Samsung Galaxy M32 vs Motorola Moto G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

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

Physical

Volume 99.02 cm³ 94.32 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.56 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 180 g 175 g
Height 159.3 mm 160.4 mm
Width 74 mm 73.5 mm
Thickness 8.4 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Light Blue
  • Atlantic Green
  • Metallic Rose

Display

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

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 122.07 mAh/in² 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 50.49 mAh/cm³ 53.01 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Mali-G52 MC2 Adreno 610

Connectivity

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

Software

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

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's break down the Samsung Galaxy M32 and Motorola Moto G42. I'll approach this as if I'm explaining it to a friend who wants a new phone but isn't necessarily a tech wizard. We'll look at what each phone offers in real-world scenarios.

Samsung Galaxy M32 vs. Motorola Moto G42: A Detailed Comparison

Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, what they mean for you, and who each phone might be best for.

1. Specifications Breakdown

Here's a side-by-side look at the key differences and similarities:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy M32Motorola Moto G42Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions159.3 × 74 × 8.4 mm, 180g160.4 × 73.5 × 8 mm, 175gM32 is slightly thicker and heavier, but the difference is negligible.
Display
Size6.4"6.4"Identical screen size.
Resolution1080x24001080x2400Same sharpness on both.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzM32 will feel smoother in everyday scrolling and animations.
TechnologyAMOLEDAMOLEDVibrant colors and deep blacks on both.
Performance
ChipsetMediatek Helio G80 (12 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)G42 should be slightly faster and more power-efficient.
AnTuTu Score204,000249,000G42 will feel snappier in general use and handle demanding apps/games better.
GPUMali-G52 MC2Adreno 610Adreno 610 in G42 generally performs better for gaming.
Camera
Main Camera64MP, f/1.850MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm pixelsM32 has higher megapixel count, but G42 might have better low-light performance due to larger sensor and pixel size.
Selfie Camera20MP, f/2.216MP, f/2.2M32 takes higher resolution selfies.
Wide Angle8MP, f/2.28MP, f/2.2Similar performance.
Macro Lens2MP, f/2.42MP, f/2.4Similar performance.
Portrait modeYesNoM32 gives a slightly better portrait effect.
Video1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 120 fps1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: No, 30 fpsM32 has better slow-motion recording
Autofocus typeAutofocusPhase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF)G42 might have better autofocus performance.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh5000mAhSimilar battery life.
Charging25W fast charging, 15W inbox charger20W fast chargingM32 charges faster and has the charger in the box.
Software
OSAndroid 11 (upgradeable to 13)Android 12G42 ships with a newer OS, but M32 can be upgraded
Storage
Internal64GB/128GB64GB/128GBSimilar options.
RAM4GB/6GB/8GB4GB/6GBM32 has an 8GB RAM option for smoother multitasking.
ExpandableNoNoNo memory card slot on either phone.
Audio
QualityBasic audio featuresDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersG42 offers better audio experience.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11a/b/g/n/ac802.11a/b/g/n/acSimilar.
Bluetooth5.05.0 LESimilar, with slightly better audio and energy consumption on the G42.
Security
FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSide-mounted fingerprint sensorSame security features.

2. Key Insights

  • Samsung Galaxy M32 Strengths:
    • Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes everyday use feel more fluid.
    • Higher Resolution Selfies: If you love taking selfies, the 20MP front camera is a plus.
    • Faster Charging: 25W charging means less time plugged into the wall.
    • Portrait mode: The additional portrait mode depth sensor helps taking pictures.
  • Motorola Moto G42 Strengths:

    • Slightly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 680 offers better overall performance.
    • Newer Android Version: It comes with Android 12 out of the box.
    • Better Audio Experience: The Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers make it great for enjoying multimedia.
  • Trade-offs:

    • The M32's higher megapixel count doesn't necessarily translate to better image quality.
    • Both phones lack expandable storage, so choosing the right storage variant is crucial.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy M32:

    • Best For: Users who prioritize a smoother screen experience and take lots of selfies.
    • Use Case: Social media enthusiasts, content consumers who enjoy a vibrant display.
  • Motorola Moto G42:

    • Best For: Users who want a balance of performance, good audio, and modern software.
    • Use Case: Streaming videos, listening to music, and general everyday tasks.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Here are three questions to help you decide:

  1. Do you value a smoother screen experience above all else? If yes, the Samsung Galaxy M32's 90Hz display is a significant advantage.
  2. Is audio quality important to you? If yes, the Motorola Moto G42's stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support will be noticeable.
  3. Do you want the latest Android version out of the box? If yes, the Motorola Moto G42 has the edge.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Budget-Conscious User: Both offer good value, but consider the G42 if audio is a priority.
  • Multimedia Lover: The Motorola Moto G42 is the better choice due to its superior audio capabilities.
  • Social Media Influencer: The Samsung Galaxy M32's selfie camera might be more appealing.

My Personal Choice

If I were buying one of these phones, I'd lean towards the Motorola Moto G42. While the smoother screen of the M32 is nice, the Snapdragon 680 offers better overall performance, which is important for the long-term usability of the phone. Plus, the enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers makes it a more enjoyable device for consuming content. The newer Android version is also a plus, even though the M32 is upgradeable. So, for me, the G42 offers a more well-rounded experience.

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.