1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Motorola Moto G Power (2021) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm | The Moto G Power is slightly taller and thicker, which might be noticeable in pocket or hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 206.5g | The Galaxy A02s is lighter by 10.5g, potentially more comfortable for long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference, both offer a large screen for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, so sharpness is comparable. |
| PPI | 270 | 266 | Very slight difference, not noticeable to most users. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD typically offers slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate on both devices; No difference in smoothness. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness data is missing; Impact on outdoor visibility is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | The Snapdragon 662 is a significantly faster processor, leading to better app loading, multitasking, and gaming performance. The smaller nm process also contributes to better efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 178,220 | The Moto G Power has significantly higher performance in benchmarks, indicating a much faster phone in day-to-day tasks and intensive use. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 610 | The Adreno 610 offers significantly better graphics processing, leading to smoother gameplay and better graphics in general. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 13MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.7 | The Moto G Power has a much higher resolution sensor, resulting in more detailed photos. The wider aperture may capture slightly more light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Moto G Power has a higher resolution selfie camera and a wider aperture for better low-light selfies. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a comparable depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have a comparable macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 1080p@60fps w/EIS | The Moto G Power offers 60fps recording and has Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), leading to smoother, clearer videos especially in fast-moving scenes and during handheld recording. |
| Camera Features | Multiple features | Additional features like Laser autofocus, continuous shooting, white balance settings and exposure compensation. | The Moto G Power provides a richer set of camera features, providing more flexibility in capturing photos and videos, with features such as Laser Autofocus for faster and more reliable focus in low-light settings. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion Polymer) | Similar fast charging, no major difference. Type of battery could have minor differences in longevity but not in day to day usage. The Moto G Power includes a charger in-box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to 12 | Android 10, no upgrades reported | The Galaxy A02s can be upgraded to a newer Android version, allowing access to more modern features, better security and better performance. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Moto G Power supports faster and more modern Wi-Fi standards (802.11ac), potentially leading to higher Wi-Fi speeds. The Galaxy A02s offers additional direct connection. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR | The Moto G Power has newer Bluetooth standard, improving the connection speed and range to the devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | The Galaxy A02s supports a wider range of satellite systems which can result in better location accuracy; SUPL helps with assisting GPS accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Single SIM | The Galaxy A02s allows the use of two SIM cards simultaneously, which is very convenient for travellers or those who need to manage multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 32 GB or 64 GB | Both offer identical storage options, sufficient for casual use, but may be limited for users who store a lot of media. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Similar RAM options available for both devices. Sufficient for basic usage. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device can expand its storage which may be a limitation for some users. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Moto G Power has a fingerprint scanner, which enhances the security and the ease of access compared to the Galaxy A02s. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Moto G Power provides a richer set of sensors which can be used in more use cases, such as navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Motorola Moto G Power (2021) Advantages:
- Significantly Faster Performance: The Snapdragon 662 chipset and Adreno 610 GPU offer a major performance boost over the Galaxy A02s, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Superior Camera Quality: The 48MP main camera and 8MP selfie camera, along with wider apertures, offer more detailed photos and better low-light performance. Additionally, EIS in video recording will help to create smoother and more usable footage.
- Enhanced Features: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, newer Bluetooth 5.0, and a more advanced Wi-Fi standard, which results in enhanced user experience. The laser autofocus and other camera features result in a more flexible and capable camera experience.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Includes a gyroscope, compass, and a fingerprint sensor providing a broader range of features.
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: A bit lighter, which may be preferable for some users.
- Dual SIM Support: Offers dual SIM support, ideal for those who need to manage multiple numbers, while the Moto G Power is limited to single SIM.
- Potential Android Upgrade: Capable of upgrading to Android 12, accessing newer features.
- Better Location Accuracy: Supports more satellite systems for better GPS.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A02s sacrifices performance and camera quality for a slightly lighter build and dual SIM support.
- The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) has a better performance, camera and sensor package, but is slightly heavier and lacks dual SIM support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Budget-conscious users: Looking for a basic phone with essential functions at a lower cost.
- Users needing dual SIM support: Frequent travelers or individuals managing multiple phone numbers.
- Users who don't require high-performance tasks: Mainly use their phones for calls, messaging, and light browsing.
- Users preferring a lighter phone: Preference for a lighter device, even with other compromises.
Ideal User for Motorola Moto G Power (2021):
- Performance-oriented users: Those who want a smoother experience for gaming, multitasking and other demanding applications.
- Users who want a better camera: Ideal for those who prioritize photography and video.
- Users who value modern features and security: Those who prioritize fingerprint sensors and the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi standards.
- Users who want access to better sensors Users who would benefit from additional sensors like a gyroscope or compass.
Specific Use Cases:
- Samsung Galaxy A02s: A secondary phone for travel, a basic phone for older users, or for users who mainly use their phone for calls and messaging.
- Motorola Moto G Power (2021): A daily driver for users who want a smooth experience, take many photos, and use their device for games and more demanding tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance? If you need a fast phone for everyday usage and gaming, then Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better option, while the Samsung Galaxy A02s is better for basic usage.
- Is camera quality a priority? The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) offers a much better experience in both picture and video, making it preferable for photography enthusiasts and those who take a lot of photos and videos.
- Do you need dual SIM support? The Samsung Galaxy A02s is the only option that supports dual SIM, which is crucial for those needing multiple numbers simultaneously.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget is the primary concern and dual SIM is needed: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A02s.
- Scenario 2: Performance and camera quality are a high priority: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
- Scenario 3: You need a modern phone with better sensors and fingerprint scanner: Choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021).
- Scenario 4: Basic usage, light user that does not care about performance, dual SIM support is more important: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A02s.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Power (2021). While the dual SIM capability of the Samsung Galaxy A02s is appealing, the significant improvements in performance, camera, and overall feature set of the Moto G Power make it the more compelling option for daily use. The better chipset, GPU, higher-resolution cameras with better apertures and the inclusion of features such as a fingerprint scanner result in a much better experience. The performance improvements are substantial and will result in a smoother user experience and that is my primary requirement. While both phones have 60Hz displays, that can easily be overlooked, whereas performance improvements are always noticed.
