Samsung Galaxy A32 review

Introduction

Is 4 more than 5? It's a pressing question if you're looking at the Samsung Galaxy A32 in 4G spec and its 5G counterpart. We have the LTE version over for review and will try to answer that question in the absence of the A32 5G, but we'll revisit if the handset with next-gen connectivity support arrives at our door.

Before we proceed with the A32, let's mention the key differences between the two versions that share little more than a name.

Samsung Galaxy A32 • Samsung Galaxy A32 5G

You get entirely different displays for starters, and the 4G's is a lot better - a 90Hz 1080p AMOLED vs. the 5G's 60Hz 720p LCD. The LTE version also snatches a couple of wins in the camera department with high-res main and selfie cameras. The A32 5G counters with a chipset that's not only 5G capable, but also more powerful thanks to its newer cores.

That last bit is perhaps where the Galaxy A32 will face the biggest challenge against competitors in its just-under-€300 price bracket - you can have a lot better than the Helio G80. The phone's imaging system isn't too shabby, however, with a 64MP primary unit joined by an 8MP ultrawide, and a 20MP selfie camera. But it's the display that is among the most compelling bits about the Galaxy A32 - on paper and (spoiler alert!) in practice, too.

Samsung Galaxy A32 specs at a glance:

• Body: 158.9x73.6x8.4mm, 184g; glass front; plastic back; plastic frame.
• Display: 6.40" Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 1080x2400px resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio, 411ppi.
• Chipset: Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm): Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G52 MC2.
• Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM; microSDXC (dedicated slot).
• OS/Software: Android 11, One UI 3.1.
• Rear camera: Wide (main): 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, 1/4.0", 1.12µm; Macro: 5 MP, f/2.4; Depth: 5 MP, f/2.4.
• Front camera: 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide).
• Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
• Battery: 5000mAh; Fast charging 15W.
• Misc: Fingerprint reader (under display, optical); 3.5mm jack.

This review covers the LTE model of the Galaxy A32. The 5G version has several key differences. Here is how they compare in specs.

Some smaller things that are easier to overlook but still set the A32 4G apart from its more forward-thinking brother include the under-display fingerprint sensor and dedicated microSD slot (the A32 5G's is hybrid). Meanwhile, a shared attribute is the choice of battery - a 5,000mAh power pack that Samsung seems to have settled on as the optimal capacity for the bulk of its phones.

Samsung Galaxy A32 unboxing

Another familiar sight is the Galaxy A32's retail package - a plain cardboard box inside a sleeve, with a likeness of the phone printed on top. The adapter inside is an old acquaintance too - the 15W Adaptive Fast Charging unit has been around since... 2014, was it? The only difference from back then is the cable, as it now has USB-C on the phone's end.

You won't find a headset inside this Galaxy's box, but the phone does have a 3.5mm jack where you can plug in existing headphones. More about what's where on the A32 - on the next page.