Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Samsung Galaxy A54
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 158.2 × 76.7 × 8.2 mm | A54 is slightly wider, A32 slightly thicker. A32 might feel a bit more compact but differences are minimal in everyday use. |
| Weight | 184g | 202g | A32 is noticeably lighter making it more comfortable for long use, A54 feels denser and may be more durable. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A54 offers better screen scratch and impact protection. A32's screen protection is unknown, making it less durable in daily use and vulnerable to damage |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Identical display sizes; no practical difference in screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Similar resolutions; both offer sharp and clear visuals. The slight difference is negligible in practical use. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 403 PPI | Very similar pixel densities; both displays appear equally sharp in daily use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast ratios. Identical viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A54 offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gameplay. A32 might have some slight lag compared to A54. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness capabilities, however peak brightness is an important measure for outdoor visibility and is missing from this analysis |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | A54's chipset is significantly faster and more efficient, leading to better performance in demanding tasks, faster app loading, and improved multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 578,600 | A54 scores significantly higher, indicating a much faster user experience, especially in gaming and resource-intensive apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 (ARM Mali-G52 2EEMC2) | Mali-G68 MP5 (ARM Mali-G68 MP5) | A54's GPU is more powerful, offering better graphics performance for gaming and demanding graphic tasks. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8, pixel size not specified | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.00 µm pixel size, Sony IMX766 | A54's sensor is larger and has larger pixels, indicating better low-light performance and image quality despite a lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2, pixel size not specified | 32MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 0.80 µm pixel size, Sony IMX616 | A54's front camera has a higher resolution and a larger sensor, indicating potentially better selfies with better detail and potentially in low-light performance. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, pixel size not specified | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12 µm pixel size, Samsung S5K3L6 | A54 captures wider and better quality photos with its ultrawide sensor with a higher resolution, which may lead to better detail. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size not specified | None | A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while the A54 likely uses software for depth effects. A32 has a dedicated sensor for depth effects, potentially leading to more precise bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4, pixel size not specified | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12 µm pixel size | Both phones have similar macro cameras, which allow close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | A54 offers significantly better video recording with higher resolution and smoother framerates and has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS). |
| Video Features | No, Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | Yes, Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | A54 enables slow-motion video recording with better capabilities compared to A32's limitations. |
| DXOMark | No Score | Main: 107, Photo: 106, Video: 115 | A54 has been benchmarked with overall positive scores compared to A32, which is missing its benchmark data. |
| 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 | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, Autofocus, Touch focus, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, DOL HDR | A54 has more features for better quality and stability in photos and videos. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have identical battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life under similar conditions. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | A54 supports fast charging, allowing for quicker recharge times. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both devices have a non-removable battery, which is the common standard in modern smartphones. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: At 184g, it's noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and easier to carry around.
- Slightly Thinner Profile: Its slightly thinner profile could make it feel more sleek in the hand.
- Lower Price Point: Typically available at a lower cost, it represents a budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: A dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, potentially leading to better depth effects.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 1380 chipset provides a massive performance boost, making it faster and more efficient for all tasks.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz refresh rate offers a more fluid user experience compared to the A32's 90Hz.
- Much Superior Camera: Better main, ultrawide, and selfie cameras; and features OIS for better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging allows for quicker battery top-ups.
- Better Video Quality: 4K recording and electronic image stabilization for better videos, plus slow-motion capabilities.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 for faster and more reliable wireless connections.
- Software Updates: Newer Android version out of the box and an increased number of Android Updates from the manufacturer.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers for a better audio experience.
- eSIM Support: Allows for digital SIM activation and easier switching between providers.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides better protection for the display.
Trade-offs:
- A54 is Heavier: The A54 is heavier and slightly wider, which may be less comfortable for some users, it may be less ideal for long hours of use and those with small hands.
- A32 doesn't offer fast charging: The user of the A32 may not be able to quickly top-up the phone if in a hurry, this may lead to less productive hours of use during the day.
- A54 is more expensive: It is typically priced at a premium compared to the A32.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those seeking an affordable phone for everyday use.
- Users who prioritize weight: Users needing a light and compact phone.
- Basic phone users: People who prioritize basic functions like calls, social media, and light web browsing.
- Those who desire dedicated depth sensor: Those who enjoy taking photos in portrait mode will appreciate this feature.
Use Cases:
- Casual browsing, social media, basic communication.
- Light gaming and multimedia consumption.
Samsung Galaxy A54 Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for multitasking and gaming.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who enjoy high-quality audio and video playback, and those who frequently record videos.
- Photography lovers: Individuals who appreciate good camera quality with features like OIS and 4K recording.
- Users who value long-term performance: The longer software support offered by the A54 makes it suitable for users who don't upgrade frequently.
- Travelers and international users: eSIM is valuable for digital switching between providers and international use.
- Users who want the latest technologies: Those who want a device that supports new technology such as WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming and heavy application use.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Streaming and multimedia consumption.
- Working on the go, video conferences, and demanding daily tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance device for gaming and demanding tasks, or is basic performance sufficient?
- Photography/Videography Needs: How important is camera quality and advanced features for you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget: If your budget is the primary concern, the Galaxy A32 is the more affordable option, it provides adequate features for normal use.
- Scenario 2: Performance Matters: If you need a faster, smoother, and more capable phone, the Galaxy A54 is worth the investment, especially for gamers, content creators, and advanced users who may value video recording.
- Scenario 3: Prioritizing Camera Quality: If camera capabilities are a priority, the Galaxy A54 with its superior sensors, video capabilities, and OIS, is the better choice.
- Scenario 4: Future-Proofing: If you plan to use the phone for many years, the A54's newer software, advanced connectivity, and powerful hardware make it a better long-term option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy A54. Although the A32 offers a lighter build and a potentially lower price point, the A54 provides significant improvements that I find more valuable for my needs. I use my smartphone heavily for navigation, streaming, photography, and occasionally gaming. The A54's superior performance, better cameras, 120Hz display, faster charging, and the added longevity due to better software support outweigh the benefits of the A32's lighter design. The improved video quality and stabilisation are also very important to me as I shoot video often. The enhanced audio experience and the more robust build of the A54 also justify the higher price for me. Furthermore, the added eSIM support, for international traveling, would also make this a more compelling choice for my use case. While the difference in weight and size is a factor, the benefits I get from the A54 are worth the slight trade-off.
