vivo iQOO U3x vs Samsung Galaxy A32 5G: A Deep Dive into Budget 5G Contenders
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo iQOO U3x emerges as the stronger choice. Its Snapdragon 480 chipset, built on a more efficient 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Galaxy A32 5G’s Dimensity 720. While both phones offer comparable battery endurance, the iQOO U3x’s faster charging and superior processing make it the better all-rounder.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | vivo iQOO U3x | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78, 79 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat16 1024/75 Mbps, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1x | 25, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - SM-A326U | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, March 19 | 2021, January 13 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, March 22 | Available. Released 2021, January 22 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | TFT LCD, 60Hz (International), 90Hz (SM-A326U, SM-326DL only) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 720 (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
| OS | Android 11, OriginOS 1.0 for iQOO | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| UFS 2.1 | - | |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm 5 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | - |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/120fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| - | Virtual proximity sensing | |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Gray, Aurora | Awesome Black, Awesome White, Awesome Blue, Awesome Violet |
| Models | V2106A | SM-A326B, SM-A326B/DS, SM-A326BR/DS, SM-A326BR, SM-A326U, SM-A326W, SM-A326U1, SM-A326K, SCG08, SM-S326DL |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 111.89 / $ 78.64 / £ 77.53 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.08 W/kg (body) |
| Tests | ||
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: 1470:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -28.5 LUFS (Average) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 226561 (v8) GeekBench: 1673 (v5.1) |
vivo iQOO U3x
- Faster Snapdragon 480 processor
- Faster 18W charging
- More efficient 8nm process
- Less established brand recognition
- Potentially shorter software support
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
- Brighter display (497 nits)
- Established Samsung brand
- Potentially longer software support
- Slower Dimensity 720 processor
- Slower 15W charging
- Less efficient 7nm process
Display Comparison
Both the iQOO U3x and Galaxy A32 5G feature displays with a similar contrast ratio around 1470:1 to 1490:1, indicating comparable black levels and color reproduction. However, the Galaxy A32 5G boasts a measured peak brightness of 497 nits, offering a slightly more visible experience in direct sunlight. While neither display is exceptional, the A32 5G’s higher brightness is a tangible benefit for outdoor use. Details regarding refresh rates are missing, suggesting both likely operate at the standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specific details are lacking. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively basic camera setups. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A32 5G is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung typically favoring more saturated colors and the iQOO potentially aiming for a more natural look. The absence of OIS on either device suggests image stabilization will rely heavily on software.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The iQOO U3x utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G, fabricated on an 8nm process, featuring an octa-core configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 cores. The Galaxy A32 5G, conversely, employs the Mediatek Dimensity 720, built on a 7nm process, with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While both are octa-core, the Snapdragon 480’s newer architecture and 8nm process generally translate to better sustained performance and thermal efficiency. The Dimensity 720’s 7nm process is efficient, but the Cortex-A76 cores are older generation. This difference will be most noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
Battery Life
Both the iQOO U3x and Galaxy A32 5G achieve an endurance rating of 123 hours, indicating similar overall battery life. However, the iQOO U3x offers 18W wired charging, while the Galaxy A32 5G is limited to 15W. This 3W difference translates to a faster 0-100% charge time for the iQOO U3x, a significant convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly. The comparable endurance ratings suggest that despite the faster charging, the iQOO U3x doesn’t sacrifice battery life to achieve it.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo iQOO U3x if you prioritize gaming performance, faster app loading times, and quicker charging. It’s ideal for users who frequently multitask or enjoy mobile games. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G if you prefer a more established brand with a potentially longer software support lifecycle and a slightly brighter display, and are less concerned with maximizing raw processing power.