Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. vivo X100 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 164.1 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | The vivo X100 Pro is larger and slightly thicker, making it less pocketable but potentially offering a more immersive experience due to its larger screen. |
| Weight | 184g | 221g | The Samsung Galaxy A32 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation. The vivo X100 Pro's added weight might feel more premium, but it could be tiring for long durations. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | The vivo X100 Pro offers a more expansive viewing area, better for media consumption and multitasking. The A32 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1260x2800 | The vivo X100 Pro provides sharper images and text, resulting in a clearer and more detailed display. |
| PPI | 411 | 452 | vivo X100 Pro has a slightly sharper display, which makes text and images appear clearer and smoother. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks, which provides excellent visual experience, but the X100 Pro has a brighter display. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The vivo X100 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations, which is especially noticeable when gaming and browsing fast-moving content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The vivo X100 Pro is significantly brighter, ensuring excellent visibility even in direct sunlight, while the A32's brightness is unknown making it hard to know how it would perform outdoors. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | The vivo X100 Pro's chip is much more powerful and efficient, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance, especially in demanding games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 1,881,325 | The vivo X100 Pro has dramatically higher performance. This makes it significantly better for gaming, heavy apps and future-proofing. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The vivo X100 Pro offers much higher graphics processing capabilities, leading to better gaming performance and visual rendering. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 64.2MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.75, 1" sensor | The vivo X100 Pro’s larger sensor and wider aperture allow for better low-light performance and dynamic range, while the A32 has a higher megapixel count, which doesn't necessarily mean better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8" sensor | The vivo X100 Pro produces sharper and more detailed selfies, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" sensor | The vivo X100 Pro provides significantly better wide-angle shots with better detail and wider field of view. |
| Depth Sensor | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not present | The A32 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode which might allow for more depth-of-field control. The X100 Pro will rely on computational photography for this. |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | Not present | The A32 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the X100 Pro does not have. |
| Telephoto + Macro Lens | Not Present | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2" sensor | The vivo X100 Pro features a telephoto camera for zoomed shots, which also doubles as a macro camera, offering greater versatility. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | The vivo X100 Pro is capable of professional-grade video content creation with much better stabilization. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 150 (Mobile) | The vivo X100 Pro has achieved an excellent DXOMark score, indicating significantly superior image quality and video performance. |
| Features | Quadruple camera | Triple camera, OIS, Gimbal | The vivo X100 Pro has superior camera features such as OIS, Gimbal for stabilization and night mode. The A32 offers basic camera features. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5400mAh | The vivo X100 Pro has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life, however, this may be offset by its more powerful processor and brighter display. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 100W fast charging, Lithium | The vivo X100 Pro’s fast charging significantly reduces charging times, making it convenient for users who need quick power-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Wireless charging 50W, Non-removable | The vivo X100 Pro has more advanced features like reverse and wireless charging for greater convenience. |
Software, Connectivity, and Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 (upgradable to 15) | The vivo X100 Pro has a newer OS with the latest features and security updates. |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The vivo X100 Pro supports the newest Wi-Fi standards, offering higher speeds and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.4 LE | The vivo X100 Pro has the latest Bluetooth standard with improved performance and energy efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | More extensive support for GPS systems | The vivo X100 Pro has more robust and accurate positioning. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM, eSIM | The vivo X100 Pro supports eSIM for greater flexibility in carrier usage, in addition to Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB, 512GB or 1024GB | The vivo X100 Pro offers significantly more storage, great for users with a large number of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB | 12GB or 16GB | The vivo X100 Pro has much more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and improved performance in demanding apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The vivo X100 Pro offers a superior audio experience with high-quality sound output and immersive spatial audio. |
| Security | Fingerprint Sensor | Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones feature fingerprint sensor technology for security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter and More Compact: More comfortable for extended use and easier to handle with one hand.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: While lower quality than the X100 Pro's primary and ultrawide, it provides a dedicated mode for portrait and close-up photography.
- Lower Price: More affordable option, potentially suitable for budget-conscious users (price not available).
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: Much faster processor, better for gaming, multitasking, and demanding applications.
- Significantly Better Display: Larger, higher resolution, and significantly brighter screen for enhanced visual experience.
- Much Better Camera System: Larger sensor, wider aperture, and advanced features like OIS and Gimbal stabilization. The DXOMark score confirms significantly better camera capabilities.
- Faster Charging and Wireless Charging: Offers much faster charging times and convenient wireless charging.
- Larger Storage and RAM: Significantly more storage and RAM for a better overall experience and future-proofing.
- Newer Software and Connectivity: Latest Android version, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth standards.
- Better Audio: Features stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, and Dolby Atmos for an improved audio experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Size and Weight: The vivo X100 Pro is heavier and larger which might be a trade-off for the premium build and display.
- Macro and Depth Cameras: The A32 has dedicated macro and depth sensors which the X100 Pro lacks, it's telephoto can be used for macro photography.
- Price: The X100 Pro is a premium phone with a price to match, while the A32 is typically a lower-mid range phone (price not available).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a basic smartphone for everyday tasks at a more affordable price.
- Users Prioritizing Comfort: Those who prefer a lighter phone and are comfortable with a smaller display.
- Basic Photography Needs: Users needing a basic camera with dedicated macro and portrait modes for simple photography.
- General Usage: Users who mostly use their phones for social media, web browsing, calls, and emails.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Everyday texting and calling
- Casual social media browsing
- Basic photography for sharing images online
vivo X100 Pro Ideal User:
- Power Users: Those who need top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a high-quality camera for taking photos and videos in various conditions.
- Users Who Value Visual Experience: Those looking for a large, high-resolution, and bright screen for media consumption.
- Users who need future-proofing: Those who want a phone that has the best features and will not be outdated too quickly.
Use Cases for vivo X100 Pro:
- High-fidelity mobile gaming
- Professional photography and videography
- Heavy multitasking with demanding apps
- Immersive media consumption
- Content creators
Price-to-Value Ratio The vivo X100 Pro offers much better specs, but comes at a much higher price. The A32 might be better for those on a tight budget or not needing such high specs.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your primary use case for the phone (e.g., gaming, photography, basic usage)?
- How important is a high-quality camera and visual display experience to you?
- What is your budget for a new smartphone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Users with Basic Needs:
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32. It offers basic smartphone features, is lighter, and is likely more affordable, making it suitable for everyday use at a lower cost.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Photography Enthusiasts:
- Recommendation: vivo X100 Pro. Its powerful processor, high-end camera system, and excellent display make it ideal for users who need top-tier performance and great image quality.
- Scenario 3: Users Needing a Balance of Performance and Convenience:
- Recommendation: If the X100 Pro is within budget, its performance, features and battery will be ideal, though it is large and heavy. The Samsung A32 will be better if the X100 Pro is outside of your budget.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100 Pro. While I appreciate the lighter build and dedicated macro and depth sensors of the Samsung Galaxy A32, the vivo X100 Pro's advantages in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall feature set are too compelling to ignore. I value a high-performance phone for daily multitasking and media consumption, and I am a big fan of photography, where the X100 Pro significantly outperforms the A32. The faster charging, modern connectivity options and larger storage also justify choosing the vivo X100 Pro. The A32 is a decent option for budget-constrained users who need something basic, but the X100 Pro offers a premium and more future-proof experience.
