1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Motorola Moto G04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | Moto G04s is slightly more compact, easier to handle and pocket. Samsung A02 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 206g | 178.8g | Moto G04s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Virtually identical screen sizes, negligible difference for everyday use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar HD+ resolution; both are adequate for general use but not exceptionally sharp. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Almost identical sharpness; no noticeable difference to the naked eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally provides better viewing angles and more accurate color reproduction compared to PLS LCD, offering a slightly better viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Moto G04s offers smoother scrolling and animations, which can enhance perceived responsiveness. Samsung A02 is less smooth. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both are poor when in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Moto G04s's 12nm chip offers better power efficiency and performance than the 28nm chip in Samsung A02; resulting in snappier performance and longer battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 220,000 | Moto G04s demonstrates significantly better performance in demanding apps and gaming. Samsung A02 is very basic. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Moto G04s's GPU enables superior graphics performance for gaming and video playback. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.9 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Moto G04s captures more detailed photos and performs better in low light. Samsung A02 has a much more basic camera. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Similar selfie camera performance, slight edge to the A02 in low light. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | Not Available | Samsung A02 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, a feature not present on the Moto G04s |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilization | Moto G04s offers video stabilization resulting in smoother recordings. |
| Camera Features | Dual Camera, Basic Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, PDAF, LAF | Moto G04s has superior camera tech, and features. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life; should last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 7.5W, Li-Ion | 15W, Li-Polymer | Moto G04s charges significantly faster with its 15W charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 11) | Android 14 | Moto G04s offers a much more recent and modern Android experience, with all the benefits of new features, and security updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G04s supports faster and more reliable WiFi standards (including dual-band and Wi-Fi 5). |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Moto G04s has a more modern Bluetooth standard which offers improved efficiency, speed, and range |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G04s supports more satellite systems for enhanced positioning accuracy in various global regions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer dual SIM support for flexibility in choosing network providers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 64/128/256GB | Moto G04s offers a greater internal storage capacity, allowing for more apps, photos, and videos |
| RAM | 2/3/4GB | 4GB | Moto G04s is better suited for multitasking with its set 4GB of RAM |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage; users are limited to internal memory. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos | Both phones offer Dolby Atmos, providing better audio for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Moto G04s offers added security with fingerprint scanner for fast, safe unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s has a more robust screen protection, and it's less prone to scratches. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Moto G04s includes a gyroscope allowing for better motion tracking and AR apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G04s Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Unisoc T606 chipset and higher AnTuTu score mean much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Better Display: The IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother and more visually appealing experience.
- Significantly Better Main Camera: 50MP vs 13MP main camera and better video stabilization provides better image quality, especially in low light.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging reduces downtime and is a welcome advantage over the 7.5W of the Samsung.
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 14 providing access to more features, security, and software updates.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- More Storage Options: Comes with more internal storage choices.
- Fingerprint Scanner: Offers added security and convenience via a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Gyroscope: Supports advanced motion-based apps and games.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated 2MP macro camera for detailed close-up shots.
- Slightly Wider Aperture Front Camera: f/2.0 vs f/2.2 on Moto G04s, potentially better low light selfies.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A02 offers a macro lens but at the cost of overall performance, display quality, camera quality, battery charging speed, and modern software.
- The Motorola G04s has no dedicated macro lens but is a vastly superior device in all other aspects.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals with very limited budgets who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light use.
- Users Focused On Macro Photography: Individuals who need a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots.
Minimalist Users: Those who have very basic needs and are not interested in high-performance or advanced features.
Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, social media, and communication.
- Occasional close-up macro photography of small objects.
- Primary device for elderly or those new to smartphones.
Ideal Users for Motorola Moto G04s:
- Value-Conscious Users: Users seeking the best possible experience without breaking the bank.
- Casual Gamers: Individuals who enjoy light mobile games and need smooth performance.
- Media Consumers: Users who want better image quality and a smooth viewing experience.
Users Wanting Modern Features: Individuals who want the latest version of Android and associated benefits.
Use Cases:
- Everyday use, including social media, browsing, and communication.
- Casual gaming with reasonable performance.
- Watching videos and consuming media on a smoother screen.
- Taking everyday pictures and videos with better quality.
- Need for reliable performance and security features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a smooth and responsive device, the Moto G04s is the only real option.
- What kind of camera quality are you seeking? If you take more than the occasional snap the 50MP sensor of the Moto G04s is much more versatile. If you really require a macro lens it is a big point for the A02.
- What is your budget? Both phones are budget options, but consider if you require any of the features in the Motorola which justify a higher price tag.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Strict Budget): If the budget is extremely tight, and the user's needs are basic communication only, the Galaxy A02 may be an acceptable choice. However the Motorola G04s offers vastly more for the price.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Usage): For everyday usage, media consumption, and occasional gaming, the Moto G04s is the vastly superior option.
- Scenario 3 ( Photography): The Motorola G04s is better overall for everyday photos, while the Samsung A02 may be better for close-up macro photography.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Moto G04s without hesitation. The reasons are clear: the Moto G04s offers significant advantages in almost every area that matters, from performance and display quality to camera capabilities, charging speeds, security, and software. The only major point for the A02 is the macro lens, but the G04s offers a much better core experience overall, that is far superior for everyday usage.
While the Samsung Galaxy A02 might be slightly more affordable in some markets, the huge differences in user experience mean it will lead to frustration, whereas the Motorola G04s will give a smooth experience that will last for a number of years. The better camera, display, performance and software alone are worth it, making the Motorola G04s a significantly better value proposition.
