Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy M32 and Huawei nova 8i. I'll cut through the jargon and tell you what really matters.
Samsung Galaxy M32 vs. Huawei nova 8i: A Tech Journalist's Perspective
These two phones launched within a month of each other in 2021, aiming for the sweet spot of affordability and decent features. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive in.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison to give you the full picture:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Huawei nova 8i | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 159.3 × 74 × 8.4 mm, 180g | 161.9 × 74.7 × 8.6 mm, 190g | The M32 is slightly smaller and lighter, which some users may find more comfortable for one-handed use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.67" | The nova 8i has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2376 | Virtually identical sharpness. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The M32's AMOLED screen will deliver more vibrant colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, making videos and photos pop. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The M32's smoother scrolling and animations make the phone feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | (Data Missing) Check third party reviews for proper brightness information. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Both are mid-range chips. The Snapdragon is generally considered slightly more efficient. |
| AnTuTu Score | 204,000 | 201,000 | Practically identical performance. You won't notice a significant difference in everyday tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 usually provides better graphic performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.9 | Similar main camera quality. The wider aperture on the M32 might give it a slight edge in low light, but sensor and software are key. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0 | The M32 has a higher resolution selfie, but the wider aperture of the nova 8i could mean better low-light selfies. It depends on the sensor. |
| Other Lenses | 8MP Wide, 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | 8MP Wide, 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | Standard auxiliary cameras, nothing special here. |
| Features | Standard + PDAF | Standard | PDAF will provide faster focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | The M32's larger battery should provide noticeably longer battery life, especially for heavy users. |
| Charging | 25W | 66W | The nova 8i's super-fast charging is a game-changer. You'll be back up to full power much faster. |
| Inbox Charger | 15W | - | If you get the M32, factor in you'll get a slower charger than the phone is capable of. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 10 | The M32 has a more recent Android version and a confirmed update, meaning longer software support and newer features. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 128GB | The nova 8i has 128GB by default. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 6GB | Higher ram configuration for the M32 means more multitasking abilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | If you need lots of storage, neither of these are great. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | The nova 8i will have a better audio listening experience. |
| Other | |||
| Connectivity | Standard | Standard | Standard WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS. No NFC on either (likely). |
| Security | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Basic biometric security. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy M32:
- Strengths: Superior AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, larger battery, more recent Android version.
- Competitive Advantages: Better screen quality and smoother experience.
- Trade-offs: Slower charging.
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Strengths: Strikingly fast 66W charging, larger screen.
- Competitive Advantages: Significantly quicker charging times and better audio.
- Trade-offs: Older software, IPS LCD screen.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy M32:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize display quality and longer battery life, and want the latest Android features.
- Use Cases: Watching videos, browsing social media, gaming, and general daily use where you want your battery to last all day.
- Huawei nova 8i:
- Best Suited For: Users who value fast charging and who need a bigger screen.
- Use Cases: Gamers or people who listen to music often or need to make calls frequently.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
- How important is screen quality to you? If you consume a lot of visual content, the M32's AMOLED screen will be a major plus.
- Do you hate waiting for your phone to charge? The nova 8i's 66W charging is incredibly convenient.
- Do you prioritize having the latest software? The M32 will get more Android updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "I need a phone for watching movies on the go." Choose the Samsung Galaxy M32 for its superior display.
- "I'm always running late and need a phone that charges quickly." Pick the Huawei nova 8i for its blazing-fast charging.
Final Verdict
If software updates and display technology are the most important things to you, then the Samsung Galaxy M32 is the winner. However, if you want a bigger screen or you value faster charging, go with the Huawei Nova 8i.
Personally, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy M32. The AMOLED screen and 90Hz refresh rate make a noticeable difference in everyday use, especially for media consumption and gaming. While the slower charging is a downside, the larger battery helps mitigate that, and I value the visual experience more.
