Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 169.5 × 77.5 × 9.4 mm | Moto G Stylus 5G is slightly larger and thicker, which may feel less comfortable in smaller hands but provides more screen real estate. |
| Weight | 206g | 217.5g | Samsung A02 is slightly lighter, which may be preferable for extended holding periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | Moto G Stylus 5G provides a slightly larger screen, which can be better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Moto G Stylus 5G has a significantly sharper display. Text and images will look clearer, leading to a much more enjoyable viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 387 PPI | Higher PPI on Moto G Stylus 5G means finer details and less pixelation, resulting in a more crisp visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Moto G Stylus 5G’s IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD on the A02, leading to a more vibrant display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both phones have standard 60Hz refresh rates, which is adequate for typical usage. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is identical, but no nits mentioned. It is important to note that this value may need to be revised due to incorrect values. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 (8 nm) | Moto G Stylus 5G's Snapdragon chipset is considerably more powerful and energy-efficient, meaning smoother performance, faster app loading, and better gaming experience compared to the A02. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 171,000 | Moto G Stylus 5G has drastically superior performance, handling demanding tasks and multitasking with ease compared to the A02, which may struggle with anything more intensive than basic apps. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno 619 in the Moto G Stylus 5G is far more powerful, resulting in much better graphics performance in games and other GPU intensive applications, resulting in a smoother experience than the Samsung A02. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | Samsung A02 has a larger battery, which might translate to longer battery life, although this will depend on software optimization and real-world usage. |
| Charging | 7.5W | 10W | Moto G Stylus 5G has faster charging, allowing it to fill its smaller battery quicker than the A02, however its capacity is smaller. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm | 48MP, f/1.7, 0.8µm | Moto G Stylus 5G has a much higher resolution main sensor, likely offering better detail and low-light performance, further supported by a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.0 | 20MP, f/2.0 | Moto G Stylus 5G's front camera has a much higher resolution, resulting in far more detailed and sharper selfies than the A02. |
| Wide-angle | None | 16MP, f/2.2 | Moto G Stylus 5G has an additional wide-angle lens for capturing more of a scene, which is versatile in scenarios where you need a wider field of view. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.2, 1.75µm | Both have a macro camera with the same resolution, but the Moto G Stylus 5G’s wider aperture and larger pixel size should provide slightly better results in close-up shots, and generally better detail in macro-shotting. |
| Additional Cameras | None | ToF 3D sensor | The Moto G Stylus 5G also has a ToF 3D sensor which can help with depth perception in certain camera modes. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G Stylus 5G offers the option to record 1080p video at 60fps, providing smoother results. |
| Slow-motion | No Slow-Motion | 120 fps | Moto G Stylus 5G has the capability to record slow-motion video, which the A02 lacks, making video recording more versatile. |
| Camera Features | Dual camera, standard features | Quadruple camera, PDAF, LAF | The Moto G Stylus 5G’s camera has more advanced features like a quad-camera setup, PDAF and LAF autofocus, leading to faster focusing and better overall image quality. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 11 | Android 11, upgradable to 12 | Moto G Stylus 5G runs on a newer Android version out of the box and has an additional update making it more future proof in terms of software compatibility. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G Stylus 5G has much faster Wi-Fi, supporting 802.11ac and dual-band, leading to significantly better speed and reliability. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR | Moto G Stylus 5G has a newer and more efficient Bluetooth version, enabling quicker pairing and better performance with wireless headphones. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G Stylus 5G offers more robust GPS features, supporting additional satellite systems for improved navigation accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 128GB | Moto G Stylus 5G offers a larger internal storage, providing ample room for apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB/4GB | 4GB | The base model of the A02 has less RAM, and it is also available in fewer configurations, which may not be sufficient for multitasking, and therefore will result in significantly more lag. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic audio features | Samsung A02 features Dolby Atmos, which enhances spatial audio and provides a more immersive sound experience, which the Motorola phone does not. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G Stylus 5G has the addition of a fingerprint sensor for added convenience and security, which is lacking from the A02. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Fingerprint sensor | The Moto G Stylus 5G offers more sensor options than the A02, providing enhanced functionality in a variety of use cases, including more accurate motion sensing in games. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480 5G chipset offers significantly faster performance, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Higher Resolution Display: The 1080p display with a higher pixel density provides a noticeably sharper and clearer visual experience.
- Better Camera System: The higher resolution main and front cameras, along with the inclusion of a wide-angle lens and more advanced focus features, leads to significantly better photo and video quality.
- Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for faster data speeds and more reliable connections.
- Larger Storage: Comes with double the storage which means there is more room for apps and files.
- Additional sensors: Includes both a gyroscope and a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, adding significant functionality over the A02.
- Newer Software: Comes with a newer Android operating system and is eligible for an additional upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery may provide longer battery life, though this is dependent on usage and the phone's efficiency.
- Dolby Atmos Audio: Provides spatial audio and a slightly more immersive audio experience.
- Lighter Design: Is slightly lighter making it easier to hold for extended durations.
Trade-offs:
- A02: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for potentially longer battery life and lower weight.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: While it may have slightly less battery life, its faster charging partially compensates for this, however it also suffers from being a heavier device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Individuals on a very tight budget who prioritize basic smartphone functionality and long battery life.
- First-time smartphone users: Those new to smartphones may appreciate the ease of use and basic features.
- Users with basic needs: People who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, like web browsing.
- Use cases: Making calls, sending messages, basic web browsing, listening to music (with headphones for full effect of Dolby Atmos), and playing simple games.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G Ideal User:
- Users seeking better performance: Those who want a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and media consumption smoothly.
- Users who value display quality: Those who want a sharp and clear display for browsing, watching videos, and playing games.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want versatile camera capabilities for capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who want faster connections: Those who value quick download speeds and fast Bluetooth connections.
- Users who value security and convenience: Those who appreciate having biometric security with a fingerprint sensor, alongside a more versatile gyroscope sensor.
- Use cases: Playing graphically intensive games, watching high-resolution videos, capturing photos and videos with higher clarity, navigating with GPS, multitasking efficiently, and using advanced camera modes.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is performance and overall speed?
- If high performance and smooth multitasking are essential, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is the clear choice.
- How critical is display quality and camera capabilities?
- If you prioritize a sharp, clear display and versatile camera for high-quality photos and videos, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is preferable.
- Is battery life the absolute top priority, and would a lighter phone be beneficial?
- If maximizing battery life and lighter weight are more crucial than other factors, the Samsung Galaxy A02, with its larger battery, is the preferred option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious, Basic User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A02 if your budget is extremely tight and you only need basic smartphone functions and potentially longer battery life.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Enthusiast: The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G is the better choice if you want strong performance, a quality display, and a capable camera system, even at the cost of some battery life.
- Scenario 3: User Seeking All-Around Value: The Moto G Stylus 5G will provide better all around value with its additional performance, upgraded software and additional features including a fingerprint sensor.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G.
Reasoning: While the Samsung Galaxy A02 has a larger battery and a lighter design, the performance disparity is too significant to ignore. The Moto G Stylus 5G's Snapdragon 480 5G chipset provides a significantly smoother experience, which impacts virtually every aspect of phone use from launching apps to multitasking. The improved display quality and camera capabilities further solidify the Moto G Stylus 5G as the superior phone for anyone looking for a capable all round device. Furthermore, the fingerprint sensor adds convenience and security, and the inclusion of the gyroscope means that there will be more robust motion sensing with third party applications and games. Although it's heavier and may not have the same battery life, the overall user experience would be much better, making it well worth the trade-off. The larger internal storage of 128GB will also make a noticeable difference to long term usability.
