Galaxy A32 5G Vs iPhone 12

Galaxy A32 5G
Galaxy A32 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:109.00

Versus €369.00 new

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iPhone 12
iPhone 12
Starting at

Refurbished price:174.00

Versus €829.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone 12, launched in October 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While both devices offer 5G connectivity, they differ significantly in their operating systems, display technology, and overall user experience. The Galaxy A32 5G runs on the Android platform, offering a customizable interface, whereas the iPhone 12 operates on Apple's iOS, known for its streamlined ecosystem.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their respective release timelines and software support policies are key factors.

  • Release and Updates: The iPhone 12, released in late 2020, benefits from Apple's extended software support, typically receiving iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch. As of 2026, it remains compatible with current iOS versions. In contrast, the Galaxy A32 5G, launched in early 2021, received Android updates up to Android 13 and its security updates concluded in March 2025, indicating a shorter official support window.
  • Software Longevity: Users prioritizing the latest software features and security patches for an extended period may find the iPhone 12 offers a longer practical lifespan due to Apple's update commitment. The Galaxy A32 5G, while still functional, will no longer receive new major Android versions or security updates, which can impact compatibility with newer applications and overall device security over time.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 features a Ceramic Shield front cover, designed to offer enhanced drop performance, and an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A32 5G utilizes Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for screen protection and has a plastic frame and back, offering a different level of resilience to daily wear and tear.

Year of Release

2021

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone is influenced by its internal components, affecting how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles multitasking.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 is equipped with a powerful processor designed for demanding applications and efficient operation, contributing to smooth navigation and quick app launches. The Galaxy A32 5G features an octa-core processor that handles everyday tasks and general usage effectively, though it may show limitations with graphically intensive games or very heavy multitasking.
  • Storage and Multitasking: The iPhone 12 offers storage options up to 256GB, but without expandable storage. Its system is optimized to manage applications and memory efficiently, providing a responsive experience even with multiple apps open. The Galaxy A32 5G comes with storage options up to 128GB and includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 1TB, offering flexibility for users who need significant space for media and files.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A32 5G is known for its substantial 5000 mAh battery, often providing extended usage times that can last up to two days for moderate users. The iPhone 12, with a 2815 mAh battery, is optimized for efficiency through its hardware and software integration, typically offering all-day usage for many users, though heavy use may require more frequent charging.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer different visual experiences.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The iPhone 12 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy A32 5G has a larger 6.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, which offers a spacious viewing area but with less pixel density compared to the iPhone 12.
  • Brightness and Clarity: The iPhone 12's OLED screen can reach a typical brightness of 625 nits and a peak of 1200 nits for HDR content, making it suitable for outdoor visibility and high-contrast media. The Galaxy A32 5G's display provides adequate brightness for most indoor and outdoor conditions, though it may not match the peak luminance of the iPhone 12's OLED panel.
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy A32 5G offers a 90Hz refresh rate on its display (in some regions), which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience compared to standard 60Hz screens. The iPhone 12 maintains a standard 60Hz refresh rate, which is consistent and responsive for general use, but does not offer the enhanced smoothness of higher refresh rate displays.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1170 x 2532

Screen type

TFT LCD

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a significant consideration for many users, and these devices approach photography and videography with different strengths.

  • Rear Camera Systems: The iPhone 12 features a dual 12MP camera system, including a wide lens with a f/1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization, and an ultrawide lens. This setup excels in capturing detailed photos with good low-light performance. The Galaxy A32 5G boasts a quad-camera array with a 48MP main sensor, an 8MP ultrawide, a 5MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor, offering versatility for different types of shots.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone 12's camera system is noted for its consistent image quality, accurate color reproduction, and effective Night mode across its lenses, enhancing low-light photography. The Galaxy A32 5G's main camera can capture detailed images in good lighting, and its additional lenses provide options for wider scenes and close-up shots, though its low-light performance may not be as refined as the iPhone 12.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone 12 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second and includes HDR video recording with Dolby Vision, providing high-quality, cinematic video capture. The Galaxy A32 5G can record video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second, offering clear video suitable for everyday use.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and daily convenience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: Both devices support 5G connectivity for faster mobile data speeds. The iPhone 12 uses a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy A32 5G features a USB-C port, which is a widely adopted standard, and also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering more audio connectivity options.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone 12 relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition, providing a convenient and robust unlocking method. The Galaxy A32 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 has a flat-edged design with an aluminum frame, measuring 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm and weighing 164g, making it relatively compact and lightweight. The Galaxy A32 5G has a slightly larger and heavier build at 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm and 205g, which might feel more substantial in hand.

Weight

205 g

164 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Network

5G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G and the iPhone 12 cater to different user preferences, each offering a distinct set of advantages. Users often praise the iPhone 12 for its powerful performance, high-quality OLED display, and advanced camera capabilities, particularly its video recording features and consistent low-light photography. Some common criticisms for the iPhone 12 include its smaller battery capacity compared to some Android counterparts and the absence of a high refresh rate display.

The Galaxy A32 5G is frequently lauded for its exceptional battery life, expandable storage, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which are practical benefits for many users. User feedback sometimes points to its lower-resolution LCD display and less powerful processor as areas where it doesn't match higher-end devices.

Users prioritizing a long-lasting battery, expandable storage, and the flexibility of the Android ecosystem may find the Galaxy A32 5G well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who value a premium display, robust camera performance, a streamlined operating system, and extended software support may lean towards the iPhone 12. Both devices are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers looking to make an informed and sustainable choice.

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