The Realme V21 and Samsung Galaxy A32 represent compelling options in the crowded budget smartphone market. While both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, they take different approaches to achieving this. The V21 focuses on raw processing power with its octa-core 2.2 GHz CPU, while the A32 prioritizes a bright display and respectable battery endurance. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a brighter, more visible display in outdoor conditions, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better choice. Its 814 nits of peak brightness significantly outperforms the unmeasured Realme V21. However, users focused on maximizing performance for the price will find the Realme V21’s faster CPU more appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 158.9 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.26 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.2 GHz | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | - | SM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325N |
| Price | - | € 124.99 / £ 89.38 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1277 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme V21
- Faster CPU for improved performance
- Potentially faster charging (speculation)
- Likely better value for performance-focused users
- Display brightness is unknown and potentially lower
- Camera specifications are unavailable
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Significantly brighter display (814 nits)
- Excellent battery endurance (119h)
- Established brand reputation for software and camera
- Slower CPU compared to the Realme V21
- 15W charging is relatively slow
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A32 boasts a measured peak brightness of 814 nits, a substantial advantage over the Realme V21, whose display brightness remains unspecified. This difference is critical for usability in direct sunlight. While the A32’s contrast ratio is listed as ‘Infinite (nominal)’ – a common marketing term – the V21’s display characteristics are unknown. The A32’s larger display size (typically 6.6 inches, based on market segment) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience, though this isn't explicitly stated in the provided data.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer photo and video capabilities, but the provided data lacks specifics regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing algorithms. Given the budget nature of both phones, it’s reasonable to assume both rely on software processing to enhance image quality. The absence of detail makes a direct comparison impossible, but the A32’s brand reputation suggests a more refined camera experience, though this is speculative. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A32 is a common feature in this price range, but its practical utility is limited due to the low resolution.
Performance
The Realme V21’s octa-core 2.2 GHz CPU promises faster processing speeds than the Samsung Galaxy A32’s MediaTek Helio G80 (octa-core, 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Helio G80, built on a 12nm process, is a capable chip for everyday tasks, but the V21’s higher clock speed suggests superior performance in CPU-intensive applications. The A32’s CPU architecture, utilizing Cortex-A75 cores, offers a performance boost over purely A55-based designs, but the V21’s raw clock speed likely provides a noticeable edge. The V21's RAM configuration is unknown, but the A32's performance will be impacted by its RAM speed and capacity.
Battery Life
Both the Realme V21 and Samsung Galaxy A32 achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the A32’s 15W wired charging is slower than what the V21 *could* potentially offer (speculation based on Realme’s typical charging speeds). While both offer similar longevity, the A32’s brighter display may consume more power, potentially negating some of the battery life advantage. The actual 0-100% charging time for the A32 is expected to be around 2 hours with its 15W charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V21 if you need a phone that can handle moderately demanding tasks and light gaming without significant slowdowns, and you aren't overly concerned with display brightness. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if you prioritize a vibrant, easily viewable display, especially outdoors, and value long battery life over peak performance. The A32 is ideal for media consumption and everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio G80 in the Galaxy A32 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
The Helio G80 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a smooth frame rate. It's not a gaming-focused chipset, so don't expect high-end performance. The Realme V21's faster CPU may offer a slightly better gaming experience, but neither phone is a dedicated gaming device.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A32 slow compared to other phones?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect a full charge to take around two hours. While it's sufficient for overnight charging, it won't provide a quick top-up if you're in a hurry. The Realme V21 may support faster charging, but this is unconfirmed.
❓ How does the display quality of the Galaxy A32 compare to more expensive Samsung phones?
The Galaxy A32's display, while bright at 814 nits, uses a different panel technology than Samsung's flagship phones. It lacks features like a 120Hz refresh rate or AMOLED technology, resulting in less vibrant colors and smoother motion. However, it's still a good display for the price.
