display for viewing media.
- Scenario 2: Casual User on a Budget: The Galaxy A13 is a better choice due to its fast charging, newer version of Bluetooth, and durability at a more budget friendly price point.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer: The Galaxy A32 is a better choice due to its 90Hz refresh rate, and gyro sensor, which are both great for gaming.
- Scenario 4: Those who frequently charge their phone: The Galaxy A13 is better due to it's fast 25W charging.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A32 and the Samsung Galaxy A13, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A32. My reasoning is based on a few key factors:
Superior Display: I highly value a quality visual experience, and the A32's AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers a significantly better viewing experience compared to the A13's PLS LCD. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smoother animations make a notable difference in everyday use, such as browsing social media, watching videos, and playing games. The A32's superior display would make those activities much more enjoyable.
Better Camera System: Photography is important to me, and the A32's higher resolution sensors across all cameras (main, selfie, wide-angle, macro, and depth) offer more versatility and detail. The significantly higher megapixel count on the front-facing camera is particularly appealing as it would produce better quality selfies and video calls.
Gaming Experience: The inclusion of a gyroscope sensor in the A32, combined with the 90Hz refresh rate would make gaming a better experience.
While the A13 has some advantages like faster charging and better screen protection, the overall experience offered by the A32's screen, cameras, and sensor suite are more important to me. The A13 is a better phone for those who have different priorities than me, such as frequent charging, a more durable screen, and a more budget-friendly device. For my personal use case, however, the A32 aligns better with my priorities.
