Galaxy A32 5G Vs iPhone XS

Galaxy A32 5G
Galaxy A32 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:97.00

Versus €399.00 new

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iPhone XS
iPhone XS
Starting at

Refurbished price:128.00

Versus €489.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A32 5G, released in January 2021, and the Apple iPhone Xs, launched in September 2018, represent different approaches to smartphone design and functionality from their respective release eras. While the Galaxy A32 5G operates on the Android platform, offering a more recent entry into the market, the iPhone Xs runs on iOS, showcasing Apple's flagship technology from a few years prior. Key differentiators include their operating systems, display technologies, and the presence of 5G connectivity on the newer Samsung model.

Scores

Durability

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and software support are significant factors.

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone Xs was released in September 2018, making it a significantly older device compared to the Galaxy A32 5G, which launched in January 2021. This age difference directly impacts their remaining software support.
  • OS Support: The iPhone Xs originally shipped with iOS 12 and received major iOS updates up to iOS 18, with Apple officially ending major iOS support in September 2025. However, security updates are expected to continue through at least late 2026, extending its functional life for some users. The Galaxy A32 5G launched with Android 11 and typically receives several years of Android version updates and security patches, with Samsung often providing four years of security updates for its A-series devices, implying support into 2025 or beyond for security.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone Xs features a more premium build with a glass front and back encased in a stainless steel frame, along with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. The Galaxy A32 5G utilizes a plastic back and frame, though its display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5, offering a good level of scratch resistance for its category.

Year of Release

2021

2018

Compatible with latest Update

No

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of these two smartphones varies due to their different internal architectures and release years, impacting how they handle daily tasks and demanding applications.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone Xs is equipped with a powerful chip from its release year, enabling smooth operation for most applications, efficient multitasking, and capable handling of graphically intensive games. The Galaxy A32 5G features a processor designed for efficient performance in its segment, capably managing everyday apps and offering a responsive experience for general use.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone Xs typically comes with 4GB of RAM, which, combined with its optimized operating system, allows for effective multitasking. Storage options for the iPhone Xs range up to 512GB. The Galaxy A32 5G offers various RAM configurations, including 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB, providing flexibility for different user needs, and includes expandable storage via a microSD card slot, supporting up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A32 5G is known for its substantial 5000 mAh battery, which often allows for extended usage, potentially lasting up to two days for moderate users. It supports 15W fast charging. The iPhone Xs has a smaller 2658 mAh battery, providing a full day of typical use for many, and supports faster charging speeds with compatible adapters.

Memory (GB)

6 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these devices differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone Xs features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. Its resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels results in a sharp image with 458 pixels per inch. The Galaxy A32 5G has a larger 6.5-inch TFT LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, providing clear visuals for everyday content, though with less pixel density than the iPhone Xs.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The iPhone Xs's OLED panel supports HDR content and reaches a maximum brightness of 625 nits, making it suitable for various lighting conditions. It operates at a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A32 5G offers a smoother scrolling experience with its 90Hz refresh rate, which can make interactions feel more fluid.
  • Viewing Experience: The iPhone Xs's display is praised for its color accuracy and overall visual quality, making it well-suited for media consumption and detailed viewing. The larger screen of the Galaxy A32 5G provides an expansive viewing area, which can be beneficial for browsing and video playback, despite its lower resolution.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1125 x 2436

Screen type

TFT LCD

Super Retina OLED

Audiovisual

Both devices offer distinct camera systems, catering to different photography preferences and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone Xs features a dual 12MP rear camera setup, consisting of a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4), enabling 2x optical zoom and enhanced portrait photography with depth control. It includes optical image stabilization for both lenses and Smart HDR for improved dynamic range. The Galaxy A32 5G boasts a versatile quad-camera array, including a 48MP main lens (f/1.8), an 8MP ultrawide lens (f/2.2) with a 123-degree field of view, a 5MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor.
  • Photography Performance: The iPhone Xs excels in capturing detailed photos with good color reproduction, particularly in well-lit conditions, and offers strong low-light performance for its generation. The Galaxy A32 5G performs well in good lighting, producing clear and bright images with its main sensor, and its ultrawide lens is effective for capturing broader scenes. Its macro lens allows for close-up shots of small details.
  • Video and Audio: The iPhone Xs supports 4K video recording at various frame rates (24, 30, or 60 fps) and includes stereo audio recording for videos. The Galaxy A32 5G can record 4K video at 30 frames per second. Both devices offer capable front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls, with the iPhone Xs featuring a 7MP sensor and the Galaxy A32 5G a 13MP sensor.

Main camera

48 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

13 megapixels

7 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two smartphones in terms of connectivity, physical design, and user interaction.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A32 5G offers 5G network compatibility, providing access to faster mobile data speeds where available. It features a USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and notably, retains a 3.5mm headphone jack. The iPhone Xs supports Gigabit-class 4G LTE but does not have 5G capabilities. It uses Apple's proprietary Lightning port and lacks a traditional headphone jack.
  • Biometric Security: The iPhone Xs relies on Face ID for secure facial recognition, enabling unlocking and authentication. The Galaxy A32 5G incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
  • Physical Characteristics: The iPhone Xs is more compact and lighter, measuring 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm and weighing 177g. The Galaxy A32 5G is larger and heavier, with dimensions of 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1 mm and a weight of 205g, which can impact one-handed use and pocketability.

Weight

205 g

177 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

5.8

Network

5G

4G

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 Xs cater to different user priorities, reflecting their distinct design philosophies and release timelines. User feedback for the Galaxy A32 5G often praises its long-lasting battery life and the inclusion of 5G connectivity, making it a practical choice for those who prioritize endurance and future-proof network speeds. Some common observations note its display resolution is lower compared to some alternatives, and its overall performance, while capable, is not designed for high-end demands.

Conversely, the iPhone Xs, despite its age, is frequently lauded for its premium build quality, vibrant OLED display, and a camera system that still delivers strong results in many scenarios. Its processing power, even years after its release, continues to provide a smooth user experience for many applications. A frequent point of discussion for the iPhone Xs, given its age, is the eventual cessation of major iOS updates, though security updates are still provided.

Users prioritizing a larger screen, extensive battery life, and the latest 5G connectivity, along with expandable storage and a headphone jack, may find the Galaxy A32 5G well-suited to their needs. It offers a modern Android experience with a focus on practical features. On the other hand, individuals who value a more compact device with a premium feel, a superior display for media, and a highly capable camera system, even without 5G, might lean towards the iPhone Xs. Its iOS ecosystem and robust performance remain appealing for many.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, extending the life of these smartphones and offering a sustainable choice for consumers.

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