Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy M32 and the TCL 50 SE. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the specifications actually mean for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy M32 | TCL 50 SE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-06-28 | 2024-04-08 | The TCL 50 SE is significantly newer, potentially benefiting from more recent software optimizations and features. |
| Dimensions | 159.3 × 74 × 8.4 mm, 180g | 168.2 × 75.5 × 8.1 mm, 195g | The M32 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle one-handed and more pocket-friendly. The TCL 50 SE is larger and heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.4" | 6.78" | The TCL 50 SE offers a noticeably larger screen, great for media consumption and gaming. The M32 is more manageable for smaller hands. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2460 | Both offer sharp displays for everyday use, but the difference is negligible. |
| Panel Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | The M32's AMOLED display will provide richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast, resulting in a more vibrant and immersive viewing experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | The TCL 50 SE offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both phones. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm) | The Helio G88 in the TCL 50 SE is a slight upgrade, offering a bit more responsiveness for everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 204,000 | 250,000 | The TCL 50 SE will feel a bit snappier in general use due to the higher AnTuTu score. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Similar gaming performance on both devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.64 µm pixel size | The M32's higher megapixel count could translate to slightly more detailed photos, but image processing is key. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | None | The M32 offers an ultrawide lens for capturing wider scenes. |
| Selfie Camera | 20MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm pixel size | The M32 has a higher resolution selfie camera, but the TCL 50 SE has a slightly wider aperture, which could improve low-light performance. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Macro lenses are comparable. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The M32 has a Portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 120 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion: 30 fps | Both record decent video for social media, but the M32 offers faster slow-motion capture. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5010mAh | Virtually identical battery life – expect all-day usage for most users. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | The TCL 50 SE charges faster, meaning less time plugged into the wall. |
| Software & Storage | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 14 | The TCL 50 SE has a much newer version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Internal Storage | 64/128GB | 128/256GB | The TCL 50 SE offers more storage space, which is crucial since neither phone has expandable storage. |
| RAM | 4/6/8GB | 4/6GB | The M32 potentially offers more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking, if you can find the 8GB version. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic audio features | Stereo speakers | The TCL 50 SE provides a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.1 LE | The TCL 50 SE has a newer Bluetooth version, which can lead to more efficient and stable connections with newer devices. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | The Samsung Galaxy M32 has more sensors. |
| Other | |||
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy M32: The M32 shines with its AMOLED display, offering superior visual quality. Its camera system is also more versatile, thanks to the inclusion of an ultrawide lens and higher megapixel selfie camera. The potential for 8GB of RAM could also give it an edge in multitasking.
- TCL 50 SE: The TCL 50 SE boasts a larger display and better outdoor visibility. Its faster charging, more modern Android version, and stereo speakers are also significant advantages. Plus, you can get it with 256GB of storage.
Trade-offs:
- The M32's older software is a major drawback, as is its lack of expandable storage.
- The TCL 50 SE sacrifices the richer colors and contrast of an AMOLED display for better brightness.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy M32: Best for users who prioritize display quality, versatile camera options, and a more compact design. Good for those who watch a lot of videos or enjoy photography.
- TCL 50 SE: Ideal for users who value a large, bright screen, the latest Android software, and immersive audio. A good choice for gamers and anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is display quality? If you demand the best colors and contrast, the M32's AMOLED is the way to go. If you need maximum outdoor visibility, the TCL 50 SE is the better choice.
- How much storage do you need? If you store a lot of photos, videos, and apps, the TCL 50 SE's 256GB option is invaluable.
- Do you want the latest software? The TCL 50 SE ships with Android 14, while the M32 is stuck on an older version, so you are going to miss out on new features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Multimedia Enthusiast: TCL 50 SE
- Photography Lover: Samsung Galaxy M32
- Budget-Conscious User: Samsung Galaxy M32
- Power User: TCL 50 SE
My Choice
If I were buying one of these phones, I would lean towards the TCL 50 SE. The larger, brighter screen is a big plus for me, as I often use my phone outdoors. The faster charging and more up-to-date software are also very appealing. While I appreciate the AMOLED display on the M32, the TCL 50 SE's overall package feels more well-rounded and better suited to my needs. However, the samsung galaxy m32 is a very cheap phone to buy and is still a good phone for the basic user!
