Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23+
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | S23+ is slightly shorter and wider but thinner, resulting in a slightly smaller overall size, and may feel more premium due to its thinner profile. |
| Weight | 184g | 196g | A32 is slightly lighter, may be more comfortable during long usage for some users. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.6" | S23+ offers a slightly more immersive experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2340 | Both offer similar sharpness; negligible difference for most users. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 393 PPI | Both have similar sharpness; negligible difference for most users. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | S23+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the user experience, especially in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23+ is significantly better for outdoor use in bright sunlight; A32 brightness information is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23+ is much faster, offering better performance for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,508,732 | S23+ provides a significantly smoother and faster user experience overall. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 740 | S23+ offers vastly superior graphics performance, ideal for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | A32 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering slightly longer usage time. |
| Charging | Standard Li-Ion | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | S23+ charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, 10W Wireless, 4.5W Reverse Wireless, Non-removable | S23+ has much more advanced charging capabilities, offering flexibility. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00 µm | S23+ has a larger sensor with larger pixels, potentially better low-light performance despite lower resolution. |
| Selfie Lens | 20MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | A32 has higher resolution but S23+ sensor details are missing, making it difficult to assess real-world performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.00 µm | S23+ offers optical zoom capabilities for greater versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.40 µm | S23+ has a wider field of view and larger sensor, resulting in improved image quality. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, with various frame rates and HDR | S23+ offers dramatically better video recording quality and versatility. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile (133) | S23+ is tested and rated higher. A32 is untested. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced features (OIS, RAW, Night Mode) | S23+ provides more options and versatility for advanced users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 13 | Android 13, Upgradable to 17 | S23+ offers the latest Android version and future-proof software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi MiMO | S23+ has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 LE, APT-x, LDAC, SBC | S23+ has a newer Bluetooth version, providing better connectivity with audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23+ offers more precise location tracking via more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | S23+ offers eSIM support for greater flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | S23+ offers significantly more built-in storage. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB or 8 GB | 8 GB | S23+ provides sufficient RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | S23+ provides vastly superior audio quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic | Basic | Both offer standard biometric security |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23+ has much better screen protection for durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23+ includes additional environmental sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: More comfortable for extended use, may be preferable for users sensitive to weight.
- Marginally Larger Battery: May provide slightly longer battery life, although this may be negated by the less efficient processor.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Lens: Offers dedicated sensors for macro and portrait photography, although S23+ can achieve similar effects using software and other lenses.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides a massive speed advantage, resulting in better app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Superior Display: Higher refresh rate and dramatically better brightness make it more enjoyable and practical, particularly outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Optical zoom, larger sensor, and better video recording capabilities greatly enhance the photographic and video experiences.
- Faster Charging and Advanced Battery Features: Fast wired and wireless charging support, bypass and reverse charging options provide greater flexibility.
- Latest Software: Comes with Android 13, ensuring access to the latest features and security updates and further updates, unlike the A32.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 LE, providing faster and more efficient connectivity.
- Much more Storage Space: offers up to 512gb, while A32 offers up to 128gb
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers excellent protection, providing more peace of mind against scratches.
- Better Audio: High-quality stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
Trade-offs:
- The A32 has a slightly larger battery but this is likely counteracted by its less efficient chipset.
- A32 has a dedicated depth and macro lens, but S23+ offers superior image quality and versatility through its other sensors.
- The A32 is the less expensive model but at a significant loss to performance and overall quality.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 - Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize affordability over raw performance.
- Users with basic smartphone needs (calls, messages, social media, casual photo taking).
- Individuals who do not play graphics-intensive games and do not require high levels of multi-tasking.
- Users who prioritize a lightweight device.
- Users who enjoy macro and depth camera features.
Use Cases:
- Casual web browsing.
- Checking emails and social media.
- Basic photography.
- Navigation.
- Standard Video watching.
Samsung Galaxy S23+ - Ideal User:
- Users who want the best performance, camera, and overall experience.
- Gamers and power users who frequently multitask.
- Users who regularly take photos and videos and want high quality results.
- Those who want the latest technology, software, and features.
- Users who want more storage for large files or media libraries.
- Those willing to pay more for a superior overall experience.
Use Cases:
- High-performance gaming.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Heavy multitasking.
- Media creation and consumption.
- Demanding mobile applications.
- Outdoor usage in bright conditions.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A32 offers reasonable value for budget-conscious buyers.
- The S23+ justifies its higher price with its premium features and significant performance advantage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? (A32 is much cheaper but compromises on performance and features)
- How important is performance, camera quality, and display brightness? (S23+ excels in all these areas)
- What are my primary use cases? (Casual use vs. gaming, photography, multitasking)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Use & Budget: If your primary use case is basic tasks and you want the cheapest option, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is suitable.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera: If you require the best performance, high-quality camera features, and are willing to pay the price, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: All-Round Usage: If you need a balance between performance and price, the A32 will likely struggle with modern tasks and the S23+ is the best choice.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23+. While the Galaxy A32 is cheaper, the S23+ offers a vastly superior overall experience. The difference in performance is monumental: the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip is a huge upgrade, making the phone feel significantly faster and more responsive. This means smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and better gaming performance.
The display is also significantly better with the brighter screen and higher refresh rate. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social media and websites feel more fluid, and the much higher brightness makes viewing content outdoors far more practical, and enjoyable. The camera system is much more capable on the S23+ with its superior sensors, optical zoom, and 8K video recording and better software features.
Finally, the more recent software and better overall connectivity features (such as the latest WiFi and Bluetooth versions), along with much larger storage capacity, make the S23+ a much more future-proof option. The S23+ delivers a premium experience that the A32 simply cannot match. Therefore, if the budget allows, the S23+ is the better choice.
