Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-29 | 2021-06-28 | M32 is newer, potentially offering more recent software support. |
| Size | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 159.3 × 74 × 8.4 mm | S21 is more compact, M32 is larger and might be less comfortable for single-handed use. |
| Weight | 169g | 180g | S21 is lighter, easier to carry for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.4" | M32 has slightly larger screen for media consumption, gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both offer sharp images for regular use. |
| PPI | 421 | 411 | Negligible difference in sharpness; both appear crisp. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much better for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. M32 lacks stated brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) - International | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | S21's chipset provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, better gaming, and more future-proofing. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 204,000 | S21 offers substantially superior overall performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 - International | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21's GPU is significantly more powerful, providing better gaming and graphics processing performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | M32 is likely to have much longer battery life for daily usage due to its larger capacity. |
| Charging | 25W fast charging, Li-Polymer | 25W fast charging, Li-Ion | Both offer fast charging; polymer batteries generally have a longer lifespan. |
| Battery Features | Wireless charging, Reverse charging, No charger in-box | 15W inbox charger | S21 has advanced features like wireless charging, but M32 includes a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 64MP (f/1.8) | M32 has higher resolution for more detailed photos; S21 has a larger pixel size for better low light sensitivity. |
| Telephoto + Portrait Camera | 64MP (f/2.0) | None | S21 offers telephoto zoom capabilities for portraits and distance shots, which M32 lacks |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2) | 20MP (f/2.2) | M32 has higher resolution selfie camera for more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | M32 has a dedicated wide-angle camera for capturing broader scenes. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | M32 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait background blur. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | M32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP (f/2.2) | None | S21 has a combined wide-angle and macro camera; M32 has separate cameras for these. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | 1080p@30fps | S21 is capable of professional-grade video, while M32 is limited to basic HD recording. |
| DXOMark Scores | Mobile: 111, Selfie: 132 | Not Tested | S21 has a tested and higher camera rating, implying better photo and video quality. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, Optical Zoom, RAW | Quad Camera | S21 has more advanced camera features including 8K video and OIS; M32 has a quad camera setup. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Max Version 15 | Android 11, Max Version 13 | S21 has a longer official software support window. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi standards for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 | S21 offers more advanced Bluetooth features including Low Energy profiles. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | Standard GPS | S21 offers more precise location tracking through dual-band GPS. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128 GB or 256 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | S21 offers a higher storage capacity option. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8 GB | S21 comes with 8GB standard; M32 has varied RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation microphone | Basic audio features | S21 provides an immersive audio experience with spatial sound and clearer calls; M32 lacks these advanced features. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | basic fingerprint sensor | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M32 has a faster, more reliable side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has superior screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer; Hall; Geomagnetic | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21 includes extra environmental sensors like barometer, hall, and geomagnetic, useful for specific apps and use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers significantly better processing power, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities.
- Better Display: 120Hz refresh rate provides a noticeably smoother visual experience, and higher brightness ensures excellent outdoor visibility.
- Advanced Camera: Telephoto lens, advanced video recording capabilities (8K), and features like OIS and RAW capture make it superior for photography enthusiasts and videographers.
- Enhanced Audio: Features like Dolby Atmos, stereo speakers and noise cancellation offer superior audio experience.
- Faster Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable internet speeds.
- More precise GPS: Dual-band GPS
- Better build quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus.
- Advanced battery features: Includes Wireless charging, and Reverse wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers longer battery life for daily usage.
- Lower Price: Generally priced lower than the S21, making it more accessible for budget-conscious consumers.
- Larger Main Camera Resolution: 64MP compared to S21 12MP
- Higher resolution selfie camera: 20MP compared to S21 10MP
- Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Generally considered more reliable than in-display sensors.
- Included Inbox charger: 15W inbox charger.
- Dedicated Wide-angle, Macro, and Depth cameras: offers more versatility in photography.
Trade-offs:
- The S21 sacrifices battery capacity for performance and premium features, while the M32 sacrifices performance for longer battery life and additional camera sensors.
- S21 lacks a charger inbox, while the M32 includes one.
- S21 is more expensive.
- M32 does not have a clear display brightness spec and lacks advanced features like OIS.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Power users: Users who need the best performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or heavy multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with great video quality, optical zoom, and advanced features like OIS and RAW capture.
- Media consumers: Users who value a smooth, vibrant display with excellent outdoor visibility and immersive audio.
- Users who need future-proofing: The more powerful chipset and longer software update support ensure the device remains relevant for longer.
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G excels in:
- High-performance gaming with smoother frame rates and graphics.
- Professional-quality video recording and editing.
- Outdoor use in bright sunlight.
- General daily tasks with snappy performance and smooth animations.
- Photography in various conditions with more advanced camera features.
Samsung Galaxy M32 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious users: Users looking for a reliable smartphone at a lower price point.
- Users prioritizing battery life: Those who need a phone that can last through a full day without needing to recharge.
- Casual photographers: Users who want a versatile camera system for everyday photography with features like wide-angle and macro lenses.
- Users who need an inbox charger: Users who prefer the convenience of an included charger.
Samsung Galaxy M32 excels in:
- Long-lasting battery life for extended use.
- Everyday photography with wide-angle and macro capabilities.
- Basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming.
- Price-to-value ratio for cost-conscious buyers.
- Offers a higher resolution selfie camera for better selfies.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 is generally more expensive, while the M32 is more budget-friendly.
- What is your primary use case? Are you a power user needing performance, or a casual user prioritizing battery and basic features?
- What are your key priorities? Is it a high-end camera, performance, battery life, a smooth display, or overall value for money?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are a gamer and video creator. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G for superior performance, better display, and advanced camera features.
- Scenario 2: You need a phone with all-day battery life on a budget. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy M32 for its larger battery and lower price point.
- Scenario 3: You take lots of photos and want flexibility with different lenses. Recommendation: If camera quality and features like OIS and 8K video is important, Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. However if you just need a versatile camera system with wide-angle and macro, the M32 is a reasonable choice.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Although the M32 offers a larger battery and is more budget-friendly, the S21 provides a significantly better overall experience. The superior performance of the Exynos 2100 chipset, combined with the smoother 120Hz display and higher brightness, makes everyday use much more enjoyable. As someone who values high-quality photography and video, the advanced camera system on the S21 with its optical zoom, OIS and 8K video is a must. The premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus and advanced audio features with Dolby Atmos makes it a better option for me as it aligns well with my needs, even though it lacks an inbox charger. While the M32 is a decent budget option, the S21 offers a more complete and future-proof smartphone experience that justifies the higher price tag.
