Choosing a budget-friendly Samsung phone can be tricky. The Galaxy M21 2021 and M32 are both popular contenders, offering compelling features at an affordable price. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M32 generally edges out the M21 2021 thanks to its faster charging, slightly improved performance, and often a more modern display. However, the M21 2021 remains a solid choice, especially if found at a significantly lower price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 21 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 in) | 159.3 x 74 x 8.4 mm (Global) or 9.3 mm (India) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 180 g (Global) / 196 g (India) (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~403 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~411 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 420 nits (peak) | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 9611 (10 nm) | Mediatek MT6769V/CU Helio G80 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, One UI 3.1 Core | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps, 720p@240fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 20 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide) | 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, RDS, recording | No |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired (International)
15W wired (India) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Market-dependent versions:· Li-Ion 5000 mAh (Global)· Li-Ion 6000 mAh (India only) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal Black, Arctic Blue | Black, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-M215G, SM-M215G/DS | SM-M325FV, SM-M325FV/DS, SM-M325F/DS, SM-M325F |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | 0.64 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.57 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M21 2021
- Proven chipset reliability
- Excellent battery life
- Vibrant Super AMOLED display
- Generally more affordable
- Slower charging
- 60Hz display
- Slightly older chipset
Samsung Galaxy M32
- 90Hz display for smoother scrolling
- Faster charging (International version)
- Slightly better performance
- Modern design
- Helio G80 chipset can be less efficient
- Price may be higher
- Indian variant has 15W charging
Display Comparison
The Galaxy M32 typically features a 90Hz display, offering a smoother scrolling experience compared to the M21 2021's standard 60Hz. Both phones have similar Super AMOLED displays, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks, but the refresh rate difference is noticeable. Resolution is generally FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer versatile camera setups. The M32 often boasts a higher resolution main sensor (48MP vs 48MP, but pixel binning differences can impact quality) and sometimes a macro lens. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting, but low-light performance can vary depending on software optimization. Video recording capabilities are similar.
Performance
The Mediatek Helio G80 in the M32 offers a slight performance advantage over the Exynos 9611 in the M21 2021. While both are capable of handling everyday tasks, the M32 handles multitasking and light gaming a bit more smoothly. The G80's GPU is also generally stronger.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 6000mAh battery, offering excellent battery life. However, the M32's 25W charging (in international versions) is significantly faster than the M21 2021's 15W charging. The Indian variant of the M32 has 15W charging as well.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 2021? Those prioritizing a slightly more mature, proven chipset and are budget-conscious. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M32? Users seeking faster charging, a more modern display, and a bit more performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M32 worth the extra money?
If you value a smoother display and faster charging, the M32 is likely worth the extra cost. However, if you're on a tight budget and don't mind slower charging, the M21 2021 remains a capable device.
❓ Which chipset is better, Exynos 9611 or Helio G80?
The Helio G80 generally offers slightly better performance, particularly in graphics-intensive tasks. However, the Exynos 9611 is a mature chipset with good efficiency.
