Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 159.3 × 74 × 8.4 mm | Virtually identical size; Both will feel similar in hand and pocket. |
| Weight | 184g | 180g | Negligible difference; Both phones feel similar in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.4" | Same screen size; Both offer the same viewing area for media consumption and daily tasks. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Identical sharpness; Both provide crisp images and text. |
| PPI | 411 | 411 | Same pixel density; Expect identical clarity on both screens. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both provide vibrant colors and deep blacks, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations; Both will feel similarly responsive for everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is not defined. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Same processor; Expect similar performance in apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 204,000 | Nearly identical performance; Both handle daily tasks smoothly, some difference when playing games. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Identical graphics performance; Both will perform similarly in graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.8 | Similar main camera quality; minor differences that won't be noticeable in daily use. |
| Selfie | 20MP, f/2.2 | 20MP, f/2.2 | Identical front-facing camera specs; Both capture similar selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Same wide-angle camera; Similar field of view and image quality. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 has higher depth sensor resolution; Slightly better portrait mode quality on the A32 . |
| Macro | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | A32 has higher macro lens resolution; Better macro shots on A32. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 120 fps Slow-mo | Similar video quality; M32 has a slow-motion video capture advantage. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Identical capacity; Expect similar battery life for general use. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | M32 has significantly faster charging; Faster refills and less downtime. |
| Inbox Charger | Non-removable | 15W inbox charger | M32 has inbox charger whereas there is no inbox charger on A32 |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 13 | Android 11, up to 13 | Both phones have similar software experience, and will be able to upgrade to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Same Wi-Fi standards; Comparable network speeds and range. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 | Same Bluetooth version and features; Both compatible with a wide range of accessories. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Identical positioning systems; Accurate location tracking on both devices. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both allow two SIM cards; Good for managing two phone numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Same storage options; Adequate space for most users. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Good amount of RAM for running multiple applications smoothly. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion; Choose storage variant based on needs |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted is more modern, and generally faster to unlock. |
| Other | |||
| Sensors | Hall, Geomagnetic | None | The A32 has more sensors, which can benefit users that use certain apps that leverage sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Higher Resolution Depth and Macro Cameras: The A32 has a 5MP depth and 5MP Macro camera compared to the M32's 2MP depth and 2MP Macro lens which translates to slightly better portrait mode and macro shots.
- Extra Sensors: The A32 has additional sensors such as Hall and Geomagnetic sensors, which could benefit users that use specific apps leveraging those sensors.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:
- 25W Fast Charging: The M32 features 25W fast charging support, allowing for significantly faster battery charging times.
- 120 fps Slow-motion Video Recording: The M32 can capture slow-motion videos at 120 frames per second, offering more creative possibilities.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Scanner: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a more modern approach that is generally faster to unlock than the basic fingerprint sensor found on the A32.
- Inbox Charger: The M32 comes with a 15W inbox charger which the A32 lacks.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 has slightly better camera performance when it comes to portrait and macro shots and has more sensors. However, the M32 offers faster charging and slow-motion video capabilities and a more modern fingerprint sensor.
- Both phones offer identical display quality and performance.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize a slightly better camera for portrait mode and macro photography.
- Use Cases:
- Users who frequently take portrait photos.
- Users who require more sensors in order to use specific apps.
- Users who are not concerned with fast charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy M32:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize battery charging speed and slow-motion video recording.
- Use Cases:
- Users who need to quickly recharge their phone during the day.
- Users who enjoy creating videos and capturing slow-motion moments.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Both phones offer a similar price-to-value ratio, making it a matter of preference for certain features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is fast charging to you? If quick charging is a priority, the M32 is the better choice.
- How often do you use portrait mode and macro photography? If you take a lot of close-up and portrait photos, the A32 might suit you better.
- Do you require the extra sensors on the A32? The A32 offers extra sensors such as Hall and Geomagnetic which you may require for certain apps.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you frequently travel and need to quickly top up your battery, the Samsung Galaxy M32 is a better fit due to its 25W fast charging support.
- Scenario 2: If you mainly use your phone for social media, the extra sensors offered on the Samsung Galaxy A32 may not be necessary, making the Samsung Galaxy M32 a more suitable device since it has a faster-to-unlock fingerprint sensor and supports 120 fps slow-motion videos.
- Scenario 3: If you are a budding photographer, the Samsung Galaxy A32 may suit your needs better due to its higher resolution depth and macro cameras.
What would I choose and why?
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M32. While the A32 has slightly higher resolution on its depth and macro cameras, the faster charging, side-mounted fingerprint scanner and slow-motion video recording capabilities on the M32 are more practical for my daily use. The 25W fast charging is a major convenience and the modern side-mounted fingerprint scanner is also a plus. Although, the A32's additional sensors and slightly better camera quality for portrait and macro shots are nice to have, the advantages of the M32 are more valuable to me. Both phones provide similar performance and display quality so for me, the M32 just edges out with the better battery charging and features.
