Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | Z Fold3 offers a unique, larger screen experience, A02 is a traditional smartphone |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 158.2 x 128.1 x 6.4 mm (unfolded) | A02 is taller, thinner, Z Fold3 is wider unfolded; Z Fold3 offers a more compact folded size for portability, A02 is lighter and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 206g | 271g | A02 is significantly lighter for prolonged usage; Z Fold3 is heavier due to its foldable design and advanced features. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 7.6" | Z Fold3 offers a larger screen for immersive viewing, multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1768x2208 | Z Fold3 has significantly sharper, more detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 270 | 374 | Z Fold3 has much higher pixel density resulting in superior clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | (Not Specified) | Both have LCD-based displays; Z Fold3 likely uses an OLED panel considering its higher end nature but it's not specified |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Z Fold3 offers noticeably smoother scrolling, animations and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical (and not usable at 0 nits); the provided value is likely an error. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Z Fold3's chipset is significantly faster, more energy-efficient; provides smooth performance, better gaming and future proofing compared to the A02. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 898,700 | Z Fold3 offers vastly superior performance for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 660 | Z Fold3 has far superior graphics capabilities for gaming and video editing. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.9 | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" sensor, Sony IMX555, 1.80 µm | Z Fold3 has larger pixel size for better low-light, larger sensor, likely better image quality despite lower MP |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.0 | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" sensor, Sony IMX374, 1.22 µm | Z Fold3 has higher resolution, larger pixel size, likely better selfie quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1.00 µm | Z Fold3 offers optical zoom capabilities not available on the A02. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06" sensor, Sony IMX258, 1.12 µm | Z Fold3 allows for wide-angle shots, capturing more of a scene. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02 can take close-up photos. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, HDR, EIS; 1080p@240fps, HDR, EIS, 720p@960fps, HDR, EIS | Z Fold3 can record higher quality video at 4K and has superior slow-motion recording capabilities with electronic image stabilization for smoother videos. |
| DXOMark Score | Not Available | Mobile: 120; Selfie: 83 | Z Fold3 has scored high in camera performance, A02 has no score available for comparison. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced, OIS, RAW, Laser AF etc | Z Fold3 has a suite of advanced features for versatile photography, including RAW support and better stabilization |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 4400 mAh | A02 has a larger battery for potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 7.5W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse 9W | Z Fold3 charges faster and has wireless and reverse wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-Removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 9W, Non-Removable | Z Fold3 offers advanced battery features like bypass charging during gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Lower Cost: Significantly more affordable, making it accessible to budget-conscious consumers.
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to larger capacity.
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended handling and single-hand use.
Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens offers close-up shot capabilities.
Practical Implications: The A02 is suitable for users seeking a basic smartphone experience without the need for cutting-edge features and who value a longer battery life. It is also a good device to handle for kids or elderly people because of its weight.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G Advantages:
- Foldable Display: Offers a unique, large screen experience with improved multitasking capabilities.
- Superior Performance: High-end chipset, GPU provides outstanding speed and smoothness.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with telephoto, wide-angle and exceptional selfie capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Enhanced convenience and faster recharge times.
Premium Build and Features: Better screen protection, a fingerprint sensor, a newer operating system, and more advanced connectivity.
Practical Implications: The Z Fold3 is designed for users who demand the best in performance, display technology, and camera features, and who value productivity and multitasking capabilities on the go.
Trade-offs:
- The A02 sacrifices performance, display quality, and advanced features for affordability.
- The Z Fold3 is significantly more expensive, heavier and has a lower battery capacity than the A02.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone owners, elderly people, kids, users needing a secondary phone.
- Use Cases: Basic communication, social media, web browsing, simple gaming, media consumption where display quality isn't critical.
- Price-to-Value: Provides basic functionality at a very low cost.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, professionals, content creators, mobile gamers, tech enthusiasts.
- Use Cases: Intensive multitasking, high-performance mobile gaming, photography and videography, immersive media consumption, content creation and consumption on the go.
- Price-to-Value: High cost is justified by top-tier features, performance and unique foldable form factor.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? (A02 is significantly cheaper).
- Primary Use: What are the most important functions for you: basic tasks or intensive usage? (A02 vs Z Fold3)
- Form Factor: Do you value the unique foldable design and larger screen experience or is a standard form factor sufficient? (Z Fold3 vs A02)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you're on a tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionalities, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is the better choice.
- Performance User: If you prioritize high performance, advanced features, and an exceptional display, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G is the way to go, given the budget allows.
- Productivity User: If you want a device for serious multitasking and content creation on the go, the Z Fold3 is the ideal option due to its unique foldable design and high performance.
- Basic User: If you are looking for a lightweight, affordable and easy to use device the A02 is the best option.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I would opt for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G, despite its significantly higher price. My reasoning is based on several factors:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset ensures a smooth and responsive user experience, which is crucial for my daily multitasking and demanding applications. I often run multiple applications, edit documents and browse social media at the same time and the A02 would not be able to keep up.
- Unique Foldable Display: The larger screen is a massive advantage for productivity, media consumption and allows for a unique experience. I work on the go and the large screen allows me to easily read and write emails, while the multi-screen feature allows me to use multiple apps simultaneously.
- Better Camera System: As an avid photographer, the advanced features, better sensors, and the addition of a wide and telephoto lenses of the Z Fold 3, along with the support for RAW images, make it a far better option for photography and videography.
- Future Proofing: The Z Fold3's cutting edge features, fast charging and advanced connectivity make it a more future-proof device.
Although the A02 is a solid budget option, its limitations in performance, display quality and camera capabilities are far too significant for my needs. The higher cost of the Z Fold3 is justified by the significant improvements in overall user experience and productivity. The A02 is a good budget device, but if the budget allows, the Z Fold 3 is significantly better for intensive usage.
