Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Motorola Edge (2022)
1. Specifications Comparison
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specifications, highlighting practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Motorola Edge (2022) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 160.9 × 74.2 × 8 mm | Motorola is more compact, easier to handle one-handed. |
| Weight | 196g | 170g | Motorola is significantly lighter, more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Virtually identical screen sizes; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Motorola has much sharper, clearer display; better for viewing detailed content. |
| PPI | 270 | 399 | Motorola's higher pixel density makes text and images appear sharper. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Motorola's OLED provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, better contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | Motorola has smoother scrolling, animations, better gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both phones, limiting outdoor visibility analysis. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 (14 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Motorola has a much faster processor, providing smoother performance, faster app loading. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 522,375 | Motorola has significantly higher benchmark score, much better for gaming, multitasking, demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Motorola's GPU provides better graphics performance for gaming and video. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Motorola captures much more detailed photos, can be cropped with less loss in quality. |
| Front Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.45 | Motorola captures much higher detail in selfies; Samsung has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/1.5 | Motorola offers wide-angle shots, enabling capture of larger scenes. |
| Portrait Mode Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 20MP, f/2.4 | Motorola takes much sharper macro photos; better for close-up details. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps | Motorola has more versatile video capabilities; better for content creators. |
| Video Stabilization | No | EIS, OIS | Motorola offers better video recording quality with stabilization. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery life, expected to last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless | Motorola charges the phone much faster and supports wireless charging. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | 15W Wireless Charging, 5W Reverse Charging | Motorola can wirelessly charge and also charge other devices. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12 | Motorola is on newer Android version with more features, better security. |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Motorola supports faster, more efficient Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.2 | Motorola has better range, data transfer, and energy efficiency. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Motorola has eSIM support, enabling easy switching between mobile plans. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 128/256GB | Motorola offers much larger storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 6/8GB | Motorola has more RAM which provides better performance, faster multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | Motorola's audio is significantly more immersive and clear due to improved audio features. |
| Security & Build Quality | |||
| Security | Basic Features | Fingerprint sensor | Motorola offers biometric security via a fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Motorola screen is more scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer, Barometer | Motorola includes a comprehensive suite of sensors useful for gaming, navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: For portrait photos, which may be preferable to some users.
- Lower Price Point: Usually is the better option for those on a tight budget
Motorola Edge (2022) Advantages
- Superior Display: Sharper, more vibrant OLED screen with higher refresh rate.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster processor, better for gaming, multitasking, demanding apps.
- Enhanced Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, wide-angle lens, superior video capabilities.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Charges faster and offers convenient wireless charging.
- Advanced Audio: Dolby Atmos support, stereo speakers, noise cancellation.
- eSIM Support: Digital SIM option, useful for traveling and switching carriers easily.
- Better Build Quality: Gorilla Glass 3 for screen protection.
- More RAM & Internal Storage: Faster multitasking capabilities and greater space for your files.
- More Sensors: Comprehensive sensor suite suitable for advanced features and gaming.
Significant Trade-offs
- Samsung Galaxy A02s: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for a lower price.
- Motorola Edge (2022): Comes at a higher cost than the A02s.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking basic smartphone functions.
- Users primarily making calls, texting, and browsing social media.
- Those who value a longer battery life (both phones have the same capacity but with the lower performance of A02s, battery may last slightly longer)
- Use Cases:
- Basic social media use (Facebook, Instagram)
- Browsing the web, sending emails
- Making phone calls and texting
- Casual photography
- Price to Value: The price of the phone matches the value
Motorola Edge (2022)
- Ideal Users:
- Users seeking premium performance, display, and camera.
- Gamers, content creators, and heavy multitaskers.
- Users who value fast charging, wireless charging, and versatile audio.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming (demanding games)
- High-quality video recording, vloggin.
- Multitasking between apps, running demanding apps.
- Watching videos, streaming content
- Travelers needing eSIM
- Price to Value: The price of the phone is high but worth it considering the performance, camera, display and all the features packed inside.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers
- What is your budget? The A02s is significantly more affordable, while the Edge (2022) comes with a higher price tag.
- What do you prioritize? Performance, display quality, camera, or battery life?
- How do you use your smartphone? Basic usage, gaming, content creation, or travel?
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: If you're on a very tight budget and only need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A02s may suffice.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Performance and Features: If you want a better user experience, good performance, better display and camera, then the Motorola Edge (2022) is well worth the investment.
- Scenario 3: High-Performance User, Camera Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge (2022) is clearly the better choice here. Its advanced camera, superior processing power, and better display provide a great experience for demanding tasks.
My Choice
Given the vast differences in performance, display quality, camera capabilities and other features, I would choose the Motorola Edge (2022). While it comes at a higher price, the dramatically improved user experience is worth the investment. The 144Hz OLED display alone is a game-changer for daily use. The significantly better processor makes the phone much faster and more pleasant to use for everything from basic navigation to heavy-duty tasks like gaming or photo/video editing. The camera system is far more versatile, and the additional audio features and build quality are significant upgrades. The price difference reflects the overall gap in technology and capabilities. The Samsung Galaxy A02s is a budget phone with compromises that would frustrate anyone expecting decent performance, which makes it not worth it.
