1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.8 × 76.8 × 8.9 mm | Similar size, negligible difference for daily handling. |
| Weight | 196g | 224g | Samsung A02s is noticeably lighter, better for prolonged use. Asus is heavier which could feel more premium. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard non-foldable phones. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Asus has a slightly larger screen, providing more screen real estate for content consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Asus offers much sharper images and text, a noticeable improvement for reading, watching videos, and viewing photos. |
| PPI | 270 | 388 | Asus provides significantly clearer visuals, higher pixel density is less straining on the eye. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Asus provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. Better contrast means higher image quality, especially in dark environments. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Asus screen displays much smoother animations, beneficial for gaming and scrolling through social media. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Asus screen is much brighter and highly readable in direct sunlight; the Samsung screen’s usability in bright environments is unknown. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM8650-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Asus offers substantially faster processing, smoother multitasking, and more responsive app loading. |
| Antutu Score | 74,800 | 1,532,000 | Asus provides significantly better performance in all scenarios: gaming, app usage, resource-intensive tasks. The A02s may feel sluggish. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 750 | Asus provides far superior graphics performance and a much more enjoyable gaming experience. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Asus provides slightly longer battery life. Both should last at least a full day for most users, but Asus has better longevity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 65W fast charging | Asus charges much faster, reducing time spent plugged in. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, 15W wireless charging, 10W reverse wired | Asus offers wireless charging, and can be used to charge other devices. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | Asus captures significantly more detailed images, better for cropping and large prints. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.9 | Samsung Galaxy A02s has slightly better light gathering ability due to the wider aperture, though the difference is negligible. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/1.56" | Asus generally has improved image quality, color and light sensitivity especially in low-light conditions. |
| Standard Camera Sensor Model | Unknown | Sony IMX890 | Asus uses a premium sensor for high-quality image captures. |
| Standard Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 1.00 µm | Asus generally has improved image quality, better color and light sensitivity, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 32MP | Asus captures significantly more detailed selfies, suitable for social media and video calls. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.5 | Samsung Galaxy A02s might perform slightly better in low-light for selfies, though the resolution difference is significant |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Size | Unknown | 1/3.2" | Asus captures more detailed and cleaner selfies, it is generally better quality. |
| Selfie Camera Sensor Model | Unknown | Omnivision OV32C | Asus uses a good quality sensor, providing improved image processing. |
| Selfie Camera Pixel Size | Unknown | 0.70 µm | Asus generally has improved image quality, better color and light sensitivity, especially in low-light conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP | Asus provides optical zoom capabilities for better photos at a distance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP | Asus allows for capturing more expansive scenes in photos, such as landscapes and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | None | Samsung allows for capturing photos with a depth effect, giving a bokeh effect, for portrait photography. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Samsung allows for capturing detailed shots of small objects. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, various other options | Asus supports significantly higher video quality for professional content creation with HDR and EIS. |
| Video Stabilization | None | Yes (EIS) | Asus offers electronic stabilization for smoother video capture. |
| Slow-motion Video | No (30 fps) | Yes (480 fps) | Asus offers slow motion video capabilities. |
| DxoMark Score | Not Available | Main: 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | Asus offers great all round camera performance. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced features, OIS, Gimbal, RAW, more | Asus offers a wider variety of features, greater flexibility and control over photography and videography. |
Software
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 10 (Up to 12) | Android 14 (Up to 16) | Asus has a more up-to-date OS with more features, security patches, and software support. |
Connectivity
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be (WiFi 7) | Asus provides significantly faster WiFi speeds, lower latency, better performance in crowded networks, and access to the 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE, A2DP | 5.4 LE, AVRCP, HID, OPP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Asus offers better wireless audio quality and faster connectivity. |
| 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) | Asus supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both phones allow for dual SIM usage. |
Storage
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB | Asus provides significantly more space for apps, photos, videos, and other files. The A02s may need more frequent storage management or a cloud service. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 12GB/16GB | Asus has more RAM, for better multitasking capabilities and smooth app usage. The A02s may lag with many apps open. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
Audio
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Basic Audio | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Asus offers higher quality audio playback, clearer calls, better audio separation and immersion. The Asus will generally have better speaker quality. |
Security
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Features | Basic Security | Basic fingerprint sensor | Asus offers fingerprint biometrics, which is convenient for unlocking the device. |
Build Quality
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Asus has a more durable screen that is more resistant to scratches and impacts. |
Sensors
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, Hall | Asus supports additional sensors, provides greater utility in AR apps, gaming, and other applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages
- Lighter Weight: More comfortable for extended use.
- Slightly Wider Aperture on Main Camera: Potentially better low-light shots on the main camera (though the sensor size is unknown) and selfies, though resolution difference is significant.
- Macro and Depth Camera: It has dedicated cameras for macro and depth photography.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra Advantages
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, AMOLED, higher refresh rate, and much brighter screen significantly enhance visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster processor and GPU for smoother multitasking, gaming, and app usage.
- Far Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wide angle and telephoto lens, optical image stabilization, and significantly more video recording options greatly improve image quality.
- Longer Battery Life & Much Faster Charging: Larger battery and faster charging times provide better convenience and endurance.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards for faster and more reliable connections.
- Larger Storage and RAM: Offers more internal storage and RAM for better performance.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers, and noise cancellation make for a great listening experience.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a more secure way to unlock the device.
- Superior Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 offers better scratch and impact resistance.
- Advanced Sensor Suite: Includes fingerprint sensor, compass, gyroscope, and gravity sensors.
Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A02s: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and advanced features for affordability.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: Has a heavier build than the A02s and more expensive.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and simple tasks. Good for those less concerned with performance or advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- Making and receiving calls and texts.
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Simple games.
- Occasional photo capture.
- Users who prioritize affordability over performance and features.
- Price-to-Value: Good for its very low price point.
Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Ideal User: Power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who demands a premium mobile experience.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming, video streaming, and content creation.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Resource-intensive apps and multitasking.
- Users who prioritize performance, display quality, and camera features.
- Professionals who need a powerful mobile device.
- Price-to-Value: High price but offers top-tier performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions
- What is your budget? The price difference is significant.
- What are your primary use cases? (basic tasks vs. gaming/photography/multitasking)
- How important is display and camera quality to you?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If your budget is very limited, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is an acceptable option for very basic needs.
- Scenario 2 (Everyday User): The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra offers a significantly better user experience with a far superior display, performance, and camera, if budget allows.
- Scenario 3 (Power User/Content Creator): The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear choice for anyone needing high performance, excellent camera, and advanced features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Despite its higher price point, the improvements it offers in almost every category is well worth the premium, especially for my use case:
- Display Quality: The superior AMOLED screen with high refresh rate and brightness is a major factor in my daily enjoyment of a smartphone. I value vivid, clear visuals and smooth animations.
- Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset ensures that the phone is responsive and fast, capable of handling anything from resource intensive apps to gaming.
- Camera Quality: The significantly improved camera system would make it a much more reliable companion for taking photos and videos. The ability to use a telephoto lens and the better video quality is a necessity for me.
- Future-Proofing: The newer technologies and superior specifications of the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra will ensure the phone remains relevant for longer and continues to perform well.
While the Samsung Galaxy A02s might be a suitable choice for very basic use cases with a limited budget, the compromises it makes in nearly every aspect are far too significant to justify it as my daily driver. Therefore, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear choice for me given my usage patterns.
