Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A32 vs. Xiaomi 12X
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi 12X | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 152.7 × 69.9 × 8.2 mm | Xiaomi 12X is more compact and easier to handle with one hand. A32 is slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 184g | 176g | Xiaomi 12X is slightly lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.28" | Samsung A32 offers a slightly larger screen, potentially better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same FHD+ resolution, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 411 | 419 | Both have virtually identical pixel density; sharpness will be indistinguishable. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both use vibrant AMOLED technology with rich colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xiaomi 12X offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations due to a higher refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1100 nits | Xiaomi 12X will be significantly more visible in bright sunlight or outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm) | Xiaomi 12X has a vastly more powerful processor; expect smoother performance in all tasks, especially gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 815,210 | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 650 | Xiaomi 12X has a much more powerful GPU for superior gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 64MP | 50MP | Samsung A32 captures slightly higher resolution images with the main sensor, but this doesn't always mean better quality. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | Both have similar main camera apertures for low-light performance. |
| Main Camera Sensor | N/A | Sony IMX766 | Xiaomi 12X has a superior main camera sensor for improved image quality. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 20MP | 32MP | Xiaomi 12X captures higher-resolution selfies, meaning sharper images with better detail. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.45 | Samsung A32 has a wider aperture, which might result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor | N/A | Omnivision OV32B | Xiaomi 12X has a selfie sensor with larger pixel size resulting in better light sensitivity. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Resolution | 8MP | 13MP | Xiaomi 12X provides higher resolution wide-angle shots with better detail and sharpness. |
| Wide-Angle Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung A32 has a slightly wider aperture, which may marginally help in low-light wide-angle photography. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | Yes | No | Samsung Galaxy A32 has a dedicated portrait mode depth sensor |
| Macro Lens | 5MP | 5MP | Both phones have a 5MP macro lens for close-up shots; performance will likely be similar. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps | Xiaomi 12X offers significantly superior video recording capabilities, including 8K and high frame rate options. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | Xiaomi 12X's video stabilization will produce smoother, more professional-looking video footage. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 960 fps | Xiaomi 12X can record more dramatic slow-motion sequences. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung Galaxy A32 offers a larger battery, potentially lasting longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | Standard | 67W Fast Charging | Xiaomi 12X charges significantly faster, allowing for quick top-ups. |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Samsung A32 is upgradable to Android 13, while the Xiaomi 12X is not specified |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Xiaomi 12X has a newer standard with faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Xiaomi 12X features a more up-to-date Bluetooth standard. |
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | Xiaomi 12X offers a higher maximum storage option, allowing more space for media and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB, 6 GB, or 8 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Xiaomi 12X has more RAM, resulting in improved multitasking performance and smoother app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Xiaomi 12X delivers a significantly better audio experience with stereo speakers and advanced audio processing. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xiaomi 12X's screen is much more resistant to scratches and drops. |
| Sensors | Standard suite + Proximity | Standard suite + Ultrasonic Proximity | Both include comprehensive sensor suites. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The A32 has a 500mAh larger battery (5000mAh vs. 4500mAh), which may offer longer battery life for users who prioritize endurance.
- Wider Aperture Selfie Cam: The A32 has a wider aperture selfie cam (f/2.2 vs f/2.45). This may offer marginally better low-light performance, although sensor size is a major determinant of performance
- Portrait Mode Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
- Slightly Larger Screen: A marginally larger screen for media consumption, which some may prefer.
- Software Upgradability: Confirmed upgrade to Android 13.
Xiaomi 12X Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 870 chipset provides significantly better performance, including faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. The much better GPU will make a noticeable difference for gamers.
- Better Display: 120Hz refresh rate for smoother animations, along with dramatically higher peak brightness (1100 nits vs. unknown), making it much more usable outdoors.
- Superior Main Camera Sensor: The Sony IMX766 is a high quality sensor for improved image capture.
- Better Selfie Camera: Higher resolution, larger sensor, and better low-light capability.
- Significantly Better Video Recording: 8K video recording, high frame rates and EIS offer greater flexibility.
- Faster Charging: 67W fast charging allows for quick battery top-ups.
- Superior Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio provide a much better audio experience for media consumption and calls.
- More RAM and Storage options: Up to 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage is offered
- Wi-Fi 6 Support: Faster and more efficient wireless connectivity.
- Corning Gorilla Glass Victus: Better screen protection than the unknown standard on the A32.
- More Satellite Navigation Systems More precise and faster location.
Trade-offs:
- The Xiaomi 12X has a smaller battery, which may mean the Samsung Galaxy A32 has longer battery life for lighter tasks.
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 has an extra portrait mode camera, whereas the Xiaomi 12X lacks this dedicated depth sensor.
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 may have slightly better performance in low-light selfie conditions due to the aperture.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A32 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize a very long battery life.
- Budget-conscious individuals who need a larger display for media consumption.
- Users who take many selfies and would benefit from a dedicated portrait mode camera.
- Users who want a simple phone with a larger screen and basic features.
- Those who do not perform demanding tasks (e.g., gaming, video editing)
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Casual web browsing, social media, and email.
- Watching videos and movies on a larger display.
- Basic photography with its 4 camera setup.
- Daily use without frequent charging.
- Simple gaming (e.g., puzzles or casual games).
Xiaomi 12X Ideal User:
- Users who value performance and want a fast and responsive phone.
- Mobile gamers who need a powerful processor and GPU.
- Users who take a lot of photos and videos and need good image quality.
- Those who regularly consume multimedia with better audio.
- Users who need fast charging
- Users who want an excellent all-rounder phone.
Use Cases for Xiaomi 12X:
- Intensive gaming (e.g., FPS, RPG, Racing).
- High-quality video recording, including 8K footage.
- Demanding app usage and heavy multitasking.
- Enjoying music and videos with excellent audio.
- Taking high-quality photos and selfies in a variety of conditions.
- Frequent travelers who need fast charging.
- Work and professional use.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- How important is performance? If you are a heavy user and need smooth performance, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear choice. If you only perform light tasks like social media and casual browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A32 will be adequate.
- Do you prioritize better display or battery life? The Xiaomi 12X has a far better display (brighter and smoother) for media consumption and outdoor visibility. The Samsung A32 has the larger battery for longer run times.
- How important is video recording? The Xiaomi 12X has much superior video recording capabilities. If you need high-quality video, this is the phone for you. If you mostly take photos, then both will serve adequately, but the Xiaomi 12X is better overall
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget and Casual Use: If you are on a strict budget and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and media, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is acceptable.
- Scenario 2: Gaming and Performance: If you are a mobile gamer or someone who needs smooth performance for demanding tasks, the Xiaomi 12X is the clear winner due to its significantly more powerful processor, GPU, and RAM.
- Scenario 3: Media Creation and Consumption: If you create and consume videos and need higher quality audio, the Xiaomi 12X is a significantly better option, due to its 8K recording capability, superior sound, and much brighter and smoother display.
My Choice
Given the choice, I would choose the Xiaomi 12X. While the Samsung Galaxy A32 offers a larger battery, the significant performance advantages of the Xiaomi 12X, along with its superior display, better camera capabilities (especially video), much faster charging, and improved audio experience, make it the superior phone. For me, the additional capabilities significantly outweigh the minor downside of a slightly smaller battery. The smoother user experience, along with improved overall performance for modern tasks (gaming and demanding apps), is why it is the better choice.
