Samsung Galaxy M32 vs Asus Zenfone 9 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date June 28, 2021 September 15, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 99.02 cm³ 90.79 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.56 "/g 3.49 "/g
Weight 180 g 169 g
Height 159.3 mm 146.5 mm
Width 74 mm 68.1 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 9.1 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Light Blue
  • Midnight Black
  • Starry Blue
  • Moonlight White
  • Sunset Red

Display

Screen Size 6.4 " 5.9 "
Resolution 1080 x 2400 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 83.9 % 84.2 %
Pixel Density 411 PPI 445 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1100 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 123.53 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.49 mAh/cm³ 47.36 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 4300 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.19 GHz Cortex-X2 & 3x2.75 GHz Cortex-A710 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Adreno 730

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 N/A
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 13 14

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy M32 and the Asus Zenfone 9. I'll walk you through the specs, highlight the key differences, and give you a clear picture of which phone might be right for you. Think of this as a conversation with a friend who knows their tech – that's me!

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what each spec actually means for you in everyday use:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy M32Asus Zenfone 9Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm, 180g146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm, 169gM32: Larger, slightly heavier. Zenfone 9: More compact, easier one-handed use.
BuildStandardStandardBoth are typical smartphones.
Display
Size6.4"5.9"M32: More screen real estate for media consumption. Zenfone 9: More pocketable.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Both are sharp enough for everyday use.
PPI411445Zenfone 9: Slightly crisper display, but likely not noticeable to most users.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDVibrant colors and deep blacks on both.
Refresh Rate90Hz120HzZenfone 9: Smoother scrolling and animations.
Brightness0 nits1100 nitsZenfone 9: Significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetHelio G80 (12nm)Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)Zenfone 9: Flagship-level performance. Much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
AnTuTu Score204,0001,232,500Zenfone 9: Absolutely crushes the M32 in performance. Huge difference in responsiveness.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 730Zenfone 9: Superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps.
RAM4/6/8 GB8/16 GBZenfone 9: Handles multitasking and memory-intensive apps far better.
Camera
Main Camera64MP (f/1.8)50MP (f/1.8) Sony IMX766M32: Higher megapixel count, but sensor size matters more. Zenfone 9: Likely better image quality in most conditions due to the superior sensor.
Selfie Camera20MP (f/2.2)12MP (f/2.45) Sony IMX663M32: Higher megapixel count but Zenfone 9 better in low light condition
Wide Angle lens8MP12MP (Wide Angle + Macro)M32: Dedicated Wide Angle lens. Zenfone 9: Wide angle lens with macro function.
Macro Lens2MPNoneM32: Dedicated Macro lens.
Depth Lens2MPNoneM32: Dedicated Depth lens.
Video1080p@30fpsUp to 8K@24fpsZenfone 9: Professional-grade video capabilities with higher resolutions and advanced stabilization.
StabilizationNoYes (OIS + Gimbal)Zenfone 9: Significantly more stable video recording, especially in motion.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh4300mAhM32: Larger battery, potentially longer battery life.
Charging25W30WZenfone 9: Slightly faster charging, minimizing downtime.
Inbox Charger15WNoneM32: Charger included.
Other
OSAndroid 11 (up to 13)Android 12 (up to 14)Zenfone 9: More up-to-date software and longer support.
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 6EZenfone 9: Faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connectivity.
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.2 LEZenfone 9: More efficient and potentially more reliable Bluetooth connections.
Storage64/128 GB128/256 GBZenfone 9: Higher storage options, better for storing large media files.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither allows for microSD card expansion.
AudioBasicStereo Speakers, Hi-Res AudioZenfone 9: Far superior audio quality for music and videos.
Screen ProtectionUnknownGorilla Glass VictusZenfone 9: More durable screen, less prone to scratches and damage.

2. Key Insights

  • Samsung Galaxy M32 Strengths:

    • Larger display for media consumption.
    • Bigger battery for potentially longer endurance.
    • Includes an inbox charger.
    • More affordable
  • Asus Zenfone 9 Strengths:

    • Compact and pocketable design, ideal for one-handed use.
    • Flagship-level Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor for blazing-fast performance.
    • Excellent camera with a high-quality Sony sensor and advanced stabilization.
    • Smoother 120Hz display with much higher brightness.
    • Superior audio quality with stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio support.
    • More durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus.
    • More up-to-date software with longer support.
  • Trade-offs and Limitations:

    • The M32's larger battery is great, but it comes at the cost of a larger, less pocketable phone.
    • The Zenfone 9's smaller battery might require more frequent charging for heavy users.
    • Neither phone offers expandable storage.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy M32:

    • Ideal User: Someone on a tight budget who prioritizes a large screen for watching videos and doesn't need top-tier performance.
    • Use Case: Casual media consumption, basic social media, and everyday tasks.
    • Value: Good value if you need a large screen and are okay with slower performance.
  • Asus Zenfone 9:

    • Ideal User: Someone who wants a compact phone without compromising on performance and camera quality.
    • Use Case: Gaming, photography, video recording, and demanding apps.
    • Value: Excellent value for those who prioritize performance, camera, and a compact design.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to ask yourself to help you decide:

  1. How important is performance to you? If you play a lot of games or use demanding apps, the Zenfone 9 is the clear winner.
  2. Do you prefer a larger screen or a more compact phone? The M32 is better for media consumption, while the Zenfone 9 is more pocketable and easier to use with one hand.
  3. What's your budget? The M32 is more affordable, but the Zenfone 9 offers significantly more for the money if you can stretch your budget.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Conscious Media Lover: If you primarily watch videos and browse social media on a budget, the Samsung Galaxy M32 is a decent choice.
  • Compact Power User: If you need a small phone that can handle anything you throw at it, the Asus Zenfone 9 is the way to go.
  • Photography Enthusiast: The Asus Zenfone 9's superior camera and video capabilities make it a better choice for capturing high-quality photos and videos.

My Choice

If I had to choose, I'd pick the Asus Zenfone 9, hands down. While the Samsung Galaxy M32 has its merits, the Zenfone 9 offers a significantly better user experience in almost every way. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is a game-changer, providing blazing-fast performance that makes everything feel smooth and responsive. Plus, the camera is excellent, and the compact design is a welcome change from the increasingly large phones on the market.

For me, the combination of performance, camera quality, and compact design makes the Zenfone 9 the clear winner. It's a phone that I would enjoy using every day, and that's what matters most.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.