1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 158.9 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | 164.2 × 76.1 × 8.1 mm | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; A32 is slightly thicker but narrower. |
| Weight | 184g | 202g | A32 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has better screen protection; A32 screen is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers a slightly larger viewing area for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer the same level of sharpness, resulting in similar clarity for everyday use. |
| PPI | 411 | 395 | Both have very similar pixel density, with no noticeable difference in clarity during normal use. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both have vibrant and high-contrast displays, offering great visuals for media and gaming. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G provides smoother scrolling and animations, especially noticeable in fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1200 nits | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers vastly superior visibility in direct sunlight and bright conditions. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a more powerful and efficient chipset for better overall performance and 5G connectivity. |
| AnTuTu Score | 200,458 | 405,259 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers significantly better performance, leading to faster app loading, better multitasking, and more capable gaming experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 (ARM Mali-G52 2EEMC2) | Adreno 619 (Qualcomm Adreno 619) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a more powerful GPU, offering better graphics in gaming and GPU-intensive applications. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" sensor, 0.70 µm pixels, Samsung S5KHM2 sensor | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G captures more detailed images with higher resolution and a larger sensor. A32 has a wider aperture for slightly better low-light shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.06" sensor, 1.00 µm pixels, Omnivision OV16A1Q sensor | Samsung Galaxy A32 captures higher resolution selfies; Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has larger pixel size, which could help with light capture and quality |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" sensor, 1.14 µm pixels, Sony IMX355 sensor | Both offer similar wide-angle capabilities, but the Redmi has larger pixel size |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 5MP, f/2.4 | None | A32 includes a depth sensor, which can enhance portrait mode shots with a blurred background |
| Macro Lens | 5MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5" sensor, 1.75 µm pixels, GalaxyCore GC02M1 sensor | A32's Macro lens is higher resolution, potentially enabling slightly more detailed macro shots, while Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has bigger pixel size. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization, Slow-motion: No, 30 fps | 1080p@30fps, Digital image stabilization, Slow-motion: Yes, 120 fps | Both record similar standard video; Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers digital image stabilization and higher frame rate slow motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Quadruple camera, Digital zoom, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Triple camera, Digital zoom, Digital image stabilization, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Manual focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G offers more advanced features including image stabilization, manual focus, RAW support and a night mode, leading to greater creative control. |
| DxOMark | N/A | Overall: 78, Photo: 81, Video: 85 | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has been tested on DXOMark which indicates it provides a good camera performance |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have a similar battery capacity; Expect similar battery life under comparable use. |
| Charging | Li-Ion | 67W Fast Charging, Li-Ion Polymer | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G charges significantly faster, reducing the time spent plugged in. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both do not have removable batteries |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 11 | Galaxy A32 is upgradable to android 13; Xiaomi has unknown max version |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Display, Wi-Fi MiMO | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports Wi-Fi MiMO for potentially faster and more stable wireless connections. Both devices support all common WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, AVRCP, DIP, HFP, HID, HSP, MAP, PAN, OPP, PBAP/PAB, HOGP | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, A2DP, LE, APT-x, LDAC, AAC | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a newer Bluetooth version with better power efficiency and audio codecs for high-quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both devices can use two SIM cards simultaneously |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 128 GB or 64 GB | Unknown | Galaxy A32 has more storage for media and apps |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Unknown | Galaxy A32 offers more RAM for multitasking and gaming |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither device supports expandable storage |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G provides a richer audio experience |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G has a more accessible fingerprint reader |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A32 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Both devices support core sensor technology |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A32 Advantages:
- Lighter and more compact: Easier to handle and carry for extended periods.
- Higher resolution selfie camera: May capture more detailed selfies.
- Dedicated depth sensor: Improves portrait mode shots with background blur.
- More storage & RAM options: Comes in more variants
- Upgradable OS: Can be upgraded to Android 13.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful performance: Faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Superior display: Larger screen, higher refresh rate, and vastly better brightness for a better visual experience, especially outdoors.
- Faster charging: 67W fast charging significantly reduces charging times.
- Better main camera sensor: 108MP sensor captures more detailed images.
- Advanced camera features: Digital image stabilization, RAW, Manual Focus, Night Mode.
- Better audio system: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers
- Newer Bluetooth: Supports advanced audio codecs
- Better screen protection Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Compromises on processing power, display quality, and charging speed for a lighter, more compact design.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: Larger size and weight might not be ideal for all users, depth sensor is missing.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A32:
- Users prioritizing ergonomics and portability: Those who want a lighter and more compact phone for comfortable one-handed use.
- Users who take lots of selfies: Those who prioritize higher resolution for selfie pictures.
- Budget-conscious users: Those who are looking for more storage, ram, at a more affordable price (assuming similar prices).
Ideal Users for Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G:
- Power users and gamers: Those who need a device that can handle demanding apps and games smoothly.
- Media consumers: Those who prioritize a larger, brighter, and smoother display for watching videos and browsing.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera with advanced features and better image quality.
- Users who need fast charging: Those who need to charge their phone quickly and get back to using it.
- Users who prioritize audio quality: Users that want to enjoy their music and movies with stereo speakers and a Hi-Res sound.
Use Cases
- Samsung Galaxy A32: Ideal for everyday tasks, social media, light gaming, and users who value portability and comfortable handling.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G: Excels in demanding use cases such as gaming, high-quality media consumption, capturing detailed photos and videos, and situations requiring fast charging and outdoor usage.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your primary use case for the phone? (e.g., casual use, gaming, photography).
- How important are screen brightness and refresh rate to you? (e.g., outdoor visibility, smoothness).
- How much do you value processing power and fast charging? (e.g., smooth multitasking, rapid battery top-ups).
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: Casual user on a budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A32 (if priced lower) for basic usage, selfies and comfort handling.
Scenario 2: Heavy user or gamer on a budget
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, despite its larger size for the powerful performance, better display, and fast charging.
Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast on a budget
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G for the significantly superior camera and features such as digital image stabilization, RAW and Night Mode.
My Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G.
Here's why:
- Performance: As someone who uses my phone for various tasks, including some gaming and media consumption, the significant performance boost offered by the Snapdragon 695 is crucial. The benchmark difference is not negligible, and would translate to a snappier experience day to day.
- Display: The brighter screen with a 120Hz refresh rate makes a huge difference in my usage, making scrolling smoother, videos more enjoyable and most importantly, allows better visibility under direct sunlight.
- Camera: The 108MP camera, while perhaps not the absolute best, offers considerably better detail and versatility with added features like RAW and Night Mode.
- Charging: The fast charging is a game-changer, especially as someone who is always on the go, it means less time waiting for my phone to charge.
While the Samsung A32's lighter build is tempting, the improvements in performance, display, camera, charging, and audio quality in the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G are more significant for my needs. The trade-off in size and weight is acceptable for the overall value it provides, and the missing depth sensor is not a dealbreaker as the primary camera on the Redmi is significantly better.
