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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize battery life and a slightly better overall camera quality, the Samsung Galaxy A42 would be a solid choice, as it offers longer battery life and has improved camera features, including the ability to shoot HDR video which the A32 doesn't support. However, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is more affordable and still offers a decent camera, along with a slightly higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling. Both phones come with plastic bodies, similar screen sizes, and resolution, neither have wireless charging or a stylus, and they share many other features like the 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage. Ultimately, your decision should weigh the importance of a better battery and camera against the difference in price. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A32
- The Samsung Galaxy A32 has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy A42.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy A42
- Best in class battery life
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
4.6
5.3
The Samsung Galaxy A42 and Samsung Galaxy A32 both have poor overall camera quality, though the Samsung Galaxy A42 has somewhat better overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has a lower selfie quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42, which is an important factor considering selfie performance is very important. While the Galaxy A42 offers a fair performance across board on camera versatility and video features which are also important, the Galaxy A32 lags behind, reflecting the difference in camera capabilities between the two phones.
Photo Quality
4.6
5.3
The Samsung Galaxy A42 and Samsung Galaxy A32 both have poor photos, though the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes somewhat better photos.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 captures lower quality selfies, which significantly impacts the overall photo-taking experience compared to the Samsung Galaxy A42, known for its fair selfie performance. Additionally, while both phones have issues with photos resolution, dynamic range, and low light performance, the Galaxy A42 offers a better software experience for photos, which may contribute to slightly better photo outcomes.
Video Quality
4.6
5.2
The Samsung Galaxy A42 and Samsung Galaxy A32 both have poor videos, though the Samsung Galaxy A42 takes somewhat better videos.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 delivers subpar video performance with limitations in resolution/framerate, video software, stabilization, dynamic range, and low light capabilities, alongside average microphone quality. Similarly, the Samsung Galaxy A42 provides mediocre video quality with modest resolution/framerate, while experiencing poor stabilization and dynamic range, yet with slight improvements in software experience and microphone quality compared to the A32.
Battery
8.7 Hours
10.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has 8.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A42 has 10.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$360
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has a price of $269 and the Samsung Galaxy A42 costs $360.
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Key similarities
Screen Size
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has a screen size of 6.5 inches and the Samsung Galaxy A42 is 6.6 inches.
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How the Samsung Galaxy A32 and the Samsung Galaxy A42 compare to other phones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Samsung Galaxy A32 | Samsung Galaxy A42 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$269 | $360 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Samsung | Samsung | |
Operating System | |||
Operating System | Android | Android | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | February 22, 2021 | November 11, 2020 | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 1600 x 720 | 1600 x 720 | |
Variable refresh rate | |||
Variable refresh rate | No | No | |
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 270 | 266 | |
Display Type | |||
Display Type | LCD | OLED | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | D720 | SD750 | |
Internal Storage | |||
Internal Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | |
CAMERA | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Overall Camera Quality Score | |||
Overall Camera Quality Score | 4.7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Photos Score | |||
Photos Score | 4.7/10 | 5.4/10 | |
Videos Score | |||
Videos Score | 4.6/10 | 5.2/10 | |
Rear Cameras | |||
Rear Cameras | Main, Ultrawide, Macro | Main, Ultrawide, Macro | |
Main Camera | |||
Main Camera | 48 megapixels | 48 megapixels | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 8.7 Hours | 10.7 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
Wireless Charging | |||
Wireless Charging | No | No | |
Wireless charging Speed | |||
Wireless charging Speed | 0 W | 0 W | |
Reverse wireless charging | |||
Reverse wireless charging | No | No | |
PHYSICAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Size | |||
Size | 6.46" x 3" | 6.47" x 2.99" | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 7.23 oz | 6.81 oz | |
Back Material | |||
Back Material | Plastic | Plastic | |
Stereo Speakers | |||
Stereo Speakers | No | No | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Dual SIM | |||
Dual SIM | No | No | |
Bluetooth Version | |||
Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 | |
A2DP | |||
A2DP | Yes | Yes | |
WiFi Version | |||
WiFi Version | 5 | 5 | |
NFC | |||
NFC | Yes | Yes | |
US 5G Bands | |||
US 5G Bands | (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78, 79 | (SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave)2, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 260, 261 (SA/NSA/Sub6)1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78, 79 | |
OTHER FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Biometric unlock | |||
Biometric unlock | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Side | Face unlock, Fingerprint sensor: Under Display | |
Unlockable Bootloader | |||
Unlockable Bootloader | No | No | |
Color | |||
Color | Black | Black, Gray, White | |
Stock Android | |||
Stock Android | No | No | |
SD Card | |||
SD Card | Yes | Yes | |
Shopping
Samsung Galaxy A32
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Harish Jonnalagadda | May 2021
"Samsung got a lot right with the Galaxy A32. The introduction of a 90Hz AMOLED panel in this category shows that Samsung is serious about bringing high refresh rate tech to affordable devices, and the 64MP camera is also a fantastic new addition. You also get excellent battery life and a phone that looks great."
Samsung Galaxy A42
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Dig into reviews and images
Android Central
Ara Wagoner | July 2021
"I need a battery that won't care if I forget to charge it every night, and I need a nice big screen for watching my shows on the go. The 5,000mAh battery will let you get two full days out of the A42. The A42 is right up your alley as an affordable 5G phone that won't die just because you had to crash at a friend's and forgot your phone charger at home."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy A32 or the Samsung Galaxy A42
About Samsung
Samsung is one of the most recognizable names in the smartphone industry, standing as the undisputed best-selling brand of Android smartphones in the United States for many years now. Samsung is known for offering a variety of smartphones in all available price points, as well as for implementing cutting-edge technology and innovative features in their flagship devices, ones that often shape the market going forward. The company offers its own unique spin on Android, called One UI, which focuses on offering a multitude of features and is heavily customizable, according to user preference.
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec phones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest phone information and makes it digestible for you.
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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