Samsung's M and A series represent their aggressive push into the budget and mid-range smartphone markets. The Galaxy M21, released earlier, offers a compelling value proposition, while the A32 aims to refine the experience with a brighter display and a newer chipset. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices to determine which best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is the better choice, thanks to its significantly brighter 814 nit display and more efficient Mediatek Helio G80 chipset. However, the M21 remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute lowest cost and aren't heavily reliant on media consumption.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 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 | 2020, March 18. Released 2020, March 23 | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159 x 75.1 x 8.9 mm (6.26 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 184 g (6.49 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | 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 (~84.6% 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 10, upgradable to 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, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | 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) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 12mm (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 | 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue, Raven Black | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | SM-M215F, SM-M215F/DS, SM-M215F/DSN | SM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325N |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 124.99 / £ 89.38 |
| SAR | 0.47 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.45 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 64GB 4GB RAM | £ 279.99 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 129.00 | - |
| 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) |
Samsung Galaxy M21
- Potentially lower price point
- May have slightly larger battery capacity (unconfirmed)
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Older Exynos 9611 chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Potential for more thermal throttling
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Brighter 814 nit display
- More efficient Mediatek Helio G80 chipset
- Improved thermal management
- Generally higher price than the M21
- Similar RAM configuration (4GB)
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
The most immediately noticeable difference lies in the display. The Galaxy A32 boasts a peak brightness of 814 nits, measured directly, making it significantly more usable outdoors and in bright environments compared to the M21 (brightness data unavailable, but expected to be lower). While both are likely to use LCD panels, the A32’s higher brightness translates to a more vibrant and engaging visual experience. The A32 also advertises an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, typical of LCDs, but the higher brightness is the key differentiator. Bezels are comparable on both devices, and color accuracy data is unavailable for either.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 'Photo / Video' camera setup, but detailed specifications are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. It’s likely both devices rely on similar image processing algorithms, typical of Samsung’s mid-range offerings. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Real-world image quality will likely be comparable, with the A32 potentially benefiting from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to the newer chipset.
Performance
Under the hood, the A32 features the Mediatek Helio G80 (12nm), while the M21 utilizes the Samsung Exynos 9611 (10nm). Despite the Exynos having a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 2.0 GHz), the Helio G80’s newer architecture (Cortex-A75 vs A73) and more efficient 12nm process generally provide better sustained performance and thermal management. The A32’s CPU configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 is optimized for a balance of performance and efficiency, while the M21’s 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A73 and 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration may show more throttling under prolonged load. Both devices ship with 4GB of RAM, limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both the Galaxy M21 and A32 share an endurance rating of 119 hours, suggesting similar real-world battery life. Both also support 15W wired charging. While the M21 may have a slightly larger battery capacity (data unavailable), the A32’s more efficient Helio G80 chipset likely offsets this difference. Expect approximately 2-3 hours of screen-on time with moderate usage on both devices, and around 2.5-3 hours to fully charge from 0-100% with the included 15W charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M21 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and your budget is extremely tight. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if you prioritize a more enjoyable viewing experience with a brighter screen, slightly improved performance for gaming, and a more modern chipset, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 9611 in the M21 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 9611 is known to exhibit some thermal throttling under sustained load. While it can handle casual gaming, demanding titles may experience frame drops and reduced performance after prolonged play. The A32’s Helio G80 is generally more efficient and less prone to overheating.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the M21 and A32 are largely marketing features. The small sensor size and lack of autofocus result in images with limited detail and sharpness. They are unlikely to provide a significant improvement over the main camera in most scenarios.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A32 handle PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 in the A32 can likely run PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, achieving a consistently smooth frame rate may depend on the specific device configuration and background processes. The M21 may struggle to maintain 60fps consistently, even at lower settings.
❓ What type of display technology do these phones use?
Both the Samsung Galaxy M21 and A32 are expected to utilize LCD display panels. While Samsung is known for its AMOLED technology, it's typically reserved for higher-end models. The A32's advantage lies in its significantly higher peak brightness, enhancing visibility in bright conditions.
