If you prioritize camera quality and performance, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is superior with its high-resolution cameras that provide better still photo and video quality, and it also offers 8K video recording capabilities. The S21 Ultra also has a higher screen quality with an OLED display capable of a 120 Hz refresh rate, as well as a more powerful processor and more RAM, which translate into smoother user experiences and better handling of demanding apps and tasks. On the downside, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack and is heavier. The Galaxy A32, being much less expensive, offers a more modest performance, an LCD screen with a lower refresh rate, and a satisfactory camera setup for basic needs, but it is lighter and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. Both devices support 5G networks, but if you’re looking to save money and need a device for standard use without the bells and whistles, the A32 might be the more cost-effective option. 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
Very good battery life
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Good for taking photos
Good for recording videos
Very good display quality
Good performance
Key differences
Overall Camera Quality
4.6/10
7.8/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has good overall camera quality, while the Samsung Galaxy A32 has poor overall camera quality.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has poor selfie quality, which is a critical factor for many customers, while the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra notably provides a good selfie experience. Additionally, the S21 Ultra outshines the A32 in overall camera performance across areas like photo resolution, software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance, as well as in camera versatility, indicating a much more robust camera system.
Photo Quality
4.6/10
7.8/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes good photos, while the Samsung Galaxy A32 takes poor photos.
The Samsung Galaxy A32 takes poor photos primarily because of its low selfie quality, poor performance in software experience, dynamic range and low light situations, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra excels in all these areas, offering a very good selfie score and good software experience, dynamic range, and low light performance. Additionally, the S21 Ultra has greater camera versatility with more features, which contributes to its superior photo-taking capabilities compared to the A32.
Video Quality
4.6/10
7.1/10
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra takes good videos, while the Samsung Galaxy A32 takes poor videos.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A32 in video quality due to its superior video resolution and frame rate, more advanced video software experience, more effective video stabilization, and better video dynamic range. Additionally, the Galaxy S21 Ultra has a better low-light video performance and microphone quality compared to the Galaxy A32, which leads to clearer videos with better sound, especially in less than ideal lighting conditions.
Battery
8.7 Hours
6.7 Hours
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has 8.7 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has 6.7 hours of battery life.
Cost
$269
$423
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
The Samsung Galaxy A32 has a price of $269 and the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra costs $423.
"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."
"The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a killer combo of great design, blazing-fast performance, a wonderful display, long-lasting battery life, and one of the most versatile camera systems you can get in a smartphone today."
Get a great deal on the Samsung Galaxy A32 or the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
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.
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.
By the numbers
68
Phones evaluated
7,820
Phones stats compiled
8
Proprietary Phones ratings developed
151,800
Recommendations made
86,020
Consumer hours saved
About the phone team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Phones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Seth Peoples
Phones Expert
Seth is a US-based product expert focusing on smartphones and he is a moderator of one of the largest smartphone subreddits. His tailored recommendations have helped him earn over 87k comment karma, putting him in the top 1% of Redditors.
Efthimis Kotanidis
Phones Expert
Efthimis is a Greece-based product expert focusing on smartphones. He has been recommending phones for 4 years and his recommendations on Reddit have earned him over 35k karma.