When choosing between the Samsung Galaxy A32 and the Galaxy S10 Plus, consumers face a common dilemma: should they go for the newer mid-range model or stick with a slightly older flagship? On paper, the A32 is technically “newer,” released in 2021 compared to the S10 Plus from 2019. But does that automatically make it better? Or has Samsung simply made trade-offs to lower the price? The answer isn’t as straightforward as release dates suggest. This article dives deep into build quality, performance, camera capabilities, software support, and overall value to determine whether the A32’s modern appeal outweighs the enduring strengths of the S10 Plus.
Design and Build Quality: Premium vs Practical
The first noticeable difference lies in design and materials. The Galaxy S10 Plus was built as a premium device, featuring a glass back (Gorilla Glass 5) and an aluminum frame. It feels solid, sleek, and high-end in hand. In contrast, the A32 uses a plastic polycarbonate body and a glossy plastic back that mimics glass but lacks the same durability and tactile satisfaction.
Despite being two years older, the S10 Plus still holds up well in terms of fit and finish. Its curved AMOLED display integrates seamlessly into the frame, giving it a more immersive look. The A32, while functional, has thicker bezels and a flat 6.4-inch Super AMOLED screen that feels less refined.
Performance: Flagship Chipset vs Mid-Range Reality
Under the hood, the differences become even more pronounced. The S10 Plus runs on either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 or Exynos 9820, depending on region—both are flagship-grade processors from 2019. Even today, they handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with ease. Coupled with 8GB of RAM, the S10 Plus remains impressively responsive.
The A32, meanwhile, is powered by the MediaTek Helio G80—a capable chip for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming, but significantly weaker in CPU and GPU benchmarks. With options for 4GB or 6GB of RAM, it struggles more under heavy loads. Users switching from a recent flagship may notice lag when launching apps or switching between them.
In real-world use, the S10 Plus still outperforms the A32 in app launch speed, gaming smoothness, and background processing. While Android 13 (via One UI updates) runs on both devices, the S10 Plus handles system animations and transitions more fluidly.
Camera Comparison: More Lenses Don’t Mean Better Photos
Samsung markets the A32 with a quad-camera setup: 64MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. The S10 Plus, on the other hand, features a triple rear system: 12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, and 16MP ultrawide. At first glance, the A32 seems superior due to higher megapixel counts and extra sensors. However, image quality tells a different story.
The S10 Plus consistently produces more balanced exposures, accurate colors, and better dynamic range. Its telephoto lens allows true 2x optical zoom, a feature absent on the A32, which relies solely on digital cropping. Low-light performance also favors the S10 Plus, thanks to larger pixel sizes and better image processing algorithms available at the time of its release.
The A32’s 64MP sensor uses pixel binning (combining pixels to simulate 16MP), which helps in daylight but results in noisier, less detailed night shots. The inclusion of a macro and depth sensor adds flexibility but doesn’t compensate for the lack of optical zoom or consistent HDR processing.
“Megapixels don’t define photo quality—sensor size, lens quality, and image processing do.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst
Battery and Charging: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
The A32 comes with a 5000mAh battery, significantly larger than the S10 Plus’s 4100mAh unit. On paper, this suggests longer endurance—and indeed, in light-to-moderate usage, the A32 often lasts a full day and a half. The S10 Plus typically requires daily charging, sometimes twice under heavy load.
However, efficiency matters. The S10 Plus uses a more power-efficient Snapdragon 855 (in most regions) and a Dynamic AMOLED display that adapts brightness and refresh rate. The A32’s MediaTek chip and fixed 90Hz refresh rate (on some models) consume more energy despite the larger cell.
Charging is another area where the S10 Plus shines. It supports 15W wireless charging and PowerShare (reverse wireless charging), allowing you to charge earbuds or another phone. The A32 only supports 15W fast charging via cable and lacks any wireless capability.
| Feature | Samsung A32 | Samsung S10 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4100 mAh |
| Fast Charging | 15W (cable) | 15W (cable), 15W (wireless) |
| Reverse Charging | No | Yes (Qi PowerShare) |
| Display Efficiency | 90Hz fixed (some models) | Dynamic AMOLED, adaptive refresh |
Software and Long-Term Support
Both devices launched with different versions of Android and have received multiple updates. The S10 Plus originally shipped with Android 9 and was upgraded to Android 12, with security patches continuing into 2023. As a flagship, it received three major OS updates—a standard at the time.
The A32 started with Android 11 and has been updated to Android 13, with a promise of one more major update (Android 14). Samsung now offers four years of OS updates for select A-series phones, reflecting improved support for mid-range models.
While the A32 wins in future-proofing, the S10 Plus benefited from faster update rollouts and more consistent optimization during its prime. For users prioritizing longevity, the A32 offers slightly better forward support, but the S10 Plus remains stable and secure for daily use.
Mini Case Study: Real-World User Experience
Consider Maria, a college student who bought a used S10 Plus in 2021 for $300. Two years later, she still uses it daily for classes, streaming, and photography. Despite its age, she praises the camera quality for assignments and the smooth performance of note-taking apps. She charges it once a day and appreciates the wireless charging pad she uses on her desk.
Her friend Jamal bought a new A32 at $270 during a sale. He loves the battery life and larger screen for watching videos. However, he’s frustrated by occasional stutters in group chats and poor low-light photos. He also misses wireless charging, especially since he owns Galaxy Buds.
Maria’s experience shows that older flagships can offer compelling value, while Jamal’s highlights the compromises of budget hardware—even in newer models.
Value Proposition: What Are You Really Paying For?
The core question remains: is the A32 better because it’s newer, or is the S10 Plus a smarter buy despite its age?
- A32 Advantages: Larger battery, newer software support, lighter price tag, modern design cues.
- S10 Plus Advantages: Superior build, better processor, advanced camera system, wireless charging, stronger resale value.
If your priority is long-term reliability, camera quality, and a premium feel, the S10 Plus—even secondhand—is likely the better investment. But if you need all-day battery, are on a tight budget, and plan to upgrade within two years, the A32 makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung A32 waterproof?
No, the A32 does not have an official IP rating for water or dust resistance. The S10 Plus has an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Can the S10 Plus still run modern apps smoothly?
Yes. While not as fast as current flagships, the S10 Plus handles most modern apps, games, and multitasking without significant lag. It remains a capable daily driver in 2024.
Does the A32 support 5G?
No, the standard A32 uses 4G LTE. Samsung released a separate A32 5G model with a different chipset (Dimensity 700), but it has a smaller battery and different camera setup.
Conclusion: Newer Isn’t Always Better
The Samsung A32 and S10 Plus represent two different philosophies in smartphone design: one focused on affordability and battery life, the other on premium performance and features. While the A32 is technically newer and benefits from extended software support, it doesn’t surpass the S10 Plus in critical areas like build quality, camera versatility, and overall responsiveness.
Choosing between them isn’t about which came out last—it’s about what kind of user you are. If you value craftsmanship, advanced features, and a proven track record, the S10 Plus remains a strong contender, especially in the refurbished market. If you want a basic, long-lasting phone at the lowest possible cost, the A32 delivers.
Before assuming that “newer” means “better,” evaluate what truly matters in your daily use. Sometimes, yesterday’s flagship is today’s smartest bargain.
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