Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy M32
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed comparison of the key specifications for the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Samsung Galaxy M32:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Samsung Galaxy M32 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 159.3 × 74 × 8.4 mm | S21+ is taller and wider, M32 is thicker. S21+ feels larger in hand; M32 is more compact but slightly bulkier. |
| Weight | 200g | 180g | M32 is significantly lighter, leading to better comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.4" | S21+ offers more screen real estate for media consumption and multitasking, while M32 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Both have the same sharpness. |
| Pixel Density | 394 PPI | 411 PPI | Very similar sharpness; difference is negligible. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Both offer vibrant colors and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21+ has smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21+ has dramatically better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight (M32 brightness is unavailable). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | S21+ has a much faster, more efficient chipset, resulting in significantly quicker performance, better multitasking, and improved gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 204,000 | S21+ offers substantially higher performance across the board. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 MC2 | S21+ has a more powerful GPU for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5000mAh | M32 has a slightly larger battery, which may offer slightly better battery life, but this may be offset by the difference in processor efficiency. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | 25W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | Both support 25W fast charging. |
| Features | Reverse charging, Wireless charging (15W), Reverse wireless charging (4.5W), No charger in-box | 15W Inbox Charger | S21+ offers wireless charging options and reverse wireless charging, while M32 includes a charger in the box. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX555, 1.8µm | 64MP, f/1.8 | M32 has a significantly higher resolution sensor, which may translate to more detail in good lighting. However, the S21+ has larger pixels and a known sensor, which could result in better low light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, Samsung Bright S5KGW2 | Not Available | S21+ offers a dedicated telephoto lens for zoom and portrait capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX374, 1.22µm | 20MP, f/2.2 | M32 has a higher-resolution front camera, which may result in more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX563, 1.40µm | 8MP, f/2.2 | S21+ has better wide angle quality, while M32 has a dedicated wide-angle lens. |
| Portrait (Depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M32 has a dedicated depth sensor for enhanced portrait effects. |
| Macro Lens | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | M32 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, Stereo Sound | 1080p@30fps | S21+ has significantly higher video capabilities, suitable for professional-grade content creation and it features better video stabilization and more features. |
| DxoMark | Mobile: 111, Photo: 118, Video: 89 | Not Available | S21+ is proven to have a better camera quality, at least according to the only available data, though that may be outdated. |
| Camera Features | OIS, Optical Zoom, Digital Zoom, 8K Video, Night Mode, RAW | Digital Zoom | S21+ has a wider array of camera features, enhancing versatility. M32 lacks optical stabilization (OIS) and optical zoom. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | S21+ is supported with 2 more android upgrades than the M32. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi ac | S21+ offers faster and more reliable WiFi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | S21+ supports more advanced Bluetooth features (LE, APT-x). |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21+ offers more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | S21+ supports eSIM for easy carrier switching. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 64GB or 128GB | S21+ offers more storage options, particularly for media-heavy users. |
| RAM | 8GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | S21+ has only the 8gb ram option, while the M32 allows for more budget friendly 4 and 6 GB options. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Basic audio features | S21+ provides a significantly superior audio experience with enhanced spatial audio, Hi-Res playback, and noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M32's side-mounted fingerprint sensor is considered more convenient by some users. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21+ has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic, Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S21+ offers a more comprehensive sensor suite, ideal for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides significantly faster processing and better gaming performance.
- Better Display: 120Hz refresh rate and higher brightness (1300 nits) offer a smoother and more visible display.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, optical zoom, OIS, 8K video, and more features enable greater photographic versatility.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation microphone, and stereo speakers result in a superior audio experience.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, more advanced Bluetooth (LE, aptX), and more accurate GPS.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides superior scratch and drop protection for the screen.
- Wireless Charging: Offers wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and eSIM support.
- More software support: Supported with 2 more android upgrades than the M32.
- Practical Implications: The S21+ excels at demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and provides a significantly better overall user experience.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use, particularly in hand-held situations.
- Marginally Larger Battery: Potentially better battery life, though this may be offset by the S21+'s more efficient chip.
- Quad Camera System: Includes a macro and depth sensor for close-up and portrait shots.
- In-box charger: ships with a 15w charger, while the S21+ does not ship with one.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Preferred by some users for its ergonomic design.
- Lower Price: Typically more affordable.
- Practical Implications: The M32 offers good value for everyday tasks, providing sufficient performance for browsing, social media, and casual photography.
Significant Trade-Offs:
- Performance: The M32's performance is significantly lower than the S21+, which is noticeable in demanding tasks.
- Display: The M32 has a lower refresh rate and likely lower brightness. The lack of the display brightness specification hinders comparison in real-world conditions.
- Camera Versatility: The M32 lacks telephoto capabilities, optical zoom, and OIS, limiting camera versatility.
- Premium Features: The S21+ offers a wide range of premium features, while the M32 focuses on core functionality.
- Build Quality: The M32 screen lacks the advanced protection of the S21+ and more premium build materials.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal User:
- Power User: Demands high performance for gaming, multitasking, and intensive applications.
- Photography Enthusiast: Requires a versatile camera system with advanced features such as OIS and zoom.
- Media Consumer: Values a high-quality display with a smooth refresh rate, superior sound and bright screen.
- Professional: Benefits from features such as 8K video recording, advanced connectivity, and an eSIM support.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, video editing, high-quality media streaming, professional photography, and demanding applications.
Samsung Galaxy M32 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Prioritizes affordability and good value for money.
- Casual User: Primarily uses the phone for browsing, social media, and basic photography.
- Everyday User: Needs a phone with good battery life and basic functionality.
- Practical User: Prefers a lightweight phone with a comfortable grip.
- Use Cases: Browsing the internet, social media, casual photography, daily communication, and basic mobile gaming.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance for your use case? (Demanding tasks or basic everyday usage?)
- Is camera versatility a priority? (Optical zoom, video quality, or basic snapshots?)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay more for premium features?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Gaming and Performance: If gaming, multitasking and overall performance are the most important factors, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is the clear choice.
Scenario 2: Casual Use and Budget: If you are budget-conscious and mainly need a phone for basic daily tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M32 offers good value for its price point.
Scenario 3: Photography and Videography: If photography is important, the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G is better for those looking for a wider variety of photography and videography features, while the M32 is ok for most daily use.
Scenario 4: Lightweight and comfortable grip: If you want a lightweight device that is very comfortable to hold, the Samsung Galaxy M32 is a better choice.
Final Recommendation
If I were to choose, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G. The primary reason is the significant performance difference due to the superior chipset. The Exynos 2100 offers a noticeably smoother and faster experience, which is critical for my daily use that often involves multitasking and some gaming. While the M32 has a few appealing features like a larger battery and a slightly lighter build, the dramatic difference in overall performance, camera capabilities, display quality, and build quality makes the S21+ 5G the better option for my needs. Additionally, the enhanced audio experience and better software support on the S21+ are considerable advantages. The inclusion of wireless charging and a more robust build also make the S21+ a more future-proof device and more of a premium device. The S21+ offers a more premium experience and will perform better for a longer amount of time.
