1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm | Similar size, the A02s is slightly taller and wider, but both are similar in thickness. Slight differences in hand feel but not drastically so. |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | The A02s is slightly lighter (6g). Likely a minor difference not highly noticeable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size, both offer a large viewing experience |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Moto G Stylus has much sharper visuals with a higher pixel density, leading to crisper text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 399 | The Moto G Stylus offers significantly higher sharpness. Text and images will look much clearer on the Moto G Stylus. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD, enhancing the visual experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Moto G Stylus offers smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming due to its higher refresh rate making the user interface look more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, however, the practical impact of this is limited without a number to compare against. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Moto G Stylus has a much more powerful chipset, providing faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 565,000 | The Moto G Stylus is significantly faster, making the phone feel much more responsive and modern. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 710 | The Moto G Stylus has a more capable GPU, translating to better graphics in games and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 20W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | The Moto G Stylus charges slightly faster, and the Li-Polymer battery is often considered a bit more durable over time. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both phones have non-removable batteries, common in most modern smartphones. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 13MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.88, 1/1.55" sensor, 1.00 µm pixels) | The Moto G Stylus has a significantly higher resolution main camera and larger sensor, resulting in sharper and more detailed images, especially in good lighting. |
| Standard Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.88 | The Samsung has a wider aperture but the Moto G stylus has a larger sensor. This would suggest similar low-light performance but the Moto G Stylus would have much better detail in good light. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP (f/2.2) | 16MP (f/2.5) | The Moto G Stylus has a much higher resolution front camera for better selfies and video calls. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.5 | The Samsung has a slightly wider aperture on the front camera, however, this is likely to be outweighed by the higher-resolution sensor on the Moto G Stylus. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The A02s has a dedicated depth sensor which allows for better portrait photos with background blur effect. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The A02s has a dedicated macro lens for taking close-up shots, often used for detailed photography of small objects. |
| Wide Angle + Macro Camera | None | 8MP (f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixels) | The Moto G Stylus has a versatile wide-angle + macro lens for capturing more in the frame or detailed close-up shots, often used for landscape or architecture photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilisation | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, Yes Stabilisation | The Moto G Stylus offers much better video quality and stabilization, which results in more stable and smoother video footage. |
| Slow-Motion Video | No | Yes, 240fps | The Moto G Stylus can record slow-motion video, allowing users to capture moments in a cinematic fashion. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO, Scene, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital Image Stabilization, OIS, Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous Autofocus, Manual focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance, ISO, Exposure, Scene, Self-timer, Night Mode | The Moto G Stylus offers more advanced camera features, including stabilization and better control of exposure. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | The Moto G Stylus offers a more modern OS and likely longer software support and features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | The Moto G Stylus has a much more advanced Wi-Fi, offering faster speeds and better connectivity, particularly in busy Wi-Fi networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE (aptX, LDAC, SBC, AAC) | The Moto G Stylus offers a newer and more robust Bluetooth version, offering better audio quality with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, SUPL, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Both phones offer a variety of satellite connectivity standards for navigation, with both supporting different options, leading to similar performance. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM) | Single SIM (Nano SIM) | The A02s can have two SIMs active at the same time, handy for separating personal and work lines or for travelers using local sims. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB or 256GB | The Moto G Stylus has significantly more storage, allowing users to store more apps, photos, videos and files. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | The Moto G Stylus has much more RAM, which allows for smoother multitasking and better app performance, especially with the 6 and 8GB options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Moto G Stylus offers better audio quality, with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, this leads to a more immersive experience when listening to music, watching videos or playing games. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Moto G Stylus offers additional biometric security, making it quicker and easier to unlock the device. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | The specific screen protection used by either phone is unknown. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic | The Moto G Stylus has more sensors that can allow for better gaming, apps that rely on orientation (such as maps) and increased security. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Dual SIM Support: The A02s supports two SIM cards, offering flexibility for those needing separate lines.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Cameras: It includes dedicated sensors for macro and depth effects, potentially beneficial for photography enthusiasts on a budget.
- Slightly Lighter Weight: At 196g, it's a bit lighter than the Moto G Stylus.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset offers significantly higher performance for all tasks.
- Higher Resolution Display: The sharper display provides a much better visual experience.
- Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate offers smoother animations and scrolling.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes OIS, higher resolution main/selfie sensors, and 4K video recording with stabilization. The wide-angle camera adds more flexibility.
- More RAM: Options for 6GB or 8GB of RAM allow for smoother multitasking.
- More Storage: 128 or 256GB of storage provides ample room for files and apps.
- Newer OS: Ships with Android 13, offering a more modern user experience and likely longer software support.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos for a superior audio experience.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi 6 and newer Bluetooth standards (5.2), leading to faster and more stable connections.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Provides more convenient and secure unlocking.
- More Sensors: Has more sensors, useful for certain apps and games.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A02s: The A02s sacrifices performance, display quality, and overall camera capabilities for dual SIM and dedicated macro/depth sensors. It's an older device using older and slower technology.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023): It is more expensive. It does not offer dual SIM capabilities or a dedicated depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need dual SIM support and are not heavy gamers or photographers.
- Use Cases: Basic calling, messaging, browsing, and light social media use. A secondary phone for travel or work where dual sim is beneficial.
- Price-to-Value: Priced at the budget level, it offers basic functionality for those who prioritize cost over features. It is an older device and may not be worth purchasing for many people.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023):
- Ideal User: Users seeking a mid-range phone with good performance, a great display, and a versatile camera system.
- Use Cases: Gaming, watching videos, photography, social media, multitasking, and note taking due to the included stylus.
- Price-to-Value: Offers excellent value, providing premium features without breaking the bank.
- Note-taking: The inclusion of a stylus would make this a great device for users looking to hand-write notes or sketch.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? The A02s is a significantly cheaper device, while the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) offers better specs at a mid-range price point.
- How important is performance and display quality? If you value speed, smooth visuals, and high resolution, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the clear choice.
- How important is dual sim, a macro lens and dedicated depth sensor? These are the few areas where the A02s excels, so if they are important then this should be taken into consideration.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If the primary concern is price and basic functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A02s may suffice, although it is an older device and performance may be lacking for general use.
- Dual-SIM User: The Samsung Galaxy A02s is the only choice if dual-SIM functionality is required.
- Power User: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is the best choice for those needing a phone with powerful performance, a modern display, a capable camera, and great audio.
- Photo Enthusiast: The Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) has a significantly better camera system with more versatility, while the A02s offers a macro and depth lens.
My Choice
I would choose the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023). While the Samsung Galaxy A02s has a few areas where it excels (dual-sim and dedicated macro/depth sensors), the Moto G Stylus 5G (2023) is a significantly more capable device in almost every other metric. The performance difference is night and day, the display is much sharper and smoother, the camera is superior, and the additional features, such as a fingerprint sensor, stylus support, better audio, and more modern OS, make it a much better phone for overall use.
Although the A02s is a cheaper device, the performance will likely be noticeably lacking. I feel as though the Moto G Stylus offers a much better experience for the average user, which is worth the difference in price.
