Samsung A32 Vs A22 Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade

When shopping for an affordable Android phone, Samsung’s A-series often lands at the top of the list. The Galaxy A32 and A22 are both budget-friendly devices released within a year of each other, making them frequent contenders in side-by-side comparisons. While the A32 is technically the newer and more advanced model, the question remains: does it deliver enough improvements over the A22 to justify the price difference? For users on a tight budget or those upgrading from an older device, this decision matters. Let’s break down every key aspect—from display and performance to camera quality and battery life—to determine whether the A32 is truly worth the upgrade.

Display and Design: Brighter, Sharper, More Modern

The most immediately noticeable difference between the A32 and A22 lies in their displays. The A32 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 90Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the A22 uses a 6.4-inch PLS LCD screen with the same resolution but only a standard 60Hz refresh rate.

This distinction impacts daily use significantly. Super AMOLED screens offer deeper blacks, richer colors, and better outdoor visibility due to higher contrast ratios. The 90Hz refresh rate on the A32 also makes scrolling through apps, web pages, and social media feel noticeably smoother—a subtle but meaningful improvement in user experience.

Tip: If you consume a lot of video content or spend hours browsing, the A32’s AMOLED display and higher refresh rate will enhance visual comfort and enjoyment.

In terms of design, both phones share a similar plastic build and rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. However, the A32 feels slightly more premium thanks to its glossier finish and refined edges. It's marginally heavier (184g vs 186g), but the difference is negligible in hand.

Performance and Hardware: Real-World Speed Differences

Under the hood, the A32 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80 chipset, paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. The A22, meanwhile, runs on the less powerful MediaTek Helio G35, with only 3GB or 4GB RAM options.

The Helio G80 is built on a 12nm process and includes two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, offering stronger multitasking and gaming performance. The G35, while adequate for basic tasks, relies entirely on eight Cortex-A53 efficiency cores, which struggle under heavier loads.

In practical use, this means the A32 handles app switching, background processes, and casual gaming (like *Among Us* or *Minecraft*) more fluidly. Users report fewer stutters and faster app launches on the A32, especially when using multiple social media apps or streaming music while browsing.

“Even in budget phones, the processor makes a long-term difference. A better chipset today means smoother updates and longer usability tomorrow.” — Raj Mehta, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Asia

Camera Comparison: Better Sensors, Better Results

Both phones feature quad-camera setups on the back, but the hardware and image quality differ meaningfully.

Feature	Samsung A32	Samsung A22
Main Camera	64MP (f/1.8)	48MP (f/1.8)
Ultra-Wide	8MP (f/2.2)	5MP (f/2.2)
Macro	5MP (f/2.4)	2MP (f/2.4)
Depth Sensor	2MP (f/2.4)	2MP (f/2.4)
Front Camera	20MP (f/2.2)	8MP (f/2.2)

The A32’s 64MP main sensor captures sharper details, especially in daylight. Its brighter f/1.8 aperture allows more light, improving low-light photos. The ultra-wide lens is also superior, with an 8MP sensor providing clearer wide-angle shots than the A22’s 5MP version.

For selfies, the difference is stark. The A32’s 20MP front camera delivers crisp, well-detailed portraits, while the A22’s 8MP shooter often appears soft and grainy, particularly in indoor lighting.

Tip: If you frequently take photos or post to social media, the A32’s camera system offers a tangible upgrade that pays off daily.

Battery and Charging: Longevity vs Speed

Both models pack large batteries—5000mAh—which ensures all-day usage for most users. However, how they manage power differs.

The A32 supports 15W fast charging, allowing a full charge in about 1 hour 40 minutes. The A22, despite having the same battery size, only supports 10W charging, extending the full charge time to nearly 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Additionally, the A32’s AMOLED display, while brighter and smoother, consumes slightly more power during active use. But thanks to the more efficient Helio G80 and software optimizations, real-world battery life remains comparable. In typical mixed usage (messaging, browsing, video streaming), both phones last 1.5 to 2 days on a single charge.

Where the A32 pulls ahead is in charging convenience. Being able to recharge quickly during short breaks—like while getting ready in the morning—is a small but impactful advantage.

Software and Long-Term Value

Both phones launched with Android 11 and Samsung’s One UI skin. As of 2024, the A32 has received updates up to Android 13, while the A22 typically maxes out at Android 12, depending on region.

Samsung promises two major OS upgrades and three years of security patches for select A-series models. The A32 generally qualifies, meaning it will likely receive security updates until late 2024 or early 2025. The A22 may stop receiving updates sooner, reducing its longevity and security resilience over time.

For users planning to keep their phone for two years or more, this update support gives the A32 a clear edge. Staying current with security fixes and app compatibility is crucial as mobile banking, messaging, and productivity tools become more demanding.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a freelance graphic designer from Manila, used a five-year-old Samsung J7 and was looking to upgrade without spending too much. She narrowed her choices to the A22 and A32, priced PHP 10,990 (~$190) and PHP 13,990 (~$245), respectively.

She tested both in-store. The A32’s screen stood out immediately—her design references looked more vibrant, and the smooth scrolling helped her preview client mockups. She also noticed the A22 lagged slightly when switching between Photoshop Express and Instagram.

After consulting a tech-savvy friend and reading reviews, she chose the A32. “The extra $55 felt steep at first,” she said, “but knowing I’ll get longer software support and better photo quality for my portfolio made it worth it.” Six months later, she reports no slowdowns and appreciates the faster charging during busy workdays.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade to the A32?

Use this checklist to determine if the A32 is right for you:

• ✅ Do you prioritize a vibrant, smooth display for videos and scrolling?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by slow app loading or multitasking issues on your current phone?
• ✅ Do you take frequent photos or need a good selfie camera?
• ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 2+ years and want longer software support?
• ✅ Is faster charging important in your daily routine?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the A32 is likely a worthwhile investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Samsung A32 waterproof?

Neither the A32 nor A22 has an official IP rating for water resistance. Both should be kept away from moisture. However, the A32 includes a slight splash-resistant coating, though it’s not designed for submersion.

Can the A22 handle gaming?

The A22 can run lightweight games like *Candy Crush* or *Subway Surfers* smoothly. However, graphically intensive titles like *Genshin Impact* or *PUBG Mobile* will run at low settings with occasional frame drops. For regular gaming, the A32 is a far better choice.

Is the price difference justified?

At $30–$50 more, the A32’s upgrades in display, processor, camera, and software support make it a better long-term value. For budget-conscious buyers, the A22 is still competent for basic use—but the A32 offers noticeable improvements where it counts.

Final Verdict: Yes, the A32 Is Worth the Upgrade

The Samsung A32 isn’t just a minor revision over the A22—it brings meaningful upgrades across the board. From its superior AMOLED display and 90Hz refresh rate to a more capable processor, better cameras, and longer software support, the A32 delivers a noticeably better experience in daily use.

The A22 remains a viable option for users who only need a phone for calls, messaging, and light browsing. But for anyone who values photo quality, smooth performance, or plans to keep their device for more than a year, the A32 justifies its higher price tag.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your usage patterns and future needs—then choose the phone that supports your lifestyle. Share your thoughts or experiences with these models in the comments below.