The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia C32 and the Samsung Galaxy A14. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally wins due to its superior processor, better display, and faster charging. While the Nokia C32 offers a robust design and potentially longer software support, the A14 provides a more polished and performant experience for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 25 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C32
- Durable build quality
- Clean Android experience
- Potential for longer software support
- Stylish design
- Slower performance
- Lower resolution display
- Slower charging
- Less powerful camera
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Faster performance (Exynos 850 version)
- Larger and higher resolution display
- Faster charging
- Better camera quality
- 90Hz refresh rate
- Samsung's One UI can be bloated
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Potential for shorter software support compared to Nokia
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A14 boasts a larger 6.6-inch display with a higher resolution (1080 x 2408 pixels) and a smoother 90Hz refresh rate, offering a more immersive and fluid visual experience compared to the Nokia C32's smaller, lower-resolution display. Color accuracy and brightness are also generally better on the A14.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer decent camera setups for their price range, the Samsung Galaxy A14 generally captures better photos and videos. Its main sensor typically performs better in various lighting conditions, and its image processing algorithms produce more pleasing results. The A14 also often includes additional camera features.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 version, holds a significant advantage in performance. Its more powerful CPU and GPU handle demanding tasks and games with greater ease than the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Nokia C32. The A14's chipset offers noticeably faster app loading times and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones offer respectable battery life, but the Samsung Galaxy A14's 15W charging provides a faster top-up compared to the Nokia C32's 10W charging. While battery capacity is similar, the A14's efficiency and faster charging give it an edge.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C32 is ideal for users prioritizing durability, a clean Android experience, and potentially longer software updates. The Samsung Galaxy A14 is a better choice for those seeking a smoother performance, a vibrant display, and faster charging speeds, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia is generally known for providing longer software support and updates for its devices, although Samsung has improved in recent years. It's a close call, but Nokia might have a slight edge.
❓ Is the Nokia C32 worth considering if durability is my top priority?
Yes, the Nokia C32's robust build quality makes it a good choice if durability is paramount. However, be prepared to compromise on performance and display quality.
