Samsung A32 Vs A31 Is It Worth Upgrading Or Is The A32 Just Hype

When Samsung released the Galaxy A32, many users of the A31 were left wondering: is this upgrade genuinely better, or is it just another incremental refresh wrapped in marketing buzz? Both phones sit in the budget-friendly segment, targeting users who want solid performance without breaking the bank. But when you're already satisfied with your current device, spending more requires justification. This breakdown dives deep into hardware, software, camera capabilities, and real-world usability to determine whether moving from the A31 to the A32 makes practical sense.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements

The Galaxy A31 and A32 share a similar aesthetic DNA—plastic backs, slim bezels, and centered punch-hole cameras. However, the A32 introduces a slightly more modern look with a matte finish that resists fingerprints better than the glossy A31. The A32 also feels more balanced in hand due to a minor shift in weight distribution, though both devices are lightweight at around 185g.

One notable change is the A32’s improved durability. It features an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance—a feature absent on the A31. This means the A32 can survive brief submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it significantly more resilient in wet conditions.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or in humid environments, the A32’s IP67 rating offers meaningful peace of mind.

Display: Brighter and Smoother

The display is where the A32 pulls ahead decisively. While the A31 uses a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED panel with a standard 60Hz refresh rate, the A32 retains the same screen size and technology but upgrades to a 90Hz refresh rate. This may not sound like much on paper, but in practice, scrolling through apps, browsing social media, or swiping between home screens feels noticeably smoother.

Brightness levels are also improved. The A32 reaches up to 800 nits peak brightness compared to the A31’s 600 nits, making outdoor visibility far better under direct sunlight. For users who spend time outside or commute during daylight hours, this difference enhances daily usability.

“Higher refresh rates aren’t just about specs—they directly impact how responsive and fluid a phone feels over time.” — David Kim, Mobile UX Analyst

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, both phones use different chipsets. The A31 runs on the older MediaTek Helio P65, while the A32 steps up to either the MediaTek Helio G80 (4G model) or Dimensity 720 (5G variant). The G80 brings better GPU performance, making it more capable for light gaming and multitasking. Users switching from the A31 will notice faster app launches and reduced stuttering in graphics-heavy applications.

RAM configurations remain similar—4GB or 6GB options—but the A32 benefits from slightly more efficient memory management thanks to its newer chipset. Storage remains expandable via microSD up to 512GB on both models.

Battery life is another area where the A32 shines. Both devices pack a 5000mAh battery, but the A32 supports 15W fast charging out of the box (though the charger included is often 10W). In contrast, the A31 only supports 10W charging, meaning full recharges take longer.

Key Hardware Differences at a Glance

Feature	Samsung A31	Samsung A32
Processor	MediaTek Helio P65	MediaTek Helio G80 / Dimensity 720
Refresh Rate	60Hz	90Hz
Brightness	~600 nits	~800 nits
Charging Speed	10W	15W (supports)
Dust/Water Resistance	No	IP67 rated
Rear Camera Setup	48MP main + ultrawide + macro + depth	64MP main + ultrawide + macro + depth

Camera Performance: More Than Just Megapixels

The A32 features a 64MP main sensor compared to the A31’s 48MP, which allows for greater detail in well-lit conditions. In daylight shots, the A32 captures sharper textures and better dynamic range. The upgraded f/1.8 aperture lets in more light, improving low-light photography as well.

Both phones include an 8MP ultrawide lens, a 5MP macro, and a 5MP depth sensor. However, the A32’s image processing algorithms are more refined, reducing noise and enhancing color accuracy. Video recording remains capped at 1080p@30fps on both, so no advantage there.

For casual photographers, the improvements may not be revolutionary, but they’re consistent. If you regularly share photos online or print them, the A32 delivers visibly cleaner results.

Mini Case Study: Daily Use Experience

Lena, a college student using the A31 for two years, upgraded to the A32 primarily for the better screen and battery reliability. She noticed immediate differences: her TikTok scrolls felt smoother, her notes app responded faster, and she could leave her dorm without fearing rain damage. “I didn’t think 90Hz would matter, but now I can’t go back,” she said. “And I’ve forgotten my power bank twice—still had 30% left at bedtime.”

Software and Long-Term Support

Both devices launched with Android 10 (A31) and Android 11 (A32), running Samsung’s One UI skin. The A32 has a slight edge in software longevity—it received three major Android OS updates and four years of security patches, whereas the A31 was limited to two OS upgrades.

This matters for long-term ownership. As apps evolve and demand more from operating systems, having updated software ensures compatibility, security, and access to new features. For users planning to keep their phone beyond two years, the A32 offers better future-proofing.

Tip: Check your current A31’s update status. If it hasn’t received Android 12 or later, upgrading to the A32 ensures you stay within supported software ranges.

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, consider your current usage and needs. Ask yourself the following:

• Do you struggle with screen responsiveness or lag during daily tasks?
• Are you frustrated by poor outdoor visibility?
• Have you experienced issues with water or dust exposure?
• Do you take frequent photos and want better clarity?
• Are you planning to keep your phone for more than two years?

If you answered yes to two or more, the A32 likely offers tangible benefits. But if your A31 still performs well and meets your needs, the upgrade may feel unnecessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the A32 last longer than the A31?

Yes, due to better build quality, improved thermal efficiency, and longer software support, the A32 generally offers a longer usable lifespan—especially in terms of performance retention and system updates.

Is the camera upgrade significant?

In good lighting, yes—the 64MP sensor captures finer details. However, in low light, gains are modest. If photography is a priority, the improvement is noticeable but not transformative.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If you can wait, newer A-series phones like the A34 or A54 offer even better performance and displays. But if you need a reliable upgrade now and find the A32 at a discounted price, it remains a smart choice over the A31.

Conclusion: Beyond the Hype

The Samsung Galaxy A32 isn’t just hype—it delivers measurable improvements over the A31 in display smoothness, durability, charging speed, and camera quality. While the changes may seem small individually, together they create a more polished, future-ready experience. For users still on the A31, especially those facing performance slowdowns or lacking water resistance, the upgrade is justified.

However, if your A31 still runs smoothly and you don’t need 90Hz or IP67 protection, holding off is perfectly reasonable. Technology evolves fast, but value lies in meaningful upgrades—not just new labels.

💬 Have you made the switch from A31 to A32? Share your real-world experience and help others decide whether the upgrade is worth it for their lifestyle.