2 minute read
Group test Budget phones
Let it hide
One UI includes the Knox security suite, which boosts Android’s standard encryption and privacy tools.
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Fistful of steals
Amazing what you can get for R6 000 or less these days… but which of these three budget phones is the best bargain for you?
Space cadet
ere’s loads of storage inside – 128GB is the only variant SA’s got, but there’s also a microSD slot if things get cramped.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
What’s the story? So you want to grab a Samsung for not very much money? You’ve got loads of options from the company but this is a very competitive market segment. There are loads of options everywhere.
The A32 comes in two different flavours, the standard A32 and then this 5G version that trades an AMOLED screen and 64MP main camera sensor for a speedier internet connection, a TFT display, and a 48MP main sensor. There’s a 6.5in screen to play with, but there’s no real difference in terms of design. Both have a notch and a plastic back. This one’s all about the internals, with the Dimensity 720 5G processor standing in for the stock A32’s Helio G80. Is it any good? Honestly, there’s a whole lot of compromise in the Galaxy A32 5G. The stock version of the phone is better almost across the board – it’s got an AMOLED screen at a proper FHD resolution, versus a 720 x 1 600 TFT panel, and a much larger main camera sensor. You really have to care about the internet speed to swap this number of internal features for 5G, which makes this perhaps the least attractive device on this list.
There’s still plenty to love – Samsung’s design is solid, if a touch generic, and the 5,000mAh battery operates for longer than you’d expect. That can be laid at the door of the reduced spec loadout.
The 48MP main camera takes decent snaps, especially if you’re taking them in good light, but that’s not remarkable for budget smartphones. Samsung’s software mean that it’s also got some low-light skills. Don’t expect miracles, but it’ll do okay in darker settings.
On a pure hardware level, the standard Galaxy A32 is the better phone. And it’s also R500 cheaper. If you’re okay with 4G, opt for the less costly device.
R6000 / samsung.com/za
Key specs ● 6.5in 90Hz HD LCD ● MediaTek MT6853 Dimensity 720 5G, 4GB RAM ● 128GB ● 48+8+5+2MP rear, 13MP front ● 5000mAh ● 205g
