1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | The Xperia 1 IV is slightly taller but narrower and thinner, making it potentially more comfortable for one-handed use. The A02 is bulkier. |
| Weight | 206g | 185g | The Xperia 1 IV is noticeably lighter, which improves comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1644x3840 | The Xperia 1 IV has a much sharper display, making text and images look significantly clearer. |
| PPI | 270 | 643 | The Xperia 1 IV's higher pixel density results in a far more detailed and crisp visual experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | The Xperia 1 IV's OLED screen offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the A02's LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Xperia 1 IV's 120Hz refresh rate provides much smoother scrolling and animations, making the user interface feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness (This seems like an error, as the brightness shouldn't be 0 nits) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Xperia 1 IV has a significantly more powerful chipset, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 1,076,100 | The Xperia 1 IV demonstrates drastically superior performance in benchmarks, indicating its capability to handle demanding tasks with ease. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 in the Xperia 1 IV is far more capable, crucial for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacities, potentially offering similar battery life under normal usage. |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging | 30W fast charging | The Xperia 1 IV charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 IV's Bypass Charging allows usage while plugged in without charging the battery, reducing heat and preserving battery health. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 13MP, f/1.9, 1.12µm pixels | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm pixels | The Xperia 1 IV has a wider aperture and larger pixel size, potentially allowing better low-light performance despite slightly lower megapixel count. |
| Selfie | 5MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The Xperia 1 IV's front camera captures far more detail, suitable for higher-quality selfies and video calls. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3 | The Xperia 1 IV offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing closer shots without losing detail. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | The Xperia 1 IV can capture a wider field of view, useful for landscapes or group shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Samsung A02 can take close up shots of objects, a feature that is not present on the Sony Xperia 1 IV |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | Yes | The Xperia 1 IV has a Time-of-Flight sensor, which aids in depth sensing for better portrait mode and autofocus. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | The Xperia 1 IV supports high-resolution video recording with image stabilization, making it suitable for vlogging and capturing detailed video. |
| dxoMark | Not Tested | Main:105, Photo:107, Video:92 | Xperia 1 IV’s DxOMark score provides a professional quality camera experience. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, etc. | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, etc. | The Xperia 1 IV has a more versatile camera system with advanced features like optical zoom and 4K video capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 12 (upgradable to 13) | The Xperia 1 IV runs on a more recent version of Android, offering the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The Xperia 1 IV supports newer Wi-Fi standards offering faster speeds and better range |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | The Xperia 1 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, offering more stable and efficient wireless connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Xperia 1 IV offers better GPS accuracy by supporting more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | The Xperia 1 IV provides an eSIM option which simplifies carrier changes without having to physically remove SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | The Xperia 1 IV offers significantly more storage space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 2 GB or 3 GB or 4 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | The Xperia 1 IV has significantly more RAM, facilitating smoother multitasking and improved app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The Xperia 1 IV provides a better audio experience with stereo speakers and hi-res playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Xperia 1 IV offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Xperia 1 IV offers significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The Xperia 1 IV has a larger array of sensors allowing for a larger range of features, including more accurate navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens allows for close-up photography, a feature not found on the Xperia 1 IV.
- Price: Significantly cheaper than the Sony Xperia 1 IV, making it more accessible to budget-conscious users
Practical Implications:
- The macro lens provides niche functionality for those who enjoy capturing minute details in their subjects.
- Its lower cost makes it accessible to users on a tight budget.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, and 120Hz refresh rate offers a significantly enhanced viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset paired with ample RAM provides vastly superior processing power, making the phone much faster and smoother.
- Advanced Camera System: The combination of a higher-resolution selfie camera, telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, and a ToF sensor provides more versatility and higher-quality imaging.
- Faster Charging and Battery Features: The 30W fast charging and bypass charging feature minimize downtime and enhance battery longevity.
- Improved Connectivity: The Xperia 1 IV supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards, offering faster and more stable connections.
- Better Audio: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Hi-Res Audio enhances the overall audio experience.
- Enhanced Security: A side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more secure and convenient.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus provides significantly better screen protection.
- More Sensors: Provides a wide range of sensor support suitable for gaming and other applications.
Practical Implications:
- The better display provides a more immersive experience when watching videos, gaming, and using apps.
- The increased processing power results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- The advanced camera system offers more versatility for taking photos in various conditions.
- Faster charging and bypass charging enhance daily convenience and battery life.
- Better connectivity results in faster downloads and better wireless experiences.
- Stereo speakers and Hi-Res audio provide a more enjoyable audio experience.
- The fingerprint sensor allows for quick and secure unlocking of the phone.
- The advanced build quality means better protection against drops and scratches.
- The increased amount of sensors means the device is more versatile in its use.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A02 provides a macro camera, which the Sony Xperia 1 IV does not.
- The Sony Xperia 1 IV is much more expensive, making it a less accessible option to those on a budget.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Use Cases:
- Primary phone for basic communication.
- Secondary device for travel or backup.
- Users who want a device that is cheap for short periods of time.
- Price-to-Value: Provides basic functionality at a very low price point.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Power users, photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and anyone who values top-tier performance and features.
- Use Cases:
- Primary device for heavy multitasking and demanding apps.
- Photography and videography.
- High-end gaming.
- Multimedia consumption.
- Professionals requiring a premium smartphone experience.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its high price with its high-end performance, superior features, and premium build quality.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? If cost is the primary concern, the Galaxy A02 is the obvious choice.
- What is the primary use for the phone? If it's for basic tasks, the Galaxy A02 may suffice. If heavy use, multimedia, and gaming are important, the Xperia 1 IV is necessary.
- How important are advanced features like camera quality, display, and performance? The Xperia 1 IV excels in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget User - If your budget is extremely tight and you just need a basic phone for calls and messaging, then the Samsung A02 is the logical choice.
- Scenario 2: General Use/Multimedia User - If you need something with a more powerful experience for video streaming, internet browsing, and basic mobile use, then the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the better choice.
- Scenario 3: Power User/Creative User - If you do heavy gaming, photography or video, then the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the best option of these two phones because of its high-end performance and high quality camera.
Conclusion
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While the Samsung Galaxy A02 is a functional device that covers the basics, the Xperia 1 IV provides a high-end experience, with its superior display, performance, camera system and overall build quality. While its higher price tag is a significant consideration, for the type of user that needs a device with advanced features, the Xperia 1 IV offers far more value. For users who want a device for gaming, professional photography, video recording or just general multimedia consumption, the Sony Xperia 1 IV offers the better experience.
