Samsung A32 Vs S24 Fe Is It Finally Time To Ditch The A32

For millions of users, the Samsung Galaxy A32 represented a reliable entry into premium-feeling Android smartphones without breaking the bank. Released in 2021, it offered solid battery life, a decent display, and an acceptable camera setup for its price. But nearly three years later, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Enter the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE — a fan edition flagship that brings high-end features to a mid-tier price point. If you're still holding onto your A32, the question isn't just whether an upgrade is possible — it's whether it's necessary.

The answer depends on how you use your phone, what you value in performance, and how much longer you expect your device to last. Let’s break down the real differences between these two phones and determine if now is the moment to move on from the A32.

Performance: From Adequate to Flagship-Level Speed

The core difference between the A32 and the S24 FE lies in processing power. The A32 runs on MediaTek’s Helio G80 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 750G (depending on region), both of which were competent for basic tasks in 2021 — web browsing, social media, video streaming, and light gaming. Today, however, even simple multitasking can feel sluggish as apps grow more demanding and background processes pile up.

In contrast, the S24 FE is powered by the Exynos 2400 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (varies by market), chips designed for flagship performance. This means faster app launches, smoother animations, and the ability to handle graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without thermal throttling.

RAM also plays a critical role. The A32 maxes out at 6GB or 8GB of RAM, while the S24 FE starts at 8GB and goes up to 12GB. More RAM allows for better app retention, meaning fewer reloads when switching between apps. For users who keep multiple tabs open or rely on productivity tools, this is a game-changer.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open frequently used apps, it’s likely time for a hardware upgrade.

Display and Design: Clarity Meets Premium Feel

The A32 features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate — impressive for its era. Colors are vibrant, and black levels are deep, thanks to the AMOLED technology. However, brightness peaks around 800 nits, making outdoor visibility less than ideal under direct sunlight.

The S24 FE steps up with a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel, but with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness exceeding 1,750 nits. This means not only smoother scrolling but also significantly better readability outdoors. The screen adjusts dynamically between 48Hz and 120Hz, balancing fluidity and battery efficiency.

Design-wise, the A32 feels utilitarian — plastic back, glossy finish prone to smudges, and a chunky bezel. The S24 FE, despite being a \"Fan Edition,\" uses Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame. It feels more substantial, durable, and premium in hand. Its flat-edge design also improves one-handed usability.

“Display quality isn’t just about looks — it affects eye strain, readability, and overall user satisfaction over long-term use.” — Dr. Lena Park, Human-Device Interaction Researcher, Seoul National University

Camera Comparison: Night Shots, Zoom, and AI Enhancements

The A32’s quad-camera system includes a 64MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting, it captures usable photos with accurate colors. However, low-light performance is poor, detail drops sharply in zoomed shots, and the macro lens is largely gimmicky.

The S24 FE upgrades to a 50MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. OIS stabilizes handheld shots, especially in dim environments, while the telephoto lens enables crisp mid-range zoom — perfect for concerts or distant subjects. Samsung’s latest AI processing enhances dynamic range, reduces noise, and improves skin tones in portraits.

Video recording sees a massive leap: the A32 tops out at 1080p at 30fps, while the S24 FE supports 4K at 60fps, HDR10+, and advanced stabilization. Vloggers and content creators will appreciate the cinematic quality and flexibility.

Feature	Samsung A32	Samsung S24 FE
Main Camera	64MP (no OIS)	50MP with OIS
Zoom Capability	Digital only	3x Optical, up to 30x Digital
Front Camera	20MP	10MP with Auto-Focus
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps + HDR10+
Low-Light Performance	Poor	Excellent with Night Mode AI

Battery and Software Longevity

The A32 packs a 5,000mAh battery — a strong point even today. With moderate use, it easily lasts a full day. However, after three years, battery degradation is likely. Swelling, reduced capacity, and slower charging are common issues. Fast charging is limited to 15W, meaning a full charge takes over 90 minutes.

The S24 FE also has a 4,500mAh battery but benefits from a far more efficient chipset and optimized software. Despite the smaller capacity, real-world usage shows comparable or better endurance. It supports 25W fast charging (charger sold separately), cutting charge time to under 60 minutes. Wireless charging and reverse wireless charging add convenience.

Software support is where the gap widens. The A32 is no longer receiving major Android updates and may only get occasional security patches. It runs on Android 13 with One UI 5.1 at best. The S24 FE, however, ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, and Samsung guarantees five years of OS and security updates — meaning support through 2029.

Tip: Check your phone’s battery health in settings. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider replacement or upgrading.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a freelance photographer and part-time rideshare driver, relied on her A32 daily. She used it for navigation, client communication, and capturing quick reference shots. By late 2023, she noticed delays when opening maps, frequent app crashes during photo editing, and poor low-light photos that disappointed clients.

After testing the S24 FE at a store, she was struck by how quickly Lightroom launched, how clear the navigation looked in sunlight, and how clean her night shots appeared. Within a week of switching, she landed a new gig based on improved portfolio images taken on her new phone. For Maria, the upgrade wasn’t just about speed — it directly impacted her income.

When Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Still unsure if it’s time to let go of your A32? Ask yourself the following:

• Do apps frequently crash or freeze during normal use?
• Is your battery draining faster than it used to, even after a full charge?
• Are you unable to install the latest apps or updates due to storage or compatibility?
• Do your photos look noticeably worse in low light or lack detail?
• Have you noticed visible screen burn-in or touch responsiveness issues?
• Does charging take significantly longer than before?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the hardware is likely holding you back. The S24 FE isn’t just a newer phone — it’s a tool built for modern digital demands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the S24 FE run demanding games smoothly?

Absolutely. Thanks to its flagship-grade processor and advanced cooling system, the S24 FE handles high-end mobile games at maximum settings with minimal frame drops.

Is the price difference justified?

The S24 FE costs roughly $200–$300 more than the A32 did at launch. But considering its longer software support, superior build, and performance that remains relevant for 4+ years, the cost per year of use is actually lower.

Will my accessories work with the new phone?

Most USB-C chargers and cables are compatible. However, magnetic mounts or cases designed for the A32 won’t fit due to different dimensions and materials. Wireless charging works on the S24 FE but not on the A32.

Final Verdict: Time to Move On

The Samsung Galaxy A32 served many users well, offering a taste of Samsung’s design and display quality at an accessible price. But technology evolves, and so do our needs. The S24 FE isn’t just an incremental upgrade — it’s a leap into a more responsive, capable, and future-proof smartphone experience.

If you’re experiencing slowdowns, camera limitations, or battery anxiety, clinging to the A32 may cost you more in frustration and lost productivity than the price of an upgrade. The S24 FE delivers near-flagship performance, excellent cameras, long-term software support, and a refined design — all at a price that makes sense for users stepping up from budget devices.

🚀 It’s not about replacing a working phone — it’s about empowering your daily life with better tools. If your A32 is showing its age, the S24 FE might be exactly what you need to stay ahead. Ready to make the switch?