The Samsung Galaxy A22 and A32 represent Samsung’s continued push into the affordable smartphone market. Both devices share a similar chipset and target the same user base, but subtle differences in display technology and brightness could make one a better fit for your needs. This comparison dives deep into the specs to reveal which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better choice. While both phones utilize the same Mediatek Helio G80 chipset and 15W charging, the A32’s significantly brighter display (814 nits vs 597 nits) makes it far more usable outdoors and provides a more vibrant viewing experience. The A22 remains a viable option if budget is the absolute primary concern.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 03 | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 01 | Available. Released 2021, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm (6.27 x 2.90 x 0.33 in) | 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~274 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 20 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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, gyro, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Mint, Violet | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | SM-A225F, SM-A225F/DS, SM-A225M, SM-A225M/DS | SM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325N |
| Price | € 193.97 / £ 160.00 | € 124.99 / £ 89.38 |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.59 W/kg (body) | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 121h
|
Endurance rating 119h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.6 LUFS (Below average)
|
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 185358 (v8), 165959 (v9)
GeekBench: 5464 (v4.4), 1372 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 16fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 286666 (v8)
GeekBench: 1277 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A22
- Slightly longer battery endurance rating.
- Potentially lower price point.
- Adequate performance for basic tasks.
- Significantly dimmer display.
- Less enjoyable outdoor viewing experience.
- Camera performance likely similar to A32 but without specific advantages.
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Much brighter display for better outdoor visibility.
- More vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
- Identical performance to the A22.
- Slightly shorter battery endurance rating.
- Potentially higher price point.
- 15W charging is relatively slow.
Display Comparison
The most significant difference between these two devices lies in their displays. The Galaxy A32 boasts a peak brightness of 814 nits, a substantial improvement over the A22’s 597 nits. This translates to significantly better visibility in direct sunlight. Both phones share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio, suggesting they utilize typical LCD panel technology. While neither phone offers high refresh rates, the A32’s brighter panel provides a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience for media consumption and everyday use. The A22’s dimmer screen may require users to increase brightness, potentially impacting battery life.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed sensor information is absent. Given their positioning, it’s likely both utilize similar camera modules. The lack of specific details makes a direct comparison difficult. It’s reasonable to assume both phones will perform adequately in well-lit conditions, but struggle in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
Both the Galaxy A22 and A32 are powered by the Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical in most real-world scenarios, including app loading times and basic multitasking. Neither phone specifies RAM configurations, but performance will be limited by the chipset itself. Thermal throttling is unlikely to be a major concern given the relatively low power draw of the Helio G80. Gamers should expect to play most titles at medium settings.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A22 offers a slightly better endurance rating of 121 hours compared to the A32’s 119 hours. However, this difference is minimal and likely offset by the A32’s brighter display, which will consume more power. Both phones support 15W wired charging, meaning charging times will be comparable – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. The A22’s slightly higher endurance rating suggests it might last a bit longer on a single charge for users who primarily use their phone indoors at lower brightness levels.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A22 if you prioritize maximizing battery endurance and are primarily an indoor user. Its slightly longer endurance rating (121h vs 119h) and lower price point make it ideal for those on a tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if you frequently use your phone outdoors, value a brighter and more visually appealing display, and are willing to spend a little extra for a superior viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio G80 in either phone struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
The Mediatek Helio G80 is a capable chipset for casual gaming, but it will likely struggle with demanding titles like PUBG at high settings. Expect to play at medium settings with moderate frame rates for a smoother experience. Both phones will offer a similar gaming experience due to the identical chipset.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
The 2MP macro camera on both the A22 and A32 is largely a marketing feature. Due to the small sensor size and lack of OIS, image quality will be limited. It can be used for close-up shots, but don't expect professional-level results. The standard camera mode will generally produce better images.
❓ How much faster is the A32 to charge compared to the A22, given they both have 15W charging?
Despite both phones supporting 15W charging, the A32's brighter display may slightly increase power draw during charging, potentially resulting in a marginally longer charge time. However, the difference will be minimal – expect roughly 2-3 hours for a full charge on both devices.
❓ Will the A32's brighter screen significantly impact battery life compared to the A22?
Yes, the A32's brighter screen will consume more power. However, the A22's slightly higher endurance rating is minimal. Users who primarily use their phone indoors at lower brightness levels may see a slight battery life advantage with the A22, but for outdoor use, the A32's brighter screen is worth the trade-off.