Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Nokia G100
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-27 | 2022-10-01 | Nokia G100 is a newer device, potentially with longer software support and more up-to-date features. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is slightly taller and less thick but both are similar in size. |
| Weight | 206g | 195.1g | Nokia G100 is lighter, which may be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Virtually identical screen sizes, no noticeable difference in daily use. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both offer the same HD+ resolution, suitable for basic media consumption. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Negligibly different pixel densities, visual clarity will be nearly identical. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Nokia G100 typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both displays refresh at 60Hz, offering a standard visual experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither phone's peak brightness is specified. This lack of information is a major drawback. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 662's 11nm process is significantly more efficient and powerful than the 28nm MediaTek chip. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 201,615 | Nokia G100 offers drastically better performance, leading to much smoother multitasking, and more future proofing. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 610 is substantially more powerful than the PowerVR GE8100, providing better graphics for gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, offering comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Nokia G100 charges almost twice as fast, significantly reducing charging times. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP f/1.9 | 13MP f/2.0 | Samsung A02's slightly wider aperture may allow for better low-light performance, though it's a small difference. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.4 | Nokia G100 offers higher resolution selfies, though the Samsung A02 has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP f/2.2 | Nokia G100 has an additional wide-angle lens for capturing more in a single frame. |
| Depth Sensor | None | 2MP f/2.4 | Nokia G100 has an additional depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A02 has an additional macro lens for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | Both can record 1080p video at 30fps, with Nokia G100 including slow motion feature. |
| Camera Features | Dual Camera, digital zoom | Triple Camera, digital image stabilization | Nokia G100 has triple camera and video stabilization, which can significantly improve photo and video quality. |
| Slow Motion | No | 120 fps | Nokia G100 offers slow-motion video capture, while Samsung A02 doesn't. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 12 | Nokia G100 offers a newer operating system, which may lead to better app support and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Nokia G100 supports newer Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac), offering faster speeds and dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Nokia G100 has a newer Bluetooth version, resulting in better range, speeds and efficiency. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 32 GB or 128 GB | Nokia G100 offers up to 128GB of storage, whereas Samsung A02 has a maximum of 64GB. |
| RAM | 2 GB or 3 GB or 4 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Both come in 3GB and 4GB variants and are adequate for basic use. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | 2 microphones | Samsung A02 supports Dolby Atmos enhancing audio output. Nokia G100 has dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Nokia G100 has a fingerprint sensor, adding an additional layer of security and convenience. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 screen has better scratch resistance due to Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Barometer | Nokia G100 has more sensors. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Slightly wider aperture on the main camera: f/1.9 vs f/2.0, theoretically better low-light performance, but the difference is minor.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the Nokia G100 lacks.
- Dolby Atmos: Offers enhanced audio output.
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Significantly more powerful chipset (Snapdragon 662): Provides much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Higher AnTuTu score: Confirms the massive performance lead in benchmarks.
- IPS LCD display: Superior viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD.
- Faster charging (15W): Charges the battery much faster than the A02's 7.5W charging.
- Newer operating system (Android 12): Provides access to the latest features and security patches.
- Wide Angle lens: Adds versatility for photography.
- Depth sensor: Adds depth to photos, improving portrait shots.
- Digital image stabilization: Improves video recording.
- Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards: Provides faster and more reliable connections.
- Larger Storage option: Provides more storage space (128GB vs 64 GB)
- Fingerprint Sensor: Enhances security and convenience.
- More Sensors: Gyroscope and barometer providing more functionality to the device.
- Screen protection: More resistant screen protection due to Gorilla Glass.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A02's macro lens is traded for the Nokia G100's vastly superior performance, wide-angle, and depth cameras.
- While the Samsung A02 has Dolby Atmos, the Nokia G100's superior performance and triple camera array make it a better media consumption device.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal Users for Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Users with very basic smartphone needs: Primary use cases include calling, texting, and minimal social media.
- Budget-constrained users: Looking for the cheapest possible smartphone.
- Users who prioritize Macro Lens: Specifically need a macro camera for detailed close-up shots.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A02:
- A secondary device for calls and texts.
- A phone for very basic use by older individuals who aren't concerned about gaming or heavy app use.
Ideal Users for Nokia G100:
- Users who want a reliable, all-around budget smartphone: Looking for good performance and features at an affordable price.
- Users who value performance and smooth experience: Those who appreciate fast app loading and smoother multitasking.
- Users who value camera versatility: Users wanting an enhanced photography experience that includes wide angle and depth cameras.
- Users who prioritize a newer operating system: Want the latest features, updates, and security patches.
Use Cases for Nokia G100:
- Daily driver for most smartphone users
- Social media and general browsing
- Basic gaming and app usage
- Photography and video recording
- Those who need good battery life with relatively fast charging.
Price-to-Value:
- The Nokia G100 offers a significantly better price-to-value ratio due to its drastically improved performance, display, camera system, and newer software, while both are in the budget range of smartphones.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? If performance is a priority, the Nokia G100 is the better choice. If you only need a basic device for calls and texts, the A02 is an option.
- How much do you value the camera system? The G100 has a superior triple camera system. The A02 only offers a macro lens.
- Do you prefer a newer operating system? The Nokia G100 comes with Android 12, while the Samsung A02 comes with an older Android 10, which makes the G100 the better choice for long term use.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User: If you prioritize the absolute cheapest phone for very basic tasks (calls, texts) and don't need performance, the Samsung Galaxy A02 could work. But the G100 is a better long-term choice.
- Scenario 2: Daily Driver on a Budget: For someone wanting a balanced smartphone experience with decent performance, a good camera, and fast charging, the Nokia G100 is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Photography Focus: Neither phone is ideal for high-end photography but the Nokia G100's extra wide angle and depth sensors would be an advantage over the A02's single macro lens.
Final Decision
I would choose the Nokia G100.
Reasoning:
The Nokia G100 is the superior device in almost every practical way. The performance difference is huge. The Snapdragon 662 chipset is a major advantage over the Mediatek chip in the Samsung A02, leading to a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience. The G100's IPS display, superior camera system (with wide-angle and depth sensors), faster charging, newer Android version, fingerprint sensor, and additional sensors all contribute to a much more modern and capable smartphone. Even though the Samsung A02 has a dedicated macro camera, it is not enough to compensate for the huge performance difference. The Nokia G100 simply provides a better, more well-rounded experience for daily use. It's a significantly better value for the money compared to the Samsung Galaxy A02.
