Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G vs. M32 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

Samsung's 5G lineup offers a wealth of options, but the Galaxy A52s 5G and M32 5G represent distinct approaches to the mid-range market. The M32 5G prioritizes affordability, while the A52s 5G aims for a more balanced experience with a stronger chipset and improved display. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 778G chipset delivers significantly faster performance, complemented by a brighter display and faster 25W charging. While the M32 5G offers a lower entry price, the A52s 5G provides a more refined and future-proof experience.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy M32 5G Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 661, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 40, 41, 66
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2021, August 252021, August 17
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, September 02Available. Released 2021, September 01
Body
Build-Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back
Dimensions164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 in)159.9 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.30 x 2.96 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight205 g (7.23 oz)189 g (6.67 oz)
 -IP67 dust/water resistant (up to 1m for 30 min)
Display
Protection-Corning Gorilla Glass 5
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 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDSuper AMOLED, 120Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MC3Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5Android 11, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, panorama, HDRLED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide) 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.7", 0.8µm, PDAF, OIS 12 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps; gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single13 MP, f/2.2, (wide)32 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.8µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
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/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compassFingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, compass
 Virtual proximity sensingVirtual Proximity Sensing
Battery
Charging15W wired25W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Ion 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsSlate Black, Sky BlueAwesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Purple, Awesome Mint
ModelsSM-M326B, SM-M326B/DSSM-A528B, SM-A528B/DS, SM-A528N
PriceAbout 220 EUR£ 112.98 / € 249.47
SAR0.48 W/kg (head)0.72 W/kg (head)
SAR EU-0.88 W/kg (head)     0.84 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 113h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.5 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 429675 (v8), 506432(v9) GeekBench: 11060 (v4.4), 2801 (v5.1) GFXBench: 28fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy M32 5G

  • More powerful Snapdragon 778G chipset
  • Brighter 800 nit display for better outdoor visibility
  • Faster 25W wired charging

  • Generally higher price point
  • May not offer expandable storage (depending on region)

Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G

  • Lower price point, making it more accessible
  • 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
  • Similar battery endurance to the A52s 5G

  • Less powerful MediaTek Dimensity 720 chipset
  • Slower 15W wired charging
  • Likely dimmer display

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A52s 5G boasts a notably brighter display, reaching a measured peak of 800 nits, compared to an unspecified brightness on the M32 5G. This translates to better visibility outdoors. While both displays have an 'Infinite' contrast ratio (nominal), the A52s 5G’s superior brightness makes a tangible difference in real-world usage. The panel technology isn't specified for either, but the A52s 5G's higher brightness suggests a more advanced panel capable of wider color gamuts and better HDR support.

Camera Comparison

Both phones offer photo and video capabilities, but details are limited. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the A52s 5G’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 778G chipset will likely result in better image processing, particularly in low-light conditions. The presence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) – a common feature in the A-series but unconfirmed on the M32 5G – would further enhance image quality and video stabilization on the A52s 5G. We advise ignoring the typical 2MP macro lens found on both devices, as their image quality is generally poor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The A52s 5G’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the M32 5G’s MediaTek Dimensity 720 (7nm). The Snapdragon 778G features a more powerful CPU configuration – a 1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 prime core alongside 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 cores, versus the M32 5G’s 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This architectural advantage, combined with the smaller 6nm process node, results in significantly faster processing speeds and improved power efficiency, leading to less thermal throttling during demanding tasks. The A52s 5G will handle graphically intensive games and multitasking with greater ease.

Battery Life

Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 113 hours, suggesting similar overall battery life despite the A52s 5G’s more powerful processor. This indicates efficient power management on both sides. However, the A52s 5G’s 25W wired charging is a significant advantage over the M32 5G’s 15W charging. This translates to considerably faster charging times – a full charge from 0-100% will be noticeably quicker on the A52s 5G, minimizing downtime.

Buying Guide

Buy the Samsung Galaxy M32 5G if you are on a strict budget and prioritize 5G connectivity above all else, accepting compromises in processing power and display quality. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A52s 5G if you value smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, a brighter and more vibrant display, and faster charging speeds, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Snapdragon 778G in the A52s 5G get hot during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Snapdragon 778G is known for its efficiency. While it will generate heat during extended gaming, the 6nm process and Samsung's thermal management generally prevent significant throttling, maintaining consistent performance for longer periods compared to the Dimensity 720.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the M32 5G significantly faster than 4G on older phones?
Yes, 5G offers substantially faster data speeds than 4G, *provided* you have 5G network coverage in your area. The M32 5G will allow you to download files, stream videos, and browse the web much faster than on a 4G network, but the actual speed will depend on your carrier and location.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the A52s 5G or the M32 5G with a microSD card?
MicroSD card support varies by region. Some versions of the A52s 5G do *not* include a microSD card slot. The M32 5G typically offers a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, providing flexibility for users who need more space for photos, videos, and apps.