Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-27 | 2023-02-17 | S23 Ultra is significantly newer, suggesting more modern features and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldable mechanism. |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 163.4 x 78.1 x 8.9 mm | A02 is slightly taller, thinner, but S23 Ultra is wider by 2.2mm; S23 Ultra will feel more substantial in the hand and in a pocket. |
| Weight | 206g | 234g | A02 is lighter, easier for extended use and portability; S23 Ultra will feel noticeably heavier in hand or pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | S23 Ultra offers a slightly larger display, useful for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra provides much sharper images and text; A02 display will look noticeably less crisp. |
| PPI | 270 | 500 | S23 Ultra's display is much sharper and detailed, with smoother edges; A02's screen will appear less dense. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 Ultra has much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours; A02 will have a less dynamic display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 Ultra offers smoother scrolling and animations; A02's display may appear less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra screen is much easier to see outdoors, especially in sunlight; A02 screen likely struggles in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra is significantly faster for apps, gaming, and multitasking; A02 is slower, struggles with demanding tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra has massively superior performance, feels faster and more responsive for daily tasks and games. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra offers vastly superior graphics for gaming and demanding apps; A02 will have poor 3D gaming performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, implying similar usage time between charges; actual usage may vary. |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging | 45W fast charging | S23 Ultra charges much faster, reducing downtime; A02 will take longer to fully recharge. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S23 Ultra can bypass the battery when plugged in, possibly reducing battery wear. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.9 | 200MP, f/1.7 | S23 Ultra captures much more detailed, sharper images; A02 camera will have noticeably lower image quality. |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | S23 Ultra enables optical zoom for closer shots; A02 lacks optical zoom. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S23 Ultra captures sharper selfies, likely with better detail; A02 has slightly wider aperture, slightly better low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/4.9 | S23 Ultra provides more zoom options and the ability to use optical zoom at higher ranges |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 12.2MP f/2.2 | S23 Ultra can capture wide shots for landscapes and group photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | A02 has a macro lens for capturing extreme close ups |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps, slow-mo 960fps | S23 Ultra shoots much higher quality, more detailed video, with advanced features such as HDR and stabilization; A02 limited video capabilities. |
| DXOMark | N/A | Mobile 140 | S23 Ultra has a good camera score, suggesting good real world usage; A02 is not tested. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, etc. | Tracking AF, 4K/8K video, etc. | S23 Ultra offers a much wider range of advanced features, including better video recording; A02 has basic features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 13 (upgradable to 17) | S23 Ultra has much newer OS, suggesting more features, better performance, security, and will likely receive future updates; A02 is running old software. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S23 Ultra supports faster, more efficient Wi-Fi standards; A02 has older wifi. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.3 | S23 Ultra has newer Bluetooth, with better efficiency and more features; A02 has older BT. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, etc. | S23 Ultra has more accurate and reliable GPS with more constellations; A02 has basic GPS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM / eSIM | S23 Ultra supports eSIM, which offers easy digital carrier switching. Both have dual sim capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB/1TB | S23 Ultra has significantly more storage; A02 has much lower capacity and will fill up quickly. |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | S23 Ultra has much more RAM, enabling smoother multitasking and running more demanding apps; A02 will struggle with multiple tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers microSD expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, etc. | S23 Ultra has high quality audio output and clear calls; A02 has basic audio features and does not support noise cancellation. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Fingerprint scanner | S23 ultra has fingerprint security, offering a very good layer of security over basic features. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S23 Ultra has a superior scratch resistant screen |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23 Ultra has a broader selection of sensors offering more features and functionalities. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Lighter weight: At 206g, it's significantly lighter than the S23 Ultra making it more comfortable to hold for long periods and more convenient to carry.
- Slightly thinner: A little thinner at 9.1mm compared to S23 ultra at 8.9mm
- Lower Cost: Likely to be significantly cheaper, making it accessible for budget-conscious users.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with much higher resolution, brightness, and refresh rate; provides an excellent visual experience.
- Massively better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset is significantly faster, resulting in much smoother performance for everyday use and demanding apps and games.
- Advanced Camera System: A far more versatile camera system with much higher image quality, telephoto, wide angle, and video capabilities, capturing much more detail.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Newer Software: Running a modern OS that is likely to receive future updates.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports modern WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS standards.
- More storage and RAM: Offers substantially larger internal storage and memory.
- Premium Audio: Offers high quality audio, Noise cancelling and stereo speakers.
Trade-offs:
- The A02 sacrifices almost all aspects of performance and features to achieve a lower price point.
- The S23 Ultra is heavier and significantly more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizes affordability over advanced features and performance.
- Basic smartphone users: Primarily uses a phone for calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
- Users who prioritize lightweight devices: Values a lightweight phone and doesn't require high performance.
- Users who want long battery life: Can be used for longer between charges.
- Users that want a macro lens: The only phone between the two with the feature.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A02:
- A secondary device for basic communication.
- A phone for children or older adults who do not require high performance.
- For users who want a macro lens and do not want to spend more for a higher end model.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Ideal User:
- Power users: Requires top-tier performance for demanding apps, games, and multitasking.
- Photography enthusiasts: Prioritizes a high-quality, versatile camera system.
- Media consumers: Enjoys watching high-resolution videos with vibrant colors and a fast refresh rate.
- Users who want advanced features: Demands advanced connectivity, security, and software features.
- Users who want a premium user experience: Values a seamless, fast and fluid experience.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Professional photographers/videographers needing high-quality, versatile camera capabilities.
- Gamers who require top-tier performance for a smooth and responsive experience.
- Users who frequently engage in multitasking between various apps.
- Users who rely on the phone for a wide range of everyday tasks that require fast performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A02 is for price sensitive users; the S23 Ultra is a premium option.
- How important is performance, camera quality, and display quality to me? The S23 Ultra has a significantly superior experience than the A02.
- What are my primary use cases for the phone? Basic communication vs. advanced gaming, photography, and media consumption.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Constrained User: If budget is the primary concern and the phone is for basic usage, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is acceptable.
- Moderate User: If moderate performance, a decent screen, and a good camera are needed, the A02 is not a good option. Consider other phones.
- Power User/Enthusiast: If you demand a top-tier experience, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the clear choice, but at a significantly higher cost.
My Choice:
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra without hesitation. While the price is significantly higher, the sheer difference in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience is undeniable. As a tech enthusiast, the advanced features and capabilities of the S23 Ultra would greatly enhance my daily usage and allow me to use all my apps with ease. The advanced camera is a huge plus, and would allow me to take great pictures for the years to come. For me, the extra cost is justified by the massive leap in overall smartphone quality that comes with the S23 Ultra.
