Choosing between Samsung’s budget-friendly Galaxy A32 and the older flagship Galaxy S7 can be a tough decision for many.
While the A32 boasts newer features and a modern design, the S7, despite its age, still holds some appeal with its premium build and former flagship status.
Are you wondering which of these two Samsung devices truly offers better value and performance for your needs?
This comparison dives deep into the key differences to help you make an informed choice.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | samsung a32 | s7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.4 inches | 5.1 inches |
| Display Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels | 1440 x 2560 pixels |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G80 | Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB/8GB | 4GB |
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 32GB/64GB |
| Expandable Storage | Yes (microSDXC) | Yes (microSDXC) |
| Rear Camera | 64MP (wide) + 8MP (ultrawide) + 5MP (macro) + 2MP (depth) | 12MP (wide) |
| Front Camera | 20MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| Operating System | Android 11, upgradable | Android 6.0, upgradable to 8.0 |
| Water Resistance | No | Yes (IP68) |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Samsung A32: Features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth scrolling. Its higher refresh rate is a significant upgrade for visual fluidity.
- S7: Sports a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate. While still offering excellent color reproduction, it lacks the smoothness of the A32’s display.
- Winner: samsung a32
Processor & Performance
- Samsung A32: Powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 or Snapdragon 720G (depending on region), it provides decent everyday performance for multitasking and casual gaming. It’s generally sufficient for most users but might struggle with demanding titles.
- S7: Utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor, which was flagship-level at its release. It still offers respectable performance for its age, but newer apps and games may push it to its limits.
- Winner: s7
Camera System
- Samsung A32: Boasts a versatile quad-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. It excels in daylight photography and offers good flexibility for different shooting scenarios.
- S7: Features a 12MP rear camera with OIS, which was highly regarded for its low-light performance and image quality at its launch. While fewer lenses, its main sensor still produces good results.
- Winner: samsung a32
Battery Life
- Samsung A32: Equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, the A32 offers excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day or more for most users. It supports 15W fast charging.
- S7: Comes with a 3000mAh battery, which is considerably smaller and may struggle to last a full day with moderate to heavy usage. It supports fast charging but at a slower rate than the A32.
- Winner: samsung a32
Design & Build
- Samsung A32: Features a modern, flat-edge design with a plastic build and a punch-hole cutout for the selfie camera. It’s lighter and more contemporary in appearance.
- S7: Sports a more classic rounded design with a glass front and back, and a physical home button. It feels premium but is more prone to fingerprints and damage.
- Winner: samsung a32
Storage & RAM
- Samsung A32: Typically comes with 64GB or 128GB of internal storage and 4GB or 6GB of RAM. It also includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
- S7: Offered in 32GB or 64GB internal storage variants, also with a microSD card slot. RAM options were generally 4GB.
- Winner: samsung a32
Software & Updates
- Samsung A32: Launched with Android 11 and One UI 3.1, with guaranteed software updates for several years. This means it will receive newer features and security patches for longer.
- S7: Launched with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and has since received updates up to Android 8.0 Oreo. It is no longer receiving major OS updates or regular security patches, making it less secure and feature-rich.
- Winner: samsung a32
Connectivity & Features
- Samsung A32: Supports 5G connectivity in some variants, NFC, and has a USB-C port. It includes an in-display fingerprint sensor.
- S7: Supports 4G LTE, NFC, and has a microUSB port. It features a front-mounted fingerprint sensor and is water-resistant (IP68).
- Winner: samsung a32
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | samsung a32 |
| Display Quality | s7 |
| Performance | s7 |
| Camera System | samsung a32 |
| Battery Life | samsung a32 |
| Durability (Water Resistance) | s7 |
| Storage Options | samsung a32 |
| Value for Money | samsung a32 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both the Samsung A32 and the S7 utilize Super AMOLED display technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratios for an immersive viewing experience.
- Expandable Storage: Both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase their storage capacity beyond the internal options, which is a significant plus for media hoarders and app users.
- Fast Charging: While the charging speeds may differ, both the A32 and the S7 support fast charging capabilities, enabling quicker power-ups when you’re running low on battery.
- Premium Build Materials: Both phones generally feature a combination of glass and metal in their construction, contributing to a solid and premium feel in hand, despite their different price points.
- Good Camera Hardware: While the megapixel counts and sensor sizes vary, both phones are equipped with capable camera systems that can capture decent photos in various lighting conditions, with the S7 often praised for its low-light performance.
Samsung A32 Vs S7 Buying Guide
Budget-Conscious Buyers
For those prioritizing affordability, the Samsung Galaxy A32 typically emerges as the more budget-friendly option. It offers a modern design and a capable experience for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. If your primary concern is getting a new device with a decent camera and battery life at a lower price point, the A32 is a strong contender. You’ll sacrifice some high-end features but gain significant cost savings. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Performance Seekers
If raw processing power and smooth multitasking are paramount, the Samsung Galaxy S7, despite its age, might still offer a surprisingly capable experience for its original release tier. Its flagship processor from its era was designed for demanding applications and gaming. However, it’s crucial to consider that newer mid-range devices like the A32 can often match or even exceed its performance in certain benchmarks due to advancements in chipset technology and optimization.
Camera Enthusiasts
When camera quality is a top priority, the comparison becomes nuanced. The Galaxy S7 was a flagship device known for its excellent photography capabilities at the time of its release, often producing sharp and vibrant images. The Galaxy A32, on the other hand, offers a more versatile multi-lens setup, including an ultrawide and macro lens, which can provide more creative shooting options. For pure image quality in good lighting, the S7 might hold an edge, but the A32 offers more flexibility.
Longevity and Updates
Considering software updates and long-term usability, the newer Samsung Galaxy A32 will likely receive support for a longer period. Manufacturers prioritize updates for their more recent models. The Galaxy S7, being an older device, has reached the end of its official software update cycle, meaning it won’t receive the latest security patches or Android version upgrades. This can be a significant factor for users concerned about security and access to new features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy samsung a32 If…
- You prioritize a large, immersive display for media consumption and gaming.
- You need a long-lasting battery to get through a full day or more on a single charge.
- You’re looking for a modern smartphone with a versatile camera system at a budget-friendly price.
- You want the latest Android features and regular software updates.
Buy s7 If…
- You value a more compact and manageable device size.
- Water and dust resistance is a crucial feature for your lifestyle.
- You desire a higher resolution display for sharper visuals.
- You’re looking for a well-established flagship device with a proven track record, potentially at a discounted price if found used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better display?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 features a Super AMOLED display known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks, offering an excellent viewing experience. The Galaxy A32 also sports an AMOLED display, which is a significant upgrade for a mid-range device, providing good contrast and color reproduction. While the S7’s display was top-tier for its time, the A32’s modern AMOLED panel offers a competitive and often brighter visual output for everyday use. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
How do the batteries compare?
The Samsung Galaxy A32 generally boasts a larger battery capacity compared to the Galaxy S7. This translates to potentially longer battery life for the A32, especially for moderate users. The S7’s battery, while decent for its era, might struggle to keep up with the demands of modern usage without frequent charging, particularly if it has degraded over time.
Is the S7 still good for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy S7, with its flagship processor from its release year, can still handle many mobile games reasonably well. However, it may struggle with the most graphically intensive titles released today. The Galaxy A32, with its more contemporary chipset, often provides a smoother gaming experience for newer, demanding games, though it’s not a dedicated gaming phone.
Which phone has better build quality?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was built with premium materials, typically featuring a glass front and back with a metal frame, giving it a more luxurious and robust feel. The Galaxy A32 generally utilizes a plastic build, which is common for mid-range devices and contributes to its lighter weight and durability against drops. The S7 offers a more premium in-hand feel, while the A32 prioritizes practical durability.
Are there significant differences in storage options?
Both phones offer expandable storage via microSD card, which is a plus for users needing extra space for photos, videos, and apps. However, the base internal storage for the Galaxy A32 is typically higher than what was standard for the Galaxy S7. This means you might have more immediate usable space on the A32 before even considering adding an external card. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A32 stands out as the more practical and future-proof choice for most users. It offers a modern design, a versatile camera system, better battery life, and crucially, longer software support. While the Galaxy S7 was a premium device in its day and still has a capable display and processor for its age, its outdated software and potential battery degradation make it a riskier long-term investment compared to the newer A32.
Winner: Samsung A32