Introduction
The Galaxy A30 and Galaxy A31 were straightforward mid-range smartphones designed for customers seeking a no-frills experience. Initially, the same could have been said for the Galaxy A32. However, Samsung has set it apart by introducing a high refresh rate display, a feature typically reserved for flagship Galaxy phones.
Sporting a 90Hz (Full HD+) panel, it may not be the absolute best available, but for a lower mid-range Galaxy smartphone, it offers an unexpected touch of sophistication. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that the Galaxy A32 relies on a MediaTek chipset, raising questions about its capability to deliver a smooth experience on a high refresh rate screen.
Yet, the Galaxy A32 doesn’t rely solely on this feature to impress. Even if you don’t make regular use of the high refresh rate, you’ll still enjoy several other appealing attributes, including a sizable 5,000 mAh battery, a versatile 64MP quad-camera setup, and the latest Android and Samsung software right out of the box.
Design: A Minimalistic Approach
Samsung’s design language for the A32 takes a minimalistic approach, and it’s a breath of fresh air. Gone are the fancy patterns on the back, replaced by a sleek and plain surface. The camera sensors seamlessly integrate into the main body, eliminating the need for a dedicated island. This design philosophy is not exclusive to the A32; it’s a glimpse of what’s to come for other A-series devices like the Galaxy A52 and Galaxy A72.
Despite its 5,000 mAh battery, the A32 maintains a compact and manageable size. The use of plastic for both the back and frame keeps the device lightweight and durable, although it tends to attract fingerprint smudges and minor scratches. However, it’s reassuring to know that a plastic back can withstand everyday wear and tear, reducing the chances of costly breakages.
One aspect where the A32 shows its age is the bezels around the display. While it boasts a high refresh rate, it still relies on the older Infinity-U display, resulting in a rather prominent bottom bezel. An Infinity-O display would have been a more modern choice, but given its price point, this is a minor trade-off.
Display: AMOLED Brilliance with a 90Hz Twist
The Galaxy A32 stands out as the first Samsung phone in its segment to feature an AMOLED display paired with a 90Hz refresh rate. The higher refresh rate does bring noticeable improvements, making animations and scrolling smoother. However, the device’s ability to consistently deliver this level of performance varies by app.
Surprisingly, the A32 handles demanding apps like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp relatively well, considering their typically unoptimized nature on Android. Yet, not all apps benefit equally from the high refresh rate. The Settings app delivers smooth scrolling, but the notification shade remains locked at 60Hz. Browsing on Chrome and Samsung Internet is hit or miss, with occasional stuttering on graphics-heavy sites. This inconsistency reveals that the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset struggles to fully utilize the 90Hz display, rendering it more of a novelty than a game-changer.
Apart from this, the display itself is impressive for a device in the sub-$300 category. It offers sharp visuals, vibrant colors, deep blacks, and decent sunlight legibility. The built-in optical fingerprint scanner is mostly quick, though it does exhibit occasional hiccups in recognizing fingerprints.
Camera: A Mixed Bag of Photography
The camera system on the A32 is versatile but comes with its own set of compromises. The 64MP main rear camera uses pixel binning to produce 16MP photos, but detail can be somewhat lacking in these images. To capture higher detail, switching to the full 64MP mode is necessary, even if it results in a slightly reduced dynamic range.
In well-lit conditions, the A32 performs admirably, with controlled noise in both daylight and indoor shots with artificial lighting. However, low-light photography without substantial artificial lighting doesn’t yield outstanding results, which is typical for a smartphone in this price range.
The ultra-wide camera disappoints in anything but natural daylight, lacking detail as you zoom in. The macro camera, with its low resolution and absence of autofocus, struggles to achieve sharp focus. On the other hand, the depth camera aids in capturing bokeh photos, although it occasionally faces issues with edge detection.
The 20MP selfie camera fares better, offering good detail and accurate skin tones. Ultra low-light selfies remain challenging, but the screen flash can help improve results. Night mode is available for both rear and front cameras, though the improvements in image quality are often subtle. The A32 offers a selection of basic modes, including panorama, pro mode, hyper-lapse, slow motion, and AR Doodle. Video recording reaches a maximum of Full HD at 30 fps, with video quality being acceptable as long as you maintain stability due to the lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance: Mediocre at Best
The Galaxy A32’s performance leaves much to be desired. While it may run smoothly for brief periods, it frequently experiences lag and stuttering in everyday tasks like swiping open the notification shade or launching the camera app. The camera app, in particular, exhibits frustrating delays in opening and switching shooting modes.
Surprisingly, the 90Hz refresh rate, a standout feature of this phone, doesn’t translate to an overall smoother experience. In fact, it often lags behind its predecessor, the Galaxy A31, which had a MediaTek chipset with slightly underclocked processor cores and GPU.
Gaming performance fares slightly better, thanks to the higher GPU clock speed in the A32. Titles like PUBG, Call of Duty, and Asphalt 9 can be played at their default graphics settings, a feat the A31 struggled with. However, the 90Hz refresh rate doesn’t significantly impact gaming performance since the MediaTek chipset struggles to keep up.
Battery Life: Impressive Endurance
One area where the Galaxy A32 shines is battery life. With its 5,000 mAh battery, the device comfortably lasts for two days with light usage. Even under heavy use, it easily powers through a full day. Remarkably, this endurance holds true whether you enable or disable the high refresh rate.
Charging, however, is where it falls short. The 15W charging may have been considered fast in the past, but it now feels inadequate compared to modern standards. Fully topping up the battery from 0% takes nearly two and a half hours. If you desire faster charging, you might want to consider Samsung’s Galaxy M series phones, such as the Galaxy M31s or Galaxy M51.
Call and Audio Quality: Room for Improvement
The A32’s single loudspeaker maintains clarity at maximum volume, but the maximum volume itself is disappointingly low. In noisy environments, such as a room with a ceiling fan running at high speed, it becomes challenging to hear podcasts or calls through the speaker. Earphones are practically a necessity, as Samsung no longer includes them in the box. Alternatively, you can rely on the earpiece for call quality, which is significantly better.
Verdict: A Promising Device Marred by Performance Issues
The Samsung Galaxy A32 presents an enticing package with its AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, versatile camera setup, impressive battery life, and up-to-date software. However, its frequent lag and stutter during day-to-day use, combined with an inability to fully exploit the high refresh rate, tarnish its overall experience.
For most consumers, the better choice might be the Galaxy A51 from the previous year. Although lacking a high refresh rate or battery life as impressive as the A32, it offers a more balanced performance. Furthermore, it
guarantees three major OS upgrades, ensuring it remains up-to-date until 2023.
Pros
- Excellent Super AMOLED display
- Noticeable improvement with 90Hz refresh rate in supported apps
- Versatile camera setup with decent daylight performance
- Outstanding battery life
- Ships with Android 11 and One UI 3.1 out of the box
- Appealing minimalistic design
Cons
- Frequent lag and stutter for a 2021 smartphone
- Cameras lack detail in various scenarios
- The macro camera needs a higher-resolution sensor and autofocus
- An insufficiently loud single loudspeaker
- Slow 15W charging
FAQs
1. Is the Samsung Galaxy A32 a good-budget smartphone?
While the Samsung Galaxy A32 has some appealing features like its AMOLED display, 90Hz refresh rate, and good battery life, its performance issues may deter some users. There are better budget smartphones available, so it’s advisable to explore other options.
2. Does the Samsung Galaxy A32 support fast charging?
The Galaxy A32 supports 15W charging, which was once considered fast but now falls behind modern standards. Charging the device from 0% to 100% can take nearly two and a half hours.
3. Is the camera quality on the Samsung Galaxy A32 impressive?
The Galaxy A32 offers a versatile camera setup, but its performance is mixed. While it performs well in well-lit conditions, it may struggle with detail and low-light photography. The macro camera lacks autofocus and detail.
4. How does the Samsung Galaxy A32 compare to its predecessor, the Galaxy A31?
In terms of performance, the Galaxy A32 may lag behind the A31 in day-to-day use, despite its higher refresh rate. However, it offers improved gaming performance. It’s essential to consider your usage priorities when choosing between the two.
5. Will the Samsung Galaxy A32 receive software updates in the future?
Samsung typically provides software updates for its devices. The Galaxy A32 ships with Android 11 and One UI 3.1 out of the box, and it’s expected to receive future updates.