Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Asus Zenfone 10
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-04 | 2023-07-10 | Asus Zenfone 10 is a much newer device with more modern features and technology. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 146.5 × 68.1 × 9.4 mm | A02s is larger and may be less comfortable for one-handed use; Zenfone 10 is more compact, pocketable, and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 196g | 172g | Zenfone 10 is significantly lighter and more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 5.92" | A02s offers a larger screen for media consumption; Zenfone 10 is more compact and easier for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Zenfone 10 has much sharper visuals and greater clarity, text and images will be significantly crisper. |
| PPI | 270 | 445 | Zenfone 10 has a noticeably sharper display with higher pixel density. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone 10 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Better for watching media. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone 10 has much smoother animations and scrolling; A02s may appear less responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits (Specification Missing) | 1100 nits | Zenfone 10 offers significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | Zenfone 10 offers far superior performance, handles demanding apps and games with ease. A02s is suitable for basic tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 74,800 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone 10 is drastically faster; Provides a smoother user experience with less lag. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 (Qualcomm Adreno 506) | Adreno 740 (Qualcomm Adreno 740) | Zenfone 10 offers much better graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4300mAh | A02s has a larger battery, may last slightly longer for basic usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 30W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Zenfone 10 charges much faster; Uses newer battery technology. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W Wireless, 5W Reverse | Zenfone 10 has wireless charging and reverse charging, offering more convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP, f/1.8, pixel size missing | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56", Sony IMX766, 1.00µm | Zenfone 10 captures far more detailed photos with better low-light performance thanks to the larger sensor and pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, pixel size missing | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2", Omnivision OV32C, 0.70µm | Zenfone 10 captures much sharper, higher-resolution selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size missing | Not present | A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait effects. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4, pixel size missing | Not present | A02s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide + Macro | Not present | 13MP, f/2.2, 1/3.06", Omnivision OV13B10, 1.12µm | Zenfone 10 has a wide-angle lens for landscape photos and macro functionality. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No EIS, No Slow-motion | 8K@24fps with HDR, EIS, 4K@60fps with HDR, EIS, Slow-motion Yes 480 fps | Zenfone 10 records higher resolution videos with better stabilization and slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K/8K Video, Digital zoom, Dual, Digital image stabilization, OIS, Gimbal, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, PDAF Omnidericional, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Zenfone 10 offers a far more versatile and advanced camera system with a wider range of features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 (Upgradable to 15) | Zenfone 10 provides a more modern software experience with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax/WiFi 6E/WiFi 7 | Zenfone 10 has a much faster and more robust Wi-Fi implementation with support for modern standards. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.2 LE | Bluetooth 5.3 LE | Zenfone 10 has better wireless audio quality and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone 10 offers more precise positioning due to its support for additional satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM cards for managing two numbers simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Zenfone 10 offers significantly more storage, allowing for more apps, photos, videos, etc. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 8 GB or 16 GB | Zenfone 10 provides better multitasking and smoother performance when running multiple apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable | Not Supported | Not Supported | Neither phone allows for expandable storage, you're limited to the phone's onboard storage. |
| Audio | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo speakers, 2 mics | Zenfone 10 offers superior audio quality with richer sound and clearer calls. |
| Security | Basic security features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Zenfone 10 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering better security and convenience. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Zenfone 10 offers superior protection against scratches and damage to the screen. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Zenfone 10 has more advanced sensor support for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages
- Larger Battery Capacity: The A02s has a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the Zenfone 10's 4300mAh, potentially offering longer battery life for basic usage.
- Dedicated Depth and Macro Cameras: Offers dedicated 2MP depth and 2MP macro cameras, not present on the Zenfone 10
- Wider Aperture on standard and selfie cameras: The wider aperture on both standard and selfie cameras (f/1.8 and f/2.2 respectively) mean the camera is more light-sensitive and may perform slightly better in low-light.
- Lower Price: The A02s is a budget-oriented phone, it is more affordable than the Asus Zenfone 10.
Asus Zenfone 10 Advantages
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset provides vastly superior performance, making it significantly faster for all tasks.
- Significantly Better Display: Features a much sharper, brighter, and more vibrant AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
- Much Better Cameras: The Zenfone 10 has significantly better main and selfie cameras that capture higher-resolution images with better low light performance. Also has a ultrawide camera and advanced video recording capabilities including 8K video, HDR recording and slow motion.
- Advanced Features: Includes features like wireless charging, reverse charging, a fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers and better Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Higher Internal storage and RAM: Significantly higher storage options and RAM for more apps, files and better performance.
- Modern Software: Runs on a newer version of Android, offering better security and access to the latest features.
- Compact Design: Significantly smaller, lighter and easier to handle than the A02s.
Trade-offs
- The Samsung Galaxy A02s trades off performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price and a slightly larger battery and dedicated depth and macro cameras. The trade-off is it is a much more basic phone with a less modern experience.
- The Asus Zenfone 10 gives up a slightly larger battery and dedicated depth and macro cameras in exchange for drastically superior performance, display, and camera technology.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and light social media browsing. It's ideal for individuals who prioritize a large screen for basic media consumption.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing, email, and messaging.
- Casual media consumption, e.g., Youtube or streaming movies.
- Individuals who only need basic camera capabilities
- Price-to-Value: The A02s offers basic functionality at a very low price, making it a value option for very limited budgets. It is important to remember the low cost leads to significant compromises in speed, display quality and camera quality.
Asus Zenfone 10
- Ideal User: Users who demand high performance, excellent camera quality, and a premium user experience in a compact form factor. Suitable for gaming, media consumption, and photography enthusiasts.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and multitasking.
- Photography and videography, including 8k video recording.
- High-quality media consumption with HDR content.
- Users who require advanced connectivity with modern standards.
- Price-to-Value: The Zenfone 10 offers a premium experience with its flagship chipset, high-quality display, and great cameras and is a great value for what is offered.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? - The A02s is suitable for those on a very limited budget, while the Zenfone 10 is a higher priced premium device.
- What is my primary use case? - Basic users will be happy with the A02s; power users who want performance and quality should opt for the Zenfone 10.
- How important is performance, screen quality, and camera? - If these are priorities, the Zenfone 10 is the clear winner. The A02s is a compromise in all areas to keep cost low.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious Basic User: If the primary concern is cost, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is adequate for basic tasks.
- Performance and Quality User: If you value performance, display, and camera quality and want a premium experience, the Asus Zenfone 10 is the better choice.
- Gaming Enthusiast: If mobile gaming is a priority, the Asus Zenfone 10 with its powerful chipset, high refresh rate display and superior sensors is the ideal choice.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiast: If you value camera quality with advanced features including 8K video recording and OIS the Asus Zenfone 10 is the ideal device.
My Choice
I would choose the Asus Zenfone 10. While the Samsung Galaxy A02s is cheaper, the Zenfone 10 offers a vastly superior overall experience. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, AMOLED display with 144Hz refresh rate, much higher quality camera and premium build quality make it a more enjoyable and future-proof device. The extra price is worth it for the significant improvements in performance, screen quality and camera capability. The A02s would be too slow and the experience too limited for my use cases.
