1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | The Realme C61 is taller and thinner, making it potentially feel more modern and sleek; the A02 has a larger overall volume, may feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 206g | 188g | Realme C61 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use, especially one-handed. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard build, expected to have similar durability (materials unknown). |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | The Realme C61 offers a slightly larger screen, which can enhance media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same HD+ resolution, which is adequate for basic tasks but not as sharp as FHD screens. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both offer similar pixel density, the difference is negligible in normal use. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD in the Realme C61 provides better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD in the Samsung Galaxy A02. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The 90Hz refresh rate on the Realme C61 makes scrolling and animations feel smoother than the 60Hz screen of the Samsung Galaxy A02. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness, but this is an invalid specification. Cannot be 0 nits. Will have to be tested. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | The Unisoc chip in Realme C61 is built on a more modern architecture (12nm vs 28nm), resulting in better efficiency and performance. |
| Antutu Score | 50,774 | 252,597 | Realme C61 has a much higher benchmark score, implying significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Mali-G57 in the Realme C61 offers better graphics performance compared to the PowerVR GE8100. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/1.9) | 32MP (f/1.8) | The higher resolution and wider aperture on the Realme C61's main camera will likely result in much better photos, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.0) | Both phones offer similar front-facing cameras, suitable for video calls and basic selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | Realme C61 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, enabling more professional-looking photos with blurred backgrounds. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung Galaxy A02 has a macro lens for taking close up images of small objects, missing on the Realme C61. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities; no practical difference. |
| 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, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme C61 has digital image stabilization and Phase Detection Autofocus which enables sharper and more detailed photos; A02 has continuous shooting ability. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity and can be expected to offer similar battery life (depending on usage). |
| Charging | 7.5W | 45W | The Realme C61's 45W fast charging capability will significantly reduce charging time compared to the 7.5W charging of the Samsung Galaxy A02. |
| Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | The Realme C61 uses a more modern Li-Polymer battery which is usually lighter and has a slightly better life-cycle. |
Other
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android 10, upgradable to 11 | Android 14 | Realme C61 has a much newer OS, which implies a smoother and more secure operating system. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C61 supports more Wi-Fi bands, including 5GHz for faster speeds on compatible networks, which enhances speed and range. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 | Realme C61's newer Bluetooth version offers a more stable connection and better battery efficiency compared to the Samsung Galaxy A02. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Realme C61 uses more satellite systems for potentially better and more accurate GPS performance. |
| Storage | 32/64GB | 64/128/256GB | Realme C61 offers more storage options, especially if one needs more than 64GB. |
| RAM | 2/3/4GB | 4/6/8GB | Realme C61 has more RAM options, which is very beneficial for better multitasking capabilities and gaming experience. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has microSD card support. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos | Stereo Speakers | Realme C61 has stereo speakers, which can produce better audio when watching videos, listening to music or playing games. A02 offers Dolby Atmos but without stereo speakers. |
| Security | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C61 features a fingerprint scanner which enables much easier and faster biometric authentication. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Both phones have the basic sensors needed for essential functions. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated 2MP macro camera for close-up photography. This allows for unique picture opportunities of small objects.
- Slightly higher PPI: The slightly higher PPI might result in marginally sharper image quality, however, with the same resolution the real difference is negligible.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Unisoc Tiger T612 and higher Antutu score translate to much smoother daily usage and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: The IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate provides better viewing angles, more vivid colors, and smoother animations.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging dramatically reduces charging times.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: The 32MP main camera with wider aperture produces much higher quality photos than the A02.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor enables professional-looking portrait photos with blurred background.
- Newer OS: The phone has Android 14 out of the box with potential for further updates, compared to the aging Android 10 in the A02.
- Better Connectivity: Supports more Wi-Fi bands and a newer Bluetooth version for better speed and range.
- More RAM: Comes with 4, 6, and 8 GB options.
- More Storage Options: Starts with 64 GB base option with up to 256 GB, useful if you need to store a lot of files.
- Stereo Speakers: Offers better and more immersive audio output.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides easy and secure biometric security.
- Lighter build: Lighter by 18 grams, making it comfortable for one-hand usage.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A02: Trade-offs are in performance, display, and camera capabilities in exchange for a macro lens and slightly higher PPI.
- Realme C61: Lacks a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Ideal User: Very basic user on a tight budget who primarily uses the phone for calls, messaging, and basic social media. Someone who values the ability to take macro photos.
- Use Cases:
- Simple social media browsing
- Basic photography (macro photography)
- Messaging and calls
- Budget-conscious users who require a basic functionality phone.
Realme C61:
- Ideal User: Users who want a smooth experience on a budget, and who value good performance, display quality, better camera performance and fast charging. Someone who doesn't value a macro lens but needs basic biometric security.
- Use Cases:
- Casual gaming
- Social media usage
- Streaming videos
- Photography and videography
- Users who need a phone with good performance and modern features on a budget.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If the budget is really tight, the A02 will be slightly cheaper.
- How important are performance and display quality? If you value a smooth and responsive experience, the Realme C61 is a much better option.
- How important are camera features? If you value better overall photo quality, especially in low light and better portrait capabilities, the Realme C61 is superior. If you need a macro lens, A02 is the only option, but it's not a very good lens compared to the other features offered by the C61.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Basic User: If price is the absolute priority and you need a basic device, the Samsung Galaxy A02 can handle calls and basic social media usage, but with a major compromise on performance and display quality.
- Performance and Value Seeker: If you want a phone that performs well, has a good screen, and charges quickly without spending a lot, the Realme C61 is the better choice.
- Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: If you value camera performance for both photos and videos, the Realme C61 is the superior option due to its higher resolution camera, wider aperture, PDAF and dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the Realme C61. The reason is the drastic performance difference and the smoother user experience, all thanks to the much better chipset, 90Hz refresh rate, and the newer operating system. The significantly faster charging is also very important in day-to-day usage. The Samsung Galaxy A02 is simply too underpowered and outdated for a good user experience. While the macro lens is a niche addition, it is not worth sacrificing the many advantages of the C61. The slightly cheaper price of the A02 does not offset the performance and user experience gains of the C61.
