1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Huawei nova 8i | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm, 206g | 161.9 x 74.7 x 8.6 mm, 190g | Nova 8i is slightly smaller and lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and carrying around. A02 is noticeably larger and heavier, potentially feeling bulkier in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Nova 8i offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to a larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2376 | Nova 8i displays significantly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. A02's display might appear slightly less detailed. |
| PPI | 270 | 391 | The difference in pixel density means the Nova 8i will offer much crisper and clearer visuals than the A02. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Nova 8i typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than the PLS LCD on the A02. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer standard 60Hz refresh rate - motion will appear similar on both. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Nova 8i's Snapdragon 662 is significantly more powerful than A02's MediaTek chip, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 201,000 | Nova 8i has a significantly higher score - it will be much faster and more responsive than the A02. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 610 | Nova 8i's Adreno 610 offers superior graphics performance compared to PowerVR GE8100 for more fluid gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | A02 has a larger battery, likely providing longer battery life between charges, but this can be offset by the more efficient processor of the Nova 8i |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging | 66W fast charging | Nova 8i charges extremely quickly compared to the A02, reducing downtime significantly. A02 has slow charging which will take much longer to charge. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP (f/1.9) | 64MP (f/1.9) | Nova 8i captures more detailed photos with its higher resolution sensor and could result in better low-light performance. A02's camera will be noticeably less detailed. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.0) | 16MP (f/2.0) | Nova 8i has a vastly superior selfie camera resulting in much sharper photos. A02 will have lower detail and poorer image quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | Nova 8i offers a wider field of view for landscape or group photos, a feature the A02 lacks. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Nova 8i includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode with background blur. A02 has no depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both offer the same for very close-up shots, so there's no practical difference. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record at the same quality, but the Nova 8i has slow motion video at 120fps, which the A02 does not offer. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 10 | A02 is upgradable to Android 11. The Nova 8i stays on Android 10 and will not receive further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Nova 8i supports newer Wi-Fi standards, enabling faster connection speeds and better stability on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Nova 8i has a newer Bluetooth standard for better range, connection stability, and audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nova 8i supports more satellite systems for improved location accuracy, particularly in urban areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32 GB or 64 GB | 128 GB | Nova 8i has significantly more internal storage for apps, photos, and media files. The A02 is limited to 32 or 64GB of storage. |
| RAM | 2 GB or 3 GB or 4 GB | 6 GB | Nova 8i's higher RAM facilitates smoother multitasking and app performance, particularly for resource-intensive apps. The A02 will struggle in comparison. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion via microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Noise cancellation, Stereo Speakers, 2 Mics | Nova 8i provides better audio experience with stereo speakers, noise cancelling microphone, and two microphones for clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Nova 8i offers a fingerprint sensor for quicker and more secure unlocking. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint, Gyroscope, Proximity | Nova 8i includes more advanced sensors, enabling more features and better performance in certain applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Huawei nova 8i Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and 6GB of RAM offer a much smoother and more responsive user experience compared to the A02. Apps will load faster, and multitasking will be significantly smoother.
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution display provides crisper text and images, significantly enhancing the visual experience.
- Superior Camera System: Offers significantly higher resolution in both the standard and selfie cameras. Additionally the wide angle lens adds more versatility.
- Faster Charging: The 66W fast charging will allow the phone to charge much quicker, making this a more convenient option.
- More Storage & RAM: The 128GB storage and 6GB RAM provides more space for apps, media, and smoother multitasking.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers, a noise-canceling microphone, and dual microphones provide superior audio for calls and media consumption.
- More Advanced Features: Nova 8i includes additional features such as a fingerprint sensor, gyro sensor, and advanced Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity.
- Slightly more compact build: The nova 8i is negligibly more compact.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may offer slightly longer battery life, though this will likely be offset by the nova 8i's more efficient processor.
- Upgrade to Android 11: The A02 can be upgraded to Android 11 whilst the Nova 8i will remain on Android 10.
Trade-offs:
- The A02 offers a larger battery but a significantly weaker processor and camera system in comparison.
- The nova 8i has a much better screen, camera, and processor but lacks the expandable storage of the A02.
- The A02 offers very slow charging in comparison to the ultra fast charging available on the Nova 8i.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Ideal User: Basic smartphone user on a strict budget primarily concerned with battery life.
- Use Cases:
- Simple calling, texting, and basic social media browsing.
- Users who prioritize a lower price point and extended battery over high performance.
- Non-demanding users who are not looking to game or multitask.
- Price-to-Value: The A02 is an entry-level option that is likely to be available at a cheaper price point than the Nova 8i, making it good for users who cannot spend any more than that.
Huawei nova 8i:
- Ideal User: Users looking for a mid-range smartphone with good performance, a great camera, and fast charging, and a more modern look.
- Use Cases:
- Smooth multitasking, app switching, and some gaming.
- Users who value camera quality for photos and videos.
- Those who need fast charging due to their busy lifestyles.
- Users who enjoy multimedia on their phone.
- Price-to-Value: While the nova 8i is likely to be more expensive than the A02, it provides a superior experience that is worth the additional investment for many users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my primary use case for a phone? (Simple communication vs. gaming, photography, etc.)
- How important is battery life versus overall speed and performance?
- What is my budget, and what is the most I am willing to pay?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A02. If price is the primary concern and you require a basic smartphone, the A02 might be sufficient.
- Scenario 2: Balance of Performance and Features
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i. Offers a much more rounded experience with a better display, camera, performance, and fast charging. This is the better choice for most users.
- Scenario 3: Demanding User Prioritizing Performance and Camera
- Recommendation: Huawei nova 8i. There is no comparison to be made, the Nova 8i will offer a much better experience in almost every way. The only downside is the lack of expandible storage, but 128GB should be enough for the vast majority of users.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two phones, I would choose the Huawei nova 8i. The vast difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and charging speeds make it the clear winner in most categories. Even though it has a smaller battery, I believe the more efficient chipset and the incredibly fast charging will make up for it. The A02 is simply too underpowered and lacks important features which will make it feel obsolete quickly. While the price of the nova 8i is likely to be higher, I believe the superior experience provided is well worth the additional cost. For a smartphone user in 2024, the nova 8i offers a more compelling all-round experience and is not let down in any of its components, unlike the A02.
