1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | Xperia 1 IV is taller, Galaxy A32 is wider and slightly thicker. Consider hand size for comfortable grip. |
| Weight | 184g | 185g | Negligible difference. Both feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.5" | Minimal difference, both offer large viewing areas. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV is significantly sharper, with more detail for text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 411 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV offers crisper visuals due to much higher pixel density, reduced pixel visibility. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, but perceived difference is minimal. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 IV provides smoother scrolling and animations, beneficial for gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is unknown, making outdoor visibility hard to judge. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV is significantly more powerful, and more future-proof for demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV provides vastly superior graphics processing power for gaming and graphical applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm pixels, Sony Exmor RS | Galaxy A32 has higher resolution for larger print sizes, but Xperia 1 IV likely has better low-light performance due to larger pixels and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Galaxy A32 has higher resolution; Xperia 1 IV captures more light with wider aperture. |
| Telephoto Lens | Not available | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5", Sony IMX650 | Xperia 1 IV allows optical zoom for better close-up shots without losing detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 1 IV captures more detail with its higher resolution wide-angle lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | Not available | Available | Xperia 1 IV enhances depth sensing for portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Portrait Mode | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Galaxy A32 provides a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Galaxy A32 offers dedicated macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 1 IV records much higher-quality video with better stabilization features. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS, EIS) | Xperia 1 IV offers Optical and Electronic Image Stabilization for smoother, less shaky video. |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 960 fps | Xperia 1 IV provides advanced slow-motion recording capabilities. |
| DxOMark Score | Not Available | 105 (Mobile), 107 (Photo), 92 (Video) | Xperia 1 IV camera is rated as superior by DxOMark, especially in photo and video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have same battery capacity, suggesting similar endurance based on battery capacity, other features affect battery life. |
| Charging | Li-Ion, Standard Charging | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Xperia 1 IV charges faster and uses more advanced battery technology. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 IV allows charging without heating battery, increasing longevity. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | Xperia 1 IV has slightly newer OS out of box. Both are upgradable to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Up to 802.11ac | Up to WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Xperia 1 IV supports faster Wi-Fi with lower latency, especially in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 LE | Xperia 1 IV has a newer version, offering better power efficiency and more advanced audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 1 IV has more precise location tracking with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. A32 has two physical SIM slots. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | Xperia 1 IV provides much more storage for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | Xperia 1 IV offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV offers superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio and quality. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 IV offers more convenient and advanced fingerprint unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV has superior screen protection against scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Xperia 1 IV includes barometer for measuring air pressure and elevation changes. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lower cost: Likely a more budget-friendly option.
- Dedicated Macro and Portrait Lenses: Offers these specialized camera options, unlike the Xperia 1 IV.
- Dual Physical SIM: Ability to have two physical SIM cards for better dual carrier use.
Practical Implications:
- The A32 caters to users who want a feature-rich camera system at a lower cost.
- The dedicated lenses will give different usage experience compared to digital zoom or wide-angle for the same purposes.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip provides vastly superior processing and graphics performance.
- High-Resolution Display: Sharper, more detailed screen for better viewing experience.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher quality images and videos with advanced features like OIS, EIS, and 4K 120fps recording.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for superior screen protection.
- Advanced Features: Faster Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.2 LE, Dual-Band GPS, and advanced audio capabilities (Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio).
- Bypass Charging: Improves battery longevity.
- Significantly More RAM and Internal Storage: For better multitasking and storage capacity.
- Side mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More convenient biometric security.
Practical Implications:
- The Xperia 1 IV provides a superior experience for demanding users who prioritize performance, media consumption, and mobile photography/videography.
- Ideal for gamers, content creators, and those who want a future-proof device.
Trade-offs:
- The Xperia 1 IV does not have a dedicated portrait mode and macro lens as on the Galaxy A32.
- The Xperia 1 IV is more expensive.
- The Xperia 1 IV does not have dual physical SIM slots.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who want a capable smartphone for everyday tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday browsing and social media usage.
- Basic photography needs with some specialized modes.
- Users needing dual physical SIM support.
- Users who don't require top tier gaming or performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers good value for its price point, providing a good experience in a more affordable package.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Power users, content creators, and mobile gamers who need top-tier performance, image/video quality, and a premium experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- High-quality mobile photography and videography.
- Content creation and professional tasks.
- Media consumption with a high-resolution display and superior audio.
- Users needing maximum performance.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher price with top-tier specs, excellent camera capabilities, and advanced features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The A32 is significantly more affordable, while the Xperia 1 IV is in the premium category.
- How important is performance and gaming? The Xperia 1 IV is far superior for demanding tasks and gaming.
- What are your camera priorities? Do you prefer a dedicated macro/portrait lenses (A32), or higher quality video recording and overall image quality (Xperia 1 IV)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If you are on a tight budget and need a phone for basic tasks and light usage, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2: If you are a mobile gamer or content creator who needs the best performance and camera quality and are willing to pay for it, then the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better option.
- Scenario 3: If you require a phone with dual physical SIM slots but still want strong camera performance, consider the Samsung Galaxy A32.
- Scenario 4: If you prioritize a device with fast charging, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the way to go, but be mindful of the premium price.
Final Choice:
Given the information, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV.
Reasoning:
While the Samsung Galaxy A32 offers good value for its price, the Xperia 1 IV's superiority in several key areas justifies the higher price tag for my priorities. The vastly superior performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, combined with the much better display, camera system, and advanced connectivity features, make it the better overall device for my use case. The lack of dedicated macro and portrait lenses is a minor trade-off for the substantially higher image quality and video recording capabilities offered by the Xperia 1 IV. The addition of features such as Dolby Atmos, superior battery charging, and a better screen also tips the scales for the Xperia 1 IV.
Although the A32 is a decent phone, it lacks the performance necessary for demanding tasks. Given the premium build quality, the advanced features, and the future-proof chipset, the Xperia 1 IV is the clear winner for my personal preference.
