1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Huawei nova Y90 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.3 × 74.7 × 8.4 mm | The Huawei is slightly more compact and thinner, which might make it feel a bit better in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Virtually identical weights; neither feels significantly heavier or lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | The Huawei has a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2388 | The Huawei's higher resolution will result in noticeably sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 391 | The Huawei has a much sharper display that is much better for reading and detailed content. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The Huawei's 90Hz refresh rate provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness which is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | The Huawei's Snapdragon 680 is significantly more powerful and efficient than the older Snapdragon 450, leading to smoother performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 249,000 | The Huawei demonstrates drastically better performance in benchmarks, indicating significantly faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming capabilities. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 610 | The Huawei's Adreno 610 is a more powerful GPU, allowing better gaming performance than the Adreno 506. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life with similar usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 40W Fast Charging | The Huawei has much faster charging; less time waiting for the phone to charge. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries generally offer slightly better longevity and performance over Li-Ion. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 13MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | The Huawei's 50MP main camera captures significantly more detail than the Samsung's 13MP, resulting in better picture quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 8MP (f/2.0) | The Huawei has a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture for better low-light performance. |
| Additional Cameras | 2MP depth, 2MP macro | 2MP secondary, 2MP tertiary | The Samsung has a dedicated macro camera while the Huawei has additional secondary and tertiary cameras with different lenses |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer similar video recording quality at 1080p. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | The Huawei's camera app has more control features like continuous shooting, white balance, and exposure compensation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Not Provided | The Samsung runs on Android (upgradable to 12) which is very user friendly. The Huawei OS is not specified so it is hard to gauge user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Huawei supports a newer Wi-Fi standard and dual-band support, allowing for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR | The Huawei's Bluetooth 5.0 offers better energy efficiency, faster transfer speeds, and improved range compared to the Samsung. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Huawei supports additional GPS systems, offering more precise location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both have dual SIM functionality to allow for 2 sim cards at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB | The Huawei has double the base internal storage for storing more apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 4GB/6GB/8GB | The Huawei offers more RAM options, leading to smoother multitasking and improved performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, limiting flexibility. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Basic audio features | Both offer basic audio which is not defined further. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Huawei provides a faster and more convenient way to unlock the phone using fingerprint. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Not Provided | Not Provided | The specific screen protection technology is unknown for both devices. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The Huawei has more useful sensors such as a fingerprint and compass. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Slightly more camera features: Includes a dedicated Macro lens, which the Huawei lacks.
Huawei nova Y90 Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 680 chipset delivers significantly better performance than the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A02s. This means faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experience.
- Higher Resolution Display: The 1080p display of the Huawei results in sharper visuals with 123% more pixels, making text clearer and content more enjoyable.
- Faster Charging: The 40W charging capability is a significant upgrade over the 15W charging of the Galaxy A02s, meaning less time plugged into the wall.
- More RAM and Storage: With options for more RAM (up to 8GB) and 128GB of internal storage as standard (versus 32GB/64GB options on A02s), the Huawei offers better multitasking and more room for user data.
- Better Camera Sensor: A higher-resolution 50MP main camera allows for more detailed pictures.
- More Connectivity Features: The Huawei offers dual-band Wi-Fi, newer Bluetooth, and extra satellite support for GPS, enhancing overall connectivity experience.
- Biometric Security: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and convenient unlocking.
- Improved Screen Technology: Includes IPS display technology and a faster refresh rate.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung has a macro camera, but that is outshined by the significantly better features of the Huawei nova Y90.
- The Huawei is a little bit bigger, but thinner than the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who prioritize affordability above all else and don't need high performance.
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light social media.
- Users needing a Macro Camera: Users that need to take detailed pictures from up close will prefer the Samsung Galaxy A02s.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Primary device for elderly individuals or children who require basic functionality.
- A secondary device for calls and basic communication.
- Users who want to use the macro lens in photography.
Huawei nova Y90 Ideal User:
- Performance-oriented users: Those who want a phone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps smoothly.
- Media consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos or browse social media.
- Users who appreciate camera quality: People who take photos regularly and want better image quality.
- Users who prefer better security features: People who like a fingerprint sensor for security.
Use Cases for Huawei nova Y90:
- Primary phone for everyday use with a focus on media consumption and social media.
- Gaming on the go, thanks to its better performance.
- Capturing high-quality images and videos.
- Multitasking throughout the day.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Huawei nova Y90 provides much better value due to its superior performance, display, camera, and features. Even if it costs slightly more, the overall user experience will be significantly better than on the Samsung Galaxy A02s. The Galaxy A02s is only better if you really want the macro lens.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? (If you want fast performance, the Huawei wins.)
- How important is display quality? (If you desire sharper visuals, the Huawei wins.)
- What's your budget? (If budget is extremely tight, the Samsung might be the option, although the Huawei provides significantly more value.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic User, Tight Budget: If you need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing with a very limited budget, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is acceptable.
Scenario 2: Performance and Media Focused: If you want better performance for multitasking and gaming, a sharper display for media, and better camera features, then the Huawei nova Y90 is the better choice, even if it costs more.
Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast on a Budget: If you need a macro lens, then the Samsung is better, but if a macro lens is not important, then the Huawei is far better with better all around camera performance.
My Choice
Based on the detailed comparison, I would choose the Huawei nova Y90.
Reasons:
- Significant Performance Boost: The Snapdragon 680 in the Huawei nova Y90 offers a far superior user experience compared to the dated Snapdragon 450 in the Samsung Galaxy A02s. I value responsiveness and speed in a smartphone, which is something the Huawei clearly delivers on.
- Superior Display Quality: The higher resolution and IPS LCD technology of the Huawei's display results in crisper visuals, and the 90Hz refresh rate makes animations and scrolling smoother and more enjoyable.
- Faster Charging: The 40W fast charging of the Huawei is a game-changer, as it can significantly reduce downtime while charging and allow me to use my phone more often.
- Better Camera Quality: While both phones offer basic camera functionality, the higher-resolution 50MP main camera on the Huawei will capture far more detail and provide better photo quality overall.
- More Features: The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.0, a fingerprint sensor, additional GPS systems, and more RAM in the Huawei make it a more complete and modern smartphone experience.
- Overall Value: Although it may cost more, the Huawei nova Y90 offers much better value due to the significant upgrades in performance, display, camera, and features.
While the Samsung Galaxy A02s has a macro lens, its other features are outshined by the vastly superior Huawei. For my own needs, where performance, display quality, and user experience are prioritized over an additional camera lens, the Huawei nova Y90 is the clear winner.
