1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Flip4 offers a unique folding design, making it more compact when closed, while the A32 is a standard slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 165.2 × 71.9 × 6.9 mm | The Z Flip4 is taller and thinner, while the A32 is slightly wider and thicker. The A32 has a larger overall volume. |
| Weight | 184g | 187g | Both phones are similar in weight, making them easy to handle and carry. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.7" | The Z Flip4 has a slightly larger screen, which is better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2640 | The Z Flip4 has a slightly sharper display due to the higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density | 411 PPI | 426 PPI | Both phones have very similar pixel densities, providing similar sharpness and clarity. |
| Technology | AMOLED | Unknown | The A32's AMOLED display has better contrast and deeper blacks, resulting in more vibrant colors. The Z Flip4 display type is not specified. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Z Flip4 offers smoother scrolling and animations due to the higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | The Z Flip4 is dramatically brighter, providing superior visibility in bright sunlight. The A32 brightness is not specified. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Z Flip4 has a much more powerful processor, resulting in significantly faster performance for demanding apps and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,050,371 | The Z Flip4's much higher benchmark score indicates far superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | The Z Flip4's GPU provides a better graphics experience for gaming and graphically intensive applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 64 MP | 12.2 MP | The A32 has a higher resolution sensor, which might allow for more detail in well-lit conditions; however, the sensor size of the A32 is not known which would also affect picture quality. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.8 | Both cameras have the same aperture, which influences low-light performance. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/2.55" | The Z Flip4 has a specified sensor size which affects light gathering. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.40 µm | The Z Flip4 has larger pixels which allows for better light sensitivity and reduced noise. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20 MP | 10 MP | The A32 has a higher resolution front camera, potentially allowing for more detailed selfies, but the sensor size of the A32 is not known which would also affect picture quality. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | The A32 has a slightly wider aperture, potentially better in low light, but the sensor size of the A32 is not known which would also affect picture quality. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/3.2" | The Z Flip4 has a specified sensor size which affects light gathering. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.22 µm | The Z Flip4 has a specified pixel size. |
| Wide Angle Camera Resolution | 8 MP | 13 MP | The Z Flip4 has a higher resolution wide-angle camera, capturing more detail in wide shots. |
| Wide Angle Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/3.06" | The Z Flip4 has a specified sensor size which affects light gathering. |
| Wide Angle Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.12 µm | The Z Flip4 has a specified pixel size. |
| Portrait Mode | 5 MP depth sensor | None | The A32 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while the Z Flip4 relies on software or the standard camera for depth effects. |
| Macro Lens | 5 MP | None | The A32 has a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@60fps, Slow-motion up to 960fps | The Z Flip4 can record higher quality videos, including 4K and slow-motion, while the A32 is limited to 1080p. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | The Z Flip4 provides video stabilization for smoother footage. |
| DxOMark | Not tested | Main score: 112, Photo: 125, Video: 113 | The Z Flip4's DxOMark scores indicate good image and video quality. The A32 is not tested. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3700mAh | The A32 has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life between charges, but that depends on factors such as processor efficiency and software optimization. |
| Charging | Li-Ion, non-removable | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer, non-removable | The Z Flip4 has fast charging, enabling quicker top-ups, while the A32 has a standard battery charging configuration and chemistry. |
| Charging Features | Non-removable | Fast charging, wireless charging, reverse charging | The Z Flip4 has advanced charging features that the A32 lacks. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, up to 13 | Android 12, up to 14 | The Z Flip4 has a newer operating system with potential benefits in software features and performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The Z Flip4 supports a newer Wi-Fi standard, offering faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 LE | The Z Flip4 has a newer version of Bluetooth with possible battery and performance benefits. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | The Z Flip4 supports more satellite systems, resulting in better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Z Flip4 provides the flexibility of using an eSIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256/512 GB | The Z Flip4 offers more storage options, which is ideal for users needing lots of space. |
| RAM | 4/6/8 GB | 8 GB | The Z Flip4 has more RAM, providing better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Stereo speakers | The Z Flip4 has stereo speakers, providing a better audio experience compared to the A32's basic audio output. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Z Flip4 has a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Z Flip4 offers a higher degree of screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, proximity, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope | Fingerprint, proximity, accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, barometer | The Z Flip4 offers an additional barometer sensor, which can be beneficial for specific applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages
- Larger Battery: 5000mAh battery provides potentially longer battery life, which is suitable for users who need all-day power.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Sensors: It offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots and a depth sensor for portrait mode, features not found on the Z Flip4.
- Lower Price Point: Generally, the A32 is significantly more affordable, making it a better value for budget-conscious users.
- AMOLED Display: Offers better contrast and deeper blacks.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 Advantages
- Foldable Design: The unique foldable design provides pocketability and a standout aesthetic.
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset delivers significantly faster processing, better gaming, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Display: Higher refresh rate, higher brightness, and slightly higher resolution, makes for a superior viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera Features: Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), 4K recording, and higher video frame rates provide better image and video quality.
- Faster Charging: Supports 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging for convenience.
- More Storage: Offers higher storage capacities up to 512GB and more RAM for better multitasking performance.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers provide better audio quality, separation, and immersion.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards, more satellite systems for location.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers enhanced durability.
Trade-offs
- A32: The A32 sacrifices performance and modern features for a lower price and a larger battery. Its camera quality and video features are noticeably lower.
- Z Flip4: The Z Flip4 comes with a higher price tag and a smaller battery capacity. Its foldable design may not appeal to all users.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a reliable phone for everyday use, such as calls, messaging, and social media.
- Use Cases:
- Longer battery life for extended use without frequent charging.
- Users who enjoy mobile photography and like having dedicated macro and depth sensors.
- Users who value an AMOLED screen for more vibrant colors and better contrast.
- Users who are primarily interested in basic smartphone functionalities.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone seeking a premium smartphone experience with high performance and a unique design.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding users who need powerful processing for gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
- Users who value a premium design and pocketability.
- Those who want a high-quality camera with excellent video recording capabilities.
- Users who use their phone for media consumption and enjoy a vibrant and high-refresh-rate display.
- Users who want a cutting-edge smartphone experience with fast charging, wireless charging, and better audio.
Price-to-Value Ratio
- A32: Offers good value for the price with a long-lasting battery and basic features, but its performance and camera features are modest.
- Z Flip4: Represents a significant investment, but its high performance, advanced features, and unique foldable design justify its higher price point for some users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? The A32 is a budget option, while the Z Flip4 is a premium device.
- Performance Needs: Do you need a high-performance phone for gaming and demanding apps, or is a reliable phone for everyday tasks sufficient?
- Form Factor: Do you prefer a standard slab phone, or do you value the unique foldable design of the Z Flip4?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable phone with good battery life for daily tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the recommended option.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Unique Design: If you want a premium, high-performance phone with a unique foldable design, and you are willing to pay a premium price, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 is the better option.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast: If mobile photography is a priority, the A32's dedicated macro and depth sensors could be beneficial; however, the Z Flip4 excels in video recording and has better picture quality and video stabilization. Consider your priorities.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4. While the A32 is a more affordable option, the Z Flip4 represents a significant upgrade in almost every important area.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including mobile gaming, and image processing I would prefer the superior processing power of the Z Flip4 which would make the phone feel snappy and responsive and allow me to run demanding applications.
- Display: The brighter, higher-refresh-rate screen of the Z Flip4 provides a better overall viewing experience, which I value highly for media consumption and everyday use.
- Camera: While the A32 has a higher resolution main sensor, I would generally prefer the overall better image quality (as evidenced by the DxOMark score) and features of the Z Flip4 which would provide more detailed and dynamic photos with better video quality.
- Features: The Z Flip4's fast charging, wireless charging, and stereo speakers are all features I use regularly.
- Foldable Design: While not necessarily a need, the foldable design of the Z Flip4 is unique and provides better pocketability.
While the larger battery of the A32 is appealing, the Z Flip4's improved processor efficiency will likely offset some of the battery capacity differences. Ultimately, for me, the superior performance, screen, camera, and premium feature set of the Z Flip4 make it the better choice despite the higher price and smaller battery.
