1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | Nova Y90 is slightly more compact and thinner, potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. A02 is a bit wider and thicker but not significantly. |
| Weight | 206g | 195g | Nova Y90 is lighter by 11g, which can be noticeable during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Nova Y90 provides a slightly larger screen, offering a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2388 | Nova Y90 has a much sharper display. Text and images will appear crisper and more detailed than on A02. |
| PPI | 270 | 391 | Nova Y90 has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a clearer and more detailed display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Nova Y90's IPS LCD provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to A02's PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nova Y90 has smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive than the A02. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness. The screen brightness on both phones can be problematic in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | Nova Y90's Snapdragon 680 is significantly more powerful and efficient, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 249,000 | Nova Y90 demonstrates vastly superior performance, translating to a smoother, more responsive user experience. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 610 | Nova Y90's Adreno 610 offers superior graphics performance, making it better suited for gaming and graphically intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacities, providing comparable battery life throughout the day under moderate use. |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging, Li-Ion | 40W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Nova Y90 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to using your phone quicker. Li-Polymer batteries are generally more stable. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | Nova Y90's 50MP camera captures more detailed images with better clarity. |
| Rear Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | Nova Y90's wider aperture allows it to perform slightly better in low-light conditions than the A02. |
| Front Camera Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Nova Y90’s front camera takes clearer and sharper selfies with more detail compared to the A02. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung Galaxy A02 includes a macro lens for close-up shots; Not present in the Huawei Nova Y90. |
| Secondary Camera | None | 2MP | Huawei Nova Y90 includes a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos |
| Tertiary Camera | None | 2MP | Huawei Nova Y90 has a tertiary sensor, which could be a depth sensor or a dedicated macro sensor. The specifications are unclear. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones record videos at the same resolution and frame rate. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Nova Y90 has PDAF for faster and more accurate focusing. It also has a triple camera setup that may offer more versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Unknown | Huawei Nova Y90’s operating system information is missing. Samsung Galaxy A02 runs Android 10, and can be upgraded to 11. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Nova Y90 supports faster Wi-Fi standards for quicker download and upload speeds, better range, and lower latency. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Nova Y90 offers a newer version of Bluetooth which is more efficient and supports faster data transfer rates |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Nova Y90 supports more satellite systems, resulting in more accurate and reliable location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB | Nova Y90 offers double the storage space, suitable for storing more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | Nova Y90 has more RAM, enabling better multitasking and smoother operation, especially for more demanding apps and games. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic audio | A02 provides a better audio experience with enhanced spatial audio through Dolby Atmos compared to Nova Y90's basic audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nova Y90 has a fingerprint sensor, providing better security and convenient access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection, therefore durability is unclear. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity | Nova Y90 offers better sensor array which is useful in a wide array of applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Offers enhanced audio for better multimedia experience.
- Macro Lens: Provides a dedicated lens for close-up photography.
Practical Implications: The A02 excels if audio quality and close-up photography are key priorities. However, its older internals mean slower performance.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience compared to the A02's Mediatek MT6739W.
- Higher Resolution and Refresh Rate Display: Offers a sharper, smoother, and more vibrant visual experience.
- Faster Charging: 40W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Superior Camera: Higher resolution main camera, better selfie camera, and additional camera features including PDAF.
- More RAM and Storage: Offers more RAM for better multitasking and ample storage for apps and media.
- Newer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Standards: Provides faster and more reliable connectivity.
- Fingerprint sensor: Offers better biometric security, and convenient unlocking.
- Better Sensor Package: Has a more complete sensor set which has utility for a broader range of applications.
Practical Implications: The Nova Y90 provides a far more responsive and capable experience for everyday use, gaming, and media consumption.
Trade-offs:
- A02: Has a macro lens and Dolby Atmos, but severely lacks in performance and general user experience.
- Nova Y90: Lacks a macro lens but otherwise has all-around superior specifications.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users who prioritize audio quality and macro photography. Users with very basic smartphone requirements who are less concerned with speed and performance.
- Use Cases: Casual web browsing, listening to music, very basic photography, and using very few apps. Suitable for users who only need a smartphone for calling, texting, and occasional social media use.
- Price-to-Value: The lower price point makes it an entry-level option, but performance limitations should be considered.
Huawei nova Y90:
- Ideal Users: Users who want a good overall experience with a smooth display, good performance, and great battery life. Users who want a capable smartphone experience at a reasonable price.
- Use Cases: Daily smartphone use, social media browsing, light to moderate gaming, capturing photos and videos, watching streaming services.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a much better balance of features and performance than the A02, making it a more compelling choice for most users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is my budget? (This influences whether the basic A02 is the only option, or if the better-equipped nova Y90 is feasible.)
- What is my primary use case? (Do I need a fast device for apps and gaming, or just a basic phone for calls and texts?)
- Which features are most important to me? (Is audio quality and macro photography more important than overall performance?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Extremely tight budget, basic phone needs: The A02 is the only option. Keep in mind it will be slow.
- Scenario 2: Good all-around performance and camera: The Nova Y90 is highly recommended due to its superior processing power, camera, and faster display.
- Scenario 3: High performance and storage is a must: Nova Y90 offers much better performance and storage, along with fast charging.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would definitely pick the Huawei nova Y90. The vast improvements in almost every aspect, from performance to display, camera, and charging speed, make it a much more compelling device for modern usage. While the Samsung Galaxy A02 has Dolby Atmos and a macro lens, it's simply not competitive in overall performance and user experience. The Nova Y90 is a much better all-around phone and offers much better value.
