Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | A02 is taller and thicker, S23 FE is more compact and slightly thinner. |
| Weight | 206g | 209g | Both are similarly weighted, not much difference in terms of heft in hand. |
| Build | Plastic Back | Plastic Back, Gorilla Glass 5 Screen | S23 FE has better screen protection |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Negligible size difference, both comfortable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | S23 FE has a much sharper display, text and images will be clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 270 | 403 | S23 FE has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper and less pixelated visuals. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 FE offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to A02. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 FE display will feel much smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones peak brightness is unknown, making comparison on brightness impossible |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Exynos 2200 (4 nm) | S23 FE chipset is much more powerful, offering significantly faster performance and improved efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 1,188,176 | S23 FE provides significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and much better gaming performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Xclipse 920 | S23 FE offers significantly superior graphics performance. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Standard Camera | 13MP, f/1.9, 1.12 µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.00 µm pixels Samsung GN3 | S23 FE captures much more detailed images in standard mode and performs slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto/Portrait Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.00 µm pixels Hynix HI-847 | S23 FE has a dedicated telephoto lens for better portrait shots and zooming capabilities. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.0, µm pixels | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22 µm pixels Samsung S5K3J1 | S23 FE takes more detailed selfies than the A02, although the A02 does have a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, µm pixels | None | A02 has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots, which the S23 FE lacks. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12 µm pixels Samsung S5K3L6 | S23 FE has a dedicated Wide angle camera for capturing wider images which the A02 lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@120fps, 720p@960fps | S23 FE is capable of recording much higher resolution video with slow motion capabilities not supported by the A02. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes | S23 FE video will be smoother due to optical image stabilization (OIS) |
| DXOMARK Score | Not tested | 127 (Mobile), 124 (Photo), 131 (Video) | S23 FE has a DXOMARK score, indicating the quality of its camera performance. |
| 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 | 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, Manual focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Dual PDAF, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW, Night Mode, Dual Sight | S23 FE has a lot of additional camera features, while the A02 is more basic |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4500mAh | A02 offers slightly better battery life due to larger capacity, but this can vary depending on usage. |
| Charging | 7.5W | 25W | S23 FE charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 4.4W, No charger in-box | S23 FE offers more flexible charging options, can wirelessly charge and can reverse wireless charge other devices. |
Software and Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| OS | Android 10 (max 11) | Android 13 (max 17) | S23 FE has a much more recent OS with latest features, security, and better support. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | S23 FE has faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S23 FE has a more modern Bluetooth version with improved stability, range, and efficiency and more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | S23 FE has access to more satellite systems, potentially providing better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | S23 FE offers much more storage capacity for apps, photos, and files. |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB/4GB | 8GB | S23 FE has more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio and Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S23 FE offers richer audio experience with stereo speakers and noise cancellation microphone. |
| Security | Basic security features | Basic fingerprint sensor | S23 FE offers additional security with its fingerprint sensor. |
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | S23 FE provides enhanced screen durability with Gorilla Glass protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | S23 FE offers a comprehensive sensor suite with features useful for applications like gaming and mapping |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Offers a slightly larger 5000mAh battery, potentially leading to longer battery life for some users.
- Macro Camera: Has a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography.
- Lower Price: Intended as an entry level device, therefore, it is available at a lower price point.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Disadvantages:
- Outdated Tech: Older chipset, display, cameras, and software
- Less Storage and Ram: Limited storage and ram, hindering multitasking and app loading
- Slower Charging: Uses a much slower charging standard
- No Screen Protection: No clear information on screen protection
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and pixel density, resulting in a much more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Significantly Faster Performance: Much more powerful chipset and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking, gaming, and app performance.
- Better Cameras: Higher resolution sensors, additional telephoto and wide angle cameras, and advanced features (OIS, 4k Video, Slow Motion).
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Supports faster 25W wired charging and 15W wireless charging along with reverse charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions with better speed and features.
- Stereo Speakers: Enhanced Audio experience compared to the A02
- Modern OS: Comes with a much more recent OS version with modern features and updates
- Better Durability: Has Gorilla Glass for better screen protection
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Disadvantages:
- Smaller Battery: Slightly smaller battery capacity compared to the A02.
- Higher Price: Costs significantly more than the A02, making it less accessible to budget-conscious users.
- No Macro Camera: Lacks a dedicated macro camera
Trade-offs: The main trade-off is between price and performance/features. The Galaxy A02 is more affordable with a larger battery, while the S23 FE offers a drastically superior overall experience at a higher cost.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who primarily need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing, and are willing to compromise on performance and features.
- First-time smartphone users: Those who are new to smartphones and require a very basic device.
- Users who prioritize battery life: People who prioritize a larger battery and long use between charges over performance and features.
- Users who want a dedicated macro camera: People who like to take macro pictures.
Use Cases: Basic communication, simple app usage, casual browsing, media consumption, users who prioritize battery life and need a simple and affordable device.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Ideal Users:
- Users who want high-end performance: Gamers, power users, and those who need smooth multitasking and app performance.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Those who consume a lot of videos, enjoy high-quality images, and need a high-quality display.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want better camera quality, with optical zoom, low-light capabilities, and video features.
- Users who want modern features: Those who prioritize wireless charging, faster charging and modern software features.
- Users who want an enhanced audio experience: Those who would enjoy stereo speakers and better audio quality overall
Use Cases: Mobile gaming, photography/videography, heavy multitasking, consuming high-quality media, users who want a more premium experience, and those who want a future-proof device.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- A02: Offers great value for users looking for a very cheap phone that covers the basics, but not much else.
- S23 FE: Offers a better value for users who are looking for more features and performance with a better screen and cameras.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? The A02 is much cheaper than the S23 FE. If price is a major constraint, then the A02 is the only option.
- What are your primary needs for a smartphone? If you need a basic phone just for calls, texts and browsing, the A02 is sufficient. If you need a phone for gaming, video consumption or professional photography, the S23 FE is the better option.
- How much do you value performance and features? If you are willing to pay more for a premium screen, faster processing speed, higher-quality cameras and more features, the S23 FE is the superior option. If you are ok with a slower device, then the A02 is suitable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Very Tight Budget, Basic Use - Choose the Samsung Galaxy A02. It provides basic smartphone functionality at a very low price.
- Scenario 2: Moderate Budget, Enhanced experience: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, If you are willing to invest more for a better overall experience, including a superior display, better performance and high-quality cameras.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gaming or Photography enthusiast: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The better processor, ram, display, camera and sound system will greatly improve your experience in these fields.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. While the A02 has a slightly larger battery, the advantages of the S23 FE are too significant to ignore. The vastly superior display, performance, cameras, modern software, faster charging, enhanced audio, and better connectivity justify the higher price point. As someone who consumes a lot of media, appreciates high-quality photography, and expects a smooth user experience, the S23 FE is the clear winner for me. I also value the additional features like wireless charging, and better audio experience offered by the S23 FE, features that are missing from the A02. While the A02 serves as a decent entry level phone, the S23 FE will offer a more enjoyable experience overall.
