Are you looking for a futureproof midrange phone with the latest network standard? Then, you should check the two devices we’re comparing today.
First, we have the OnePlus Nord CE, which just made its way to the Philippines. This device has all the modern features you’d expect on a 2021 device. There’s the fast display, capable cameras, fast charging, and of course, 5G connectivity.

But can it compete with the other device we’ll be stacking it up against?
Here we also have the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G. As the name suggests, it also has the next-gen connectivity feature that should make it relevant even after the years to come.

That said, in our OnePlus Nord CE 5G versus Samsung Galaxy A32 5G specifications and features comparison, we’ll see if the latter can compete with the former, and ultimately, we’ll see what is right for you.
OnePlus Nord CE 5G | Samsung Galaxy A32 5G | |
Operating System | Android 11 OxygenOS 11 | Android 11 One UI |
SIM | Dual SIM Dual standby | Dual SIM Dual standby Hybrid |
Display | 6.43-inch FHD+ Fluid AMOLED 2400 x 1080 pixel resolution 410ppi 90Hz refresh rate sRGB P3 | 6.5-inch HD+ IPS display 1600 x 720 pixel resolution ~270ppi |
Processor | 2.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G 5G octa-core | 2.0GHz MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G |
RAM | 8GB/12GB | 8GB |
GPU | Adreno 619 | Mali-G57 MC3 |
Storage | 128GB/256GB UFS 2.1 non-expandable | 128GB UFS 2.1 expandable via microSD |
Front Camera | 16-megapixel | 13-megapixel |
Rear Camera | 64-megapixel (f/1.8) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide, f/2.25) 2-megapixel (mono, f/2.4) LED flash | 48-megapixel (PDAF) 8-megapixel (ultra-wide) 5-megapixel (macro) 2-megapixel (depth sensor) LED flash |
Audio | Headphone jack Super linear speaker | Headphone jack |
Security | In-display fingerprint scanner Face unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner Face unlock |
Connectivity | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.1 NFC GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, NaVIC, BDS USB Type-C | HSPA+, 4G LTE, 5G WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band Bluetooth 5.0 GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS NFC USB Type-C |
Dimensions | 159.2 x 73.5 x 7.9mm | 164.2 x 76.1 x 9.1mm |
Weight | 170g | 205g |
Body | Front: Glass Back: Glass Frame: Plastic | Front: Glass Back: Plastic Frame: Plastic |
Colors | Silver Ray Blue Void Charcoal Ink | Awesome Black Awesome White Awesome Violet Awesome Blue |
Battery | 4,500mAh 30W Warp Charge 30T Plus | 5,000mAh 15W fast charging |
Price | 8GB/128GB: Php16,990 12GB/256GB: Php19,990 | Php15,990 |
Design and Build
The OnePlus Nord CE and Samsung Galaxy A32 5G share the same design that their cousins have.

The OnePlus Nord has that curved shape on the back, with multitone colors, and the triple cameras on a protruded camera glass.
It has a really clean look. But if you want something cleaner, the Galaxy A32 5G has a plain, matte-like tone, with the cameras on their own individual glass. On the downside, it has an inferior build as it only utilizes plastic in the back and the frame.

The Galaxy A32 5G is also thicker and heavier, but that should be forgivable since it has a larger battery.
Smartphone designs are subjective, so we’ll let you decide on this one. But for the build, the Nord CE obviously has more premium materials and lighter and thinner construction.
Display and Audio
Samsung clearly didn’t put a lot of effort into the Galaxy A32 5G’s display. As you can see, it only has a 6.5-inch HD+ screen. Not FHD+, no high refresh rate. Not only it’s inferior to the Nord CE 5G, but it’s also an unacceptable display spec for the price.

Speaking of which, the OnePlus device really got this department covered. It has a sharp FHD+ resolution, vibrant AMOLED panel, and fast 90Hz refresh rate. The apt set of display features for a 2021 midrange phone.
Sadly, neither has stereo speakers, but the Nord CE makes up for it by having super linear speakers.
Hardware Performance
The OnePlus Nord CE and Samsung Galaxy A32 5G credits their 5G connectivity to their processors. The former is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G, while the latter has a MediaTek Dimensity 720 5G.

Now, it will be up to their performance to see which one is better, to which the Snapdragon chip of the OnePlus device dominates.
It offers better CPU and gaming performance, as well as better battery optimization.
Cameras
Here’s where the OnePlus Nord CE snags another win.

While the Galaxy A32 5G has four cameras on the back, the Nord CE has a sharper 64-megapixel primary shooter, so we’ll forgive the lack of a dedicated depth sensor, which we’re sure not a lot of people will miss anyway.
It also has a sharper 16-megapixel front-facing camera if you’re heavy into taking selfies, shooting TikTok videos, or participating in school or work video calls.
Related
- OnePlus Nord CE vs POCO F3: Specs Comparison
- Samsung Galaxy A22 5G vs POCO M3 Pro 5G: Specs Comparison
- 5G smartphones in the Philippines
Battery
Here’s where the Galaxy A32 5G shines. As you can see, it has a 5,000mAh battery, which is obviously larger than the former’s 4,500mAh capacity.

Sadly, it’s still stuck with 15W charging, while the Nord CE has a faster Warp charge 30 Plus technology. Since it also has a smaller battery, you can expect shorter charging times on this device.
Conclusion
I guess we have a clear winner here. As you can see, the OnePlus Nord CE 5G has a sturdier build, a more colorful, sharper, and faster display, a superior processor, a better primary camera, and a faster screen.

Albeit it does cost higher at Php16,990, but the extra Php1,000 you’d be paying from the Samsung Galaxy A32 5G’s Php15,990 should be worth it. It also comes in a higher 12GB/256GB configuration if you want an extra boost in RAM and storage.