Samsung Galaxy A32 5G Review
Samsung’s latest Galaxy A phones are, without a doubt, very well made. The Korean giant has made it clear that it is putting all of its efforts into its best-selling line. The Galaxy A32, A52, and even the slightly unnecessary A72 with its extra telephoto have much to offer.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G versions of the A52 and A32 because it wanted to be as relaxed and popular as possible. These 5G versions aim for about the same price as their 4G counterparts, which means there have to be some trade-offs to make room for the processor that can support 5G. In those reviews, we already talked a lot about the Galaxy A52 5G and how it is not as good as the regular Galaxy A52, but it is still noticeable. Now it is time to do the same for the A32 5G, which, from what everyone says, has been downgraded much more.
What do you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G?
- Body: 164.2×76.1×9.1mm, 205g; the body is made of plastic.
- The display is a 6.50-inch TFT with a resolution of 720x1600px, a 20:9 aspect ratio, and 270ppi.
- Chipset: MediaTek MT6853 Density 720 5G (7 nm): Octa-core (2×2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6×2.0 GHz Cortex-A55); Mali-G57 MC3.
- Memory: 64GB RAM 4GB, 128GB RAM 4GB, 128GB RAM 6GB, and 128GB RAM 8GB; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
- OS: Android 11, and software: One UI 3.1.
- Rear camera: Wide (central): 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm, 1/2.0″, 0.8µm, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 8 MP, f/2.2, 123 degrees, 1/4.0″, 1.12m; macro: 5 MP, f/2.4; depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
- Front camera: 13 MP, f/2.2 (wide).
- Video capture: Rear camera: 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
- The battery is 5000 mAh and can be charged quickly with 15W.
- Miscellaneous: Side-mounted fingerprint reader, FM radio, and 3.5mm jack.
PROS
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G has a design that reminds me a lot of the LG Velvet, and the camera array is the best place to see this. Samsung has no trouble putting big camera bumps on phones, but on the Galaxy A32 5G, there are simple rings around each lens instead. It gives the device a sleek look, and on the unit we tested, Samsung’s logo almost blends in with the Awesome Black finish. Regarding the cameras, the Galaxy A32 5G did an excellent job from top to bottom. Even though images are saved at 12MP by default, the 48MP primary camera is especially clear when there is a lot of light.
Changing the settings to get the full resolution is easy, but you can only use the 4:3 ratio. In the camera samples section of this Samsung Galaxy A32 5G review, you can use the slider image to see some differences between the two photos. Samsung switched from putting the fingerprint reader on the screen of the Galaxy A31 to putting it on the side of the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G.
CONS
On every excellent design choice Samsung made for the Galaxy A32 5G, it made one crucial mistake. This phone is straightforward to drop. This problem can be fixed with a case, but holding the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G without one is like trying to keep a firm grip on a baby seal. You might have guessed this from the Galaxy A32 5G’s shiny plastic finish, but it is also nearly impossible to keep it clean. Even if you pick up the phone, your fingerprints will be all over it.
Should I buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G?
If you want a 5G-ready device but only have $300 to spend, the Galaxy A32 5G is a good option. It has a great camera setup for the price, a long-lasting battery, a stylish design, and Samsung’s easy-to-use and well-supported One UI software. At $279, there’s not much missing as long as you’re willing to deal with a phone that’s slippery and easy to get fingerprints on. Most things it does not have, like an IP rating and fast charging, are not deal-breakers at this price.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G is not the only phone that costs less than $300. The $239 OnePlus Nord N20 is another cheap way to get to 5G, but it does not get updates as long as the OnePlus 5G Pro. You can also get the Motorola Moto G 5G for $399, but it does not have the same software support, NFC, or basic video recording options. Even though it is a year older, the Galaxy A32 5G is a much better buy. The Galaxy A23 ($299) is another good choice if you want to stay in Samsung’s ecosystem. It is the clear choice between the Galaxy A13 and Galaxy A53, and it adds a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate to the mix.
The Galaxy A23 costs more than the Galaxy A32, but it also has a bigger battery and more flexible cameras. If you do not mind spending more, the Galaxy A53 5G ($449) is a significant upgrade that ups the ante with better cameras and the ability to charge faster. The $449 Google Pixel 6a is also significantly more expensive but comes with Google’s updated camera bar design and a flagship-level Tensor chip.
FAQs
When did Samsung make the Galaxy A32 5G?
The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G came out and could be bought for the first time in January 2021.
Is a charger included with the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G?
Yes, a charger is included with the Galaxy A32 5G.
Is 5G available on the Samsung Galaxy A32?
The Galaxy A32 comes in two versions: the Galaxy A32 5G, which we reviewed here, and the regular Galaxy A32. The first one works with 5G under 6GHz.