Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Xiaomi Poco C65
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Xiaomi Poco C65 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 168 × 78 × 8.1 mm | Poco C65 is slightly taller and wider, A02 is thicker, Poco C65 is easier to hold. |
| Weight | 206g | 192g | Poco C65 is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Poco C65 offers a slightly more immersive experience due to a larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same level of detail, typical for budget phones. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both are similar, pixel density won't be noticeably different |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Poco C65 has better color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Poco C65 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones will have similar visibility in various lighting conditions (Note: Peak brightness is 0 nits which is not a good sign, the real value is unknown). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Poco C65 offers significantly better performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 237,768 | Poco C65 is much faster and smoother in overall usage. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Poco C65's GPU provides significantly better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | Poco C65 will produce sharper images with more detail. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | Poco C65 has a slightly wider aperture, better for low light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Poco C65 will produce more detailed selfie photos. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | A02 has slightly better low-light selfie performance on paper. |
| Portrait Mode | No | 2MP | Poco C65 can capture photos with a blurred background. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer similar macro capabilities. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both offer similar video recording capabilities. |
| Video Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120fps | Poco C65 allows for better slow-motion capture. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 7.5W | 18W | Poco C65 charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Poco C65 has more stable and efficient battery technology |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse charging, Non-removable | Poco C65 can be used to charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 13 | Poco C65 offers a more modern and feature-rich experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Poco C65 has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connections with dual band support. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Poco C65 has a more reliable and faster Bluetooth connection, plus better audio via APT-x. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Poco C65 has more accurate location services. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 128/256 GB | Poco C65 offers significantly more storage space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 2/3/4 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Poco C65 offers better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic audio features | A02 offers a better audio experience, on paper. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Poco C65 offers a quick and convenient way to unlock the device. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Poco C65 offers better features for advanced functionalities and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Slightly better audio experience: Dolby Atmos provides spatial audio, potentially enhancing media consumption.
- Slightly smaller dimensions A bit more compact.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Advantages:
- Significantly better performance: The Helio G85 chipset is much faster for apps and games.
- Smoother display: 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel more fluid.
- Better camera system: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, plus a dedicated portrait camera.
- Faster charging: 18W charging greatly reduces charge time.
- More modern OS: Android 13 offers a newer software experience.
- More connectivity: Faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Larger storage options: Up to 256GB for storing more content.
- Additional Sensors Fingerprint sensor, compass, gyroscope.
- Reverse charging: Can charge other devices.
Trade-offs:
- The Poco C65 is slightly larger and may not be as comfortable for some users.
- The Samsung A02 comes with Dolby Atmos but that is not a huge advantage given the other features.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal Users:
- Users with basic smartphone needs: Primarily for calls, texts, and simple browsing.
- Users with tight budgets: The A02 is likely to be a cheaper option.
- Users who value a more compact design: The A02 is slightly smaller than the C65.
Samsung Galaxy A02 Use Cases:
- As a secondary phone for basic communication.
- For older users who want a simple, no-frills phone.
- For light users who don't need demanding performance.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Ideal Users:
- Users who want good performance on a budget: For gaming, multimedia, and general daily tasks.
- Users who want better camera capabilities: For taking detailed pictures and videos.
- Users who appreciate faster charging.
- Users who want to future-proof their budget smartphone.
Xiaomi Poco C65 Use Cases:
- As a primary phone for everyday use.
- For social media enthusiasts who take lots of pictures.
- For casual mobile gamers.
- For users who want a modern software experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? Is the Poco C65 significantly more expensive in your market?
- How important is performance? Do you need a fast phone for gaming and apps, or are you okay with basic functionality?
- How important are camera quality and charging speed? Do you take a lot of pictures and need a quick charging solution?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If you need the most affordable option for very basic use, the Galaxy A02 is an option.
- Scenario 2: Value for Money, Decent Performance: If you want a smartphone with significantly better performance, a better camera, and faster charging, the Poco C65 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Audio is a priority: If audio quality is a must then Samsung A02 is a better option due to Dolby Atmos.
Personal Choice
I would choose the Xiaomi Poco C65.
Reasoning:
The Poco C65 is the clear choice for most users due to its superior processing power, smoother display, better camera system, faster charging, and more modern software. The difference in real-world performance between the two phones is very significant with the AnTuTu benchmark scores being vastly different, as well as the differences in the chipset and GPU.
The minor benefit of slightly better audio on the Samsung A02 does not outweigh the many advantages offered by the Poco C65, especially if audio is not a very important feature for most users. The Poco C65 is a far better value proposition for those looking for a reliable smartphone experience in the budget segment. The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor, faster charging, better camera and newer version of Android makes it a more future-proofed device, making it the clear choice for me.
