Galaxy A32 5G Vs iPhone SE (2020)

Galaxy A32 5G
Galaxy A32 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:109.00

Versus €369.00 new

See options
iPhone SE (2020)
iPhone SE (2020)
Starting at

Refurbished price:99.00

Versus €319.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G and the iPhone SE 2020 are smartphones released in early 2021 and mid-2020, respectively. While both offer a comprehensive smartphone experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of operating system, design philosophy, and core features. The Galaxy A32 5G emphasizes a larger display and multi-camera system, running on Android, whereas the iPhone SE 2020 provides a compact form factor with a powerful processor, operating on iOS.

Scores

Durability

When considering the long-term usability of these devices, their release timelines and software support are key factors. The iPhone SE 2020, released in April 2020, typically receives iOS updates for approximately 5-6 years from its launch. The Galaxy A32 5G, launched in January 2021, was promised three years of major Android updates and four years of security patches, with major update support ending around April 2025.

  • Software Longevity: The iPhone SE 2020, being an Apple device, generally benefits from a longer period of major operating system updates, extending its software lifespan further into the future compared to the Galaxy A32 5G.
  • Repairability: The iPhone SE 2020 has a repairability score of 6 out of 10 from iFixit, indicating that common components like the display and battery are relatively straightforward to replace. Information on the Galaxy A32 5G's repairability score is less readily available, but its construction typically involves standard smartphone repair procedures.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing the latest software features for an extended period may find the iPhone SE 2020 more suitable due to Apple's longer update cycle. However, both devices are built to offer several years of practical use, especially when considering quality-assured refurbished options as a sustainable choice.

Year of Release

2021

2020

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two smartphones is influenced by their internal components, affecting how smoothly they handle daily tasks and more demanding applications. Both devices offer different approaches to processing power and memory management.

  • Processor Capabilities: The iPhone SE 2020 features a powerful current-generation processor at its release, enabling it to handle demanding applications, complex games, and multitasking with considerable responsiveness. The Galaxy A32 5G is equipped with a processor that provides solid performance for everyday use, including web browsing and social media, though it may show some slowdown with very intensive gaming or heavy multitasking.
  • Storage and RAM: The iPhone SE 2020 comes with 3GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The Galaxy A32 5G offers more flexible RAM configurations, typically 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB, and storage up to 128GB, which is expandable via a microSD card up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A32 5G is known for its substantial 5000 mAh battery, often providing multiple days of moderate use on a single charge. The iPhone SE 2020 has a smaller 1821 mAh battery, which typically requires more frequent charging for heavy users.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

3 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies, sizes, and resolutions, impacting clarity and overall viewing comfort.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The iPhone SE 2020 features a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, resulting in a clear visual experience. The Galaxy A32 5G offers a larger 6.5-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels.
  • Brightness and Clarity: Both displays offer adequate brightness for indoor use. The iPhone SE 2020's display provides good clarity for its size. The Galaxy A32 5G's larger screen offers more viewing area, though its lower pixel density compared to the iPhone SE 2020 means individual pixels might be discernible upon close inspection.
  • Refresh Rate: The iPhone SE 2020 has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A32 5G, depending on the region, can feature either a 60Hz or a 90Hz refresh rate, which can contribute to smoother scrolling and a more fluid visual experience.

Resolution

720 x 1600

750 x 1334

Screen type

TFT LCD

Retina IPS LCD

Audiovisual

Both smartphones offer capable camera systems, but they approach photography with different hardware configurations and software enhancements.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone SE 2020 features a single 12MP wide camera with optical image stabilization, which benefits from advanced computational photography features for improved image processing, including Portrait mode and Smart HDR. The Galaxy A32 5G boasts a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 48MP main lens, an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor, offering more photographic versatility.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone SE 2020 excels in everyday photography and portrait shots due to its software optimization, though it lacks a dedicated Night Mode. The Galaxy A32 5G takes solid pictures in good lighting conditions, with its ultrawide and macro lenses providing additional creative options.
  • Video Recording: The iPhone SE 2020 supports 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, with good stabilization. The Galaxy A32 5G can record video at up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
  • Front Camera: The iPhone SE 2020 has a 7MP front camera that supports software-based Portrait mode. The Galaxy A32 5G features a 13MP front camera.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience and differentiate these two devices.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy A32 5G supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile data speeds where available. The iPhone SE 2020 is limited to 4G LTE connectivity but includes Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless internet. Both support Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC.
  • Ports and Sensors: The Galaxy A32 5G includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. It features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. The iPhone SE 2020 uses a Lightning port and integrates its fingerprint sensor (Touch ID) into the home button. It does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Design and Build: The iPhone SE 2020 has a compact design with a 4.7-inch screen, glass front and back, and an aluminum frame, weighing 148g. It also has an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy A32 5G is larger and heavier at 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm and 205g, featuring a plastic body and Gorilla Glass 5 on the display.

Weight

205 g

148 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

4.7

Network

5G

4G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C + Jack 3.5mm

Lightning

User feedback for the iPhone SE 2020 often praises its powerful performance for its compact size, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a smaller device that can still handle demanding tasks. Its camera, despite being a single lens, is frequently lauded for its image quality, particularly in good lighting, thanks to advanced software processing. Common criticisms include its older design with prominent bezels and its battery life, which some heavy users find requires mid-day charging.

The Galaxy A32 5G is generally well-regarded for its extensive battery life, often lasting a full day or more, and its large display, which is beneficial for media consumption. Users also appreciate its versatile quad-camera system for offering different shooting perspectives. However, some users note that the display's resolution is lower compared to other devices in its category, and while performance is solid for everyday use, it may not be as fluid for graphically intensive applications.

Users prioritizing a compact device with robust processing power and a long software support window may find the iPhone SE 2020 aligns better with their needs. Conversely, individuals who value a larger screen for content viewing, extended battery life, and a multi-lens camera system for varied photography might lean towards the Galaxy A32 5G. Both devices offer distinct advantages, and choosing between them depends on individual priorities for daily usage. For those seeking a more environmentally conscious purchase, considering a quality-assured refurbished option for either model can be a practical and sustainable choice.

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