The Samsung Galaxy M22 and A32 represent Samsung’s strategy for dominating the budget smartphone market. Both devices utilize the Mediatek Helio G80 chipset, creating a surprisingly close contest. However, key differences in charging speed and display capabilities separate these two, making one a better fit for specific user needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M22 emerges as the better value. Its 25W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the A32’s 15W, and while both share the same battery endurance rating, faster charging is a tangible daily benefit. The A32’s brighter display is a plus, but the charging advantage tips the scales.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 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, September 14 | 2021, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 13 | Available. Released 2021, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 74 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.91 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 |
| 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 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.4 inches, 98.9 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 600 nits (HDR) | 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 Core 5.1 | 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/2.0, (wide), 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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), unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Light Blue | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | SM-M225FV, SM-M225FV/DS | SM-A325F, SM-A325F/DS, SM-A325M, SM-A325N |
| Price | About 230 EUR | € 124.99 / £ 89.38 |
| SAR EU | 0.62 W/kg (head) 1.24 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Samsung Galaxy M22
- Faster 25W charging for quicker top-ups
- Comparable performance to the A32
- Similar battery endurance to the A32
- Likely lower peak display brightness
- Camera specs are currently unknown
Samsung Galaxy A32
- Brighter 814 nit display for outdoor visibility
- Comparable performance to the M22
- Similar battery endurance to the M22
- Slower 15W charging
- Camera specs are currently unknown
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A32 boasts a measured peak brightness of 814 nits, a significant advantage over what is expected from the M22. This translates to superior visibility under direct sunlight. Both displays feature an 'Infinite' contrast ratio, a marketing term indicating deep blacks, but the A32’s higher brightness is the defining characteristic. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A32’s superior brightness makes it the better choice for outdoor use. We expect the M22 to have a lower peak brightness, making it less usable in bright conditions.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility. Image processing will likely be similar, given Samsung’s software optimization. The lack of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization, which may result in softer images in low-light conditions.
Performance
Both the Galaxy M22 and A32 are powered by the Mediatek Helio G80 (MT6769V/CU) 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 for everyday tasks and most gaming scenarios. The 12nm process node suggests similar thermal characteristics, meaning neither phone is likely to exhibit significant throttling under sustained load. RAM configurations are not specified, but will likely impact multitasking performance; however, the chipset remains the primary bottleneck.
Battery Life
Both the Galaxy M22 and A32 achieve an endurance rating of 119 hours, indicating comparable battery life under typical usage. However, the M22’s 25W wired charging is a substantial upgrade over the A32’s 15W charging. This means the M22 can replenish its battery significantly faster, reducing downtime. While both may have similar capacity batteries (not specified), the faster charging speed provides a more convenient user experience. Expect the M22 to go from 0-100% in approximately 90 minutes, while the A32 will likely take over two hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M22 if you prioritize minimizing charging time and need a phone that can quickly top up between uses. This is ideal for users who are frequently on the go or dislike overnight charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 if you spend significant time outdoors and require a display that remains easily visible in direct sunlight, and aren't concerned about slower charging speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio G80 struggle with demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The Helio G80 is a capable chipset for mid-range gaming, but it's not a powerhouse. You'll likely be able to play PUBG and Call of Duty at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some frame drops during intense action, and don't expect to max out the graphics settings. Both phones will perform similarly in this regard.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited image quality. The small sensor size and fixed focus result in images that lack detail and sharpness. While it can be fun to experiment with close-up shots, don't expect professional-level results. The main camera will provide far superior image quality in most scenarios.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Galaxy M22 compared to the A32?
With 25W charging, the Galaxy M22 should reach 100% in approximately 90 minutes. The Galaxy A32, with its 15W charging, will likely take over two hours to fully charge. This difference is significant for users who need a quick power boost.
