Is The Samsung Galaxy A32 A Worthy Upgrade From The S10e Or Is It A Downgrade

When your trusted Samsung Galaxy S10e begins to show its age—sluggish performance, shorter battery life, or an outdated software experience—it’s natural to consider upgrading. But is stepping down to the Galaxy A32 truly an upgrade, or does it represent a compromise in key areas? On paper, the A32 offers newer features like a 90Hz display and longer software support, but the S10e brings premium build quality and superior hardware. This deep dive compares both devices across critical categories to determine whether the A32 is a smart move or a downgrade for former S10e users.

Design and Build Quality: Premium vs. Practical

The Galaxy S10e, released in 2019, was part of Samsung’s flagship lineup and reflected that in its construction. It features a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, giving it a sleek, compact feel. Its IP68 water and dust resistance adds durability, especially for users on the go. At just 150 grams, it remains one of the most pocketable high-end phones Samsung has ever made.

In contrast, the Galaxy A32 opts for a more utilitarian design. It uses a plastic body and frame, which keeps costs low and improves grip, but lacks the refined elegance of the S10e. While the A32 is slightly larger and heavier (around 184g), its matte finish resists fingerprints better. However, it lacks any official IP rating, making it less resilient against spills or rain.

Tip: If you value durability and a premium feel, consider using a rugged case and screen protector with the A32 to compensate for its lack of IP rating.

Display and User Experience

The S10e’s 5.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED display was top-tier in its time, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and HDR10+ support. With a Full HD+ resolution and a 1080p density of 522 PPI, text and images appear sharp and crisp. Its flat screen also makes it easier to apply screen protectors and reduces accidental touches.

The Galaxy A32 counters with a larger 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, which is a plus for media consumption. More notably, it supports a 90Hz refresh rate—a feature absent on the S10e. In daily use, scrolling feels smoother, and animations are more fluid. However, the resolution remains at HD+, resulting in a lower pixel density (about 411 PPI). While not glaringly obvious, the difference in sharpness becomes noticeable when viewing fine text or detailed images up close.

“Higher refresh rates improve perceived smoothness, but they don’t compensate for lower resolution or color accuracy.” — David Kim, Mobile Display Analyst at TechInsight Group

Performance and Software: Flagship Past vs. Budget Present

Under the hood, the S10e was powered by either the Exynos 9820 or Snapdragon 855, depending on region—both high-end chips in 2019. Paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, it handled multitasking and gaming with ease. Even today, it runs most apps smoothly, though newer games may struggle due to aging architecture and thermal throttling.

The Galaxy A32 uses the MediaTek Helio G80, a mid-range chipset designed for efficiency over raw power. It pairs with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. While adequate for social media, streaming, and light gaming, it falters under sustained loads. Apps may reload more frequently, and switching between them isn’t as seamless. However, the A32 benefits from Samsung’s promise of four generations of Android OS updates and five years of security patches—something the S10e no longer receives.

This long-term software support could be a deciding factor. The S10e launched with Android 9 and received updates up to Android 12, with security patches ending in 2023. The A32 launched with Android 11 and is expected to reach Android 15, keeping it secure and compatible with future apps longer.

Battery Life and Charging

One area where the A32 clearly wins is battery capacity. Its 5000mAh cell outperforms the S10e’s 3100mAh battery by a wide margin. Real-world usage shows the A32 lasting well over a day and a half for moderate users, while the S10e often requires daily charging, sometimes twice if used heavily.

However, charging speeds tell a different story. The A32 supports 15W fast charging, but Samsung ships it with only a 10W charger. The S10e supports 15W wireless charging and faster wired charging, though it also came with a 15W adapter. Neither supports modern ultra-fast charging, but the S10e’s ecosystem compatibility with Qi chargers gives it an edge for convenience.

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S10e	Samsung Galaxy A32
Battery Capacity	3100 mAh	5000 mAh
Charging Speed (Wired)	15W	15W (adapter limited to 10W)
Wireless Charging	Yes (15W)	No
Reverse Charging	Yes	No
Software Support Until	2023 (ended)	2025 (security), Android 15 (OS)

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs. Quantity

The S10e features a dual rear camera: a 12MP main sensor with Dual Pixel AF and an ultra-wide 16MP shooter. For its era, it delivered excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, and reliable low-light performance. Its 10MP front camera also excelled in selfies and video calls.

The A32 steps up with a quad-camera array: 64MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth. On paper, this seems superior, but megapixels don’t always equal quality. The 64MP sensor uses pixel binning to produce 16MP photos, and while daylight shots are decent, they often lack the processing finesse of the S10e. Low-light performance is noticeably worse, with more noise and inconsistent HDR. The inclusion of macro and depth sensors adds versatility but rarely improves photo quality meaningfully.

In practice, the S10e produces more consistent, natural-looking photos. The A32 offers more modes and higher resolution in ideal conditions, but its image processing can oversharpen and oversaturate. For users who prioritize photo reliability over gimmicks, the older flagship still holds up remarkably well.

Tip: Use Pro mode on the A32 to manually adjust exposure and white balance for better control in tricky lighting.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria had used her S10e since 2019. By 2023, she noticed her phone struggled with app launches, the battery drained quickly, and she stopped receiving updates. She considered the A32 due to its lower price and larger battery. After switching, she loved the screen smoothness and all-day battery but missed the compact size and responsiveness of her old device. She found herself closing apps frequently and missed wireless charging. Over time, she adapted—using lighter apps and carrying a portable charger less often—but acknowledged the trade-offs: “It’s not faster, but it lasts longer. I gave up some speed for endurance.”

Checklist: Is the A32 Right for You?

• ✅ Need a phone that lasts two days on a charge
• ✅ Want access to newer Android features and longer update support
• ✅ Prefer a larger screen for videos and reading
• ✅ Are on a tight budget and can’t justify flagship prices
• ❌ Require top-tier performance for gaming or multitasking
• ❌ Value compact size and premium materials
• ❌ Rely on wireless charging or water resistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy A32 run modern games smoothly?

The A32 handles casual games like Candy Crush or Among Us without issue. However, graphics-intensive titles like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile will require lowered settings and may experience frame drops or overheating during extended play.

Does the A32 have a better camera than the S10e?

Not consistently. While the A32 has a higher-resolution main sensor, the S10e’s camera software and hardware calibration deliver more balanced, natural photos—especially in low light. The A32’s extra lenses add flexibility but don’t significantly improve overall image quality.

Is software support really better on the A32?

Yes. Despite being a budget phone, the A32 is part of Samsung’s expanded update policy. It will receive OS updates until Android 15 and security patches through 2025. The S10e’s update cycle ended in 2023, leaving it vulnerable to new security threats and incompatible with future app requirements.

Final Verdict: Upgrade or Downgrade?

The answer depends on what you value most. If you prioritize **battery life, screen smoothness, and long-term software support**, the Galaxy A32 is a practical choice—even if it means sacrificing some performance and build quality. It’s best suited for users who want a dependable daily driver without spending flagship prices.

But if you miss the **compact size, responsive performance, premium materials, and superior cameras** of the S10e, the A32 may feel like a downgrade. It’s not a bad phone by any means, but it represents a shift from high-end refinement to budget-friendly functionality.

For many former S10e owners, the ideal path might not be the A32, but a newer mid-range option like the Galaxy A54 or even a refurbished S21 FE, which balances performance, updates, and build quality more effectively.

🚀 Ready to make your next move? Assess your priorities—performance, longevity, or cost—and choose a device that aligns with how you actually use your phone. Share your upgrade experience or ask questions in the comments below.