Realme 8s 5G vs Samsung Galaxy M32 5G: Which Budget 5G Phone Wins?

Both the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G and Realme 8s 5G target the competitive budget 5G market, but they take different approaches. The M32 5G prioritizes a larger screen and Samsung’s software ecosystem, while the 8s 5G focuses on raw performance and faster charging speeds. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Realme 8s 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 810 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the M32 5G’s Dimensity 720. Coupled with 33W charging, the 8s 5G offers a more responsive experience and quicker top-ups, making it ideal for power users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M32 5G Realme 8s 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, August 252021, September 09
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 02Available. Released 2021, September 13
Body
Dimensions164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 in)162.5 x 74.8 x 8.8 mm (6.40 x 2.94 x 0.35 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)191 g (6.74 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDIPS LCD, 90Hz, 600 nits (peak)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Mali-G57 MC2
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1UFS 2.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens-
Single-16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Triple-64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR, panorama
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)16 MP, f/2.1, 26mm (wide), 1/3.0", 1.0µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.1, A2DP, LE
NFCYesNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
 Virtual proximity sensing-
Battery
Charging15W wired33W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAh5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSlate Black, Sky BlueBlue, Purple
ModelsSM-M326B, SM-M326B/DSRMX3381
PriceAbout 220 EURAbout 210 EUR
SAR0.48 W/kg (head)-
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 123h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1384:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.8 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 329661 (v8), 383409 (v9) GeekBench: 7314 (v4.4), 1842 (v5.1) GFXBench: 14fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M32 5G

  • Familiar Samsung One UI experience
  • Potentially wider service network
  • Large display (size unspecified)

  • Slower chipset (Dimensity 720)
  • Slower charging (15W)
  • Less powerful CPU cores

Realme 8s 5G

  • Faster chipset (Dimensity 810)
  • Faster charging (33W)
  • More efficient 6nm process

  • Realme UI may not appeal to all users
  • Potentially less brand recognition
  • Display brightness not significantly higher

Display Comparison

The Realme 8s 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 530 nits and a 1322:1 contrast ratio, while the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G’s display specs are not provided. However, given the M32 5G’s positioning, it likely features a similar LCD panel. The Realme 8s 5G’s slightly higher contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and a more vibrant image. Both displays share a similar contrast ratio, but the Realme's measured brightness gives it a slight edge in outdoor visibility.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specs are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Realme 8s 5G’s more powerful chipset likely enables more sophisticated image processing algorithms, potentially leading to better low-light performance and dynamic range. The inclusion of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device is unknown, but would be a significant advantage for video recording.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme 8s 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6nm) features a faster CPU configuration – 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores versus the M32 5G’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores – resulting in a tangible performance advantage. The 6nm fabrication process of the Dimensity 810 also contributes to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling compared to the M32 5G’s 7nm Dimensity 720. This translates to smoother multitasking and a better gaming experience on the Realme 8s 5G.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Realme 8s 5G’s 33W wired charging is a game-changer, significantly reducing charging times compared to the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G’s slower 15W charging. This means the 8s 5G can go from 0-100% much faster, minimizing downtime and maximizing usability.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G if you prioritize a familiar Samsung user experience and a potentially wider availability of service support. Buy the Realme 8s 5G if you value faster performance for gaming and multitasking, and appreciate significantly quicker charging times – crucial for those constantly on the move.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Mediatek Dimensity 810 in the Realme 8s 5G get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Dimensity 810’s 6nm fabrication process is more efficient than the 7nm Dimensity 720 in the M32 5G, leading to lower heat generation. While some throttling is inevitable during prolonged gaming, the 8s 5G is better equipped to maintain consistent performance for longer periods.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G slow enough to be a major inconvenience?
Yes, 15W charging is considerably slower than the 33W charging on the Realme 8s 5G. Expect significantly longer charging times with the M32 5G, potentially requiring overnight charging to fully replenish the battery.
❓ How does the Realme 8s 5G perform with graphically demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Dimensity 810 chipset in the Realme 8s 5G is capable of running PUBG Mobile at high settings with smooth frame rates. While it may not achieve the absolute highest frame rates possible on flagship devices, it provides a very enjoyable gaming experience.
❓ Are there any significant differences in software updates between Samsung and Realme?
Samsung generally provides more consistent and longer-term software update support compared to Realme. However, Realme has been improving its update cadence in recent years. Users prioritizing timely updates may lean towards the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G.