1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Nokia G10 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-04 | 2021-04-26 | Nokia G10 is slightly newer, potentially having longer software support. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm, 196g | 164.9 × 76 × 9.2 mm, 194g | Both are virtually identical in size and weight, meaning similar handling and pocket feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Negligible size difference; similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both will have similar sharpness for everyday use. Text and images will appear reasonably clear. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Very similar pixel density; visual sharpness differences will be nearly imperceptible. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Nokia G10 provides better viewing angles and more accurate colors compared to PLS LCD of Samsung. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both offer the standard 60Hz refresh rate, resulting in the same smoothness in scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown brightness values, making outdoor visibility difficult to assess (likely to be very low though) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14nm) | Helio G25 (12nm) | Nokia G10’s Helio G25 offers better performance for general tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 102,700 | Nokia G10 is significantly faster, resulting in smoother app loading, switching, and overall responsiveness. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | PowerVR GE8320 | Nokia G10's GPU will provide slightly better graphics performance in gaming and other graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear (Standard) | 13MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.2 | Samsung A02s' wider aperture (f/1.8) allows more light, potentially better low-light performance. |
| Selfie | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | Nokia G10 captures more detailed selfies with its higher-resolution 8MP sensor. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | 2MP | Similar depth effects using their 2MP portrait mode cameras. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both offer a similar macro camera experience for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record videos at similar resolutions and framerates. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, PDAF, Face detection | White balance, Exposure comp | Samsung A02s has PDAF for faster autofocus, while Nokia G10 allows greater control with white balance and exposure settings. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Similar battery capacity for all-day usage under normal use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 10W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Samsung A02s charges faster with 15W charging, meaning less waiting time to fully charge the phone. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Nokia G10 has a newer version of Android and will receive software updates for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n, Direct, Display | 802.11 b/g/n, Hotspot | Samsung A02s has more Wi-Fi features, enabling direct connection and display mirroring. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Nokia G10's Bluetooth 5.0 offers faster transfer speeds and a more reliable connection. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both have similar navigation capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both allow use of two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 32/64GB | Both have the same storage options with no option for expansion. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 3/4GB | Both offer similar RAM configurations. 3 GB for basic use, 4 GB for some more multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | 2 microphones | Nokia G10 is likely to have slightly clearer call quality due to dual microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Nokia G10's fingerprint sensor offers convenient and quick unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Nokia G10 has more sensors including a fingerprint scanner. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Wider Camera Aperture: The f/1.8 aperture on the main camera captures more light, potentially resulting in better low-light images.
- Slightly Faster Charging: 15W charging is faster than Nokia G10's 10W charging, meaning less time plugged in.
- Wi-Fi Features: Offers Wi-Fi Direct and Display for more connectivity options.
- PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus): Could result in faster and more accurate autofocus in standard shots.
Nokia G10 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Helio G25 chipset has a much higher AnTuTu score than the Snapdragon 450, leading to smoother overall performance.
- Better Display Technology: IPS LCD offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than the PLS LCD panel.
- Higher Resolution Selfie Camera: 8MP front camera captures more detail than the 5MP in the A02s.
- Newer Android Version: Ships with Android 11, and expected to be updated to Android 13, giving longer software support and potentially better security.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers biometric security, which the A02s lacks.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Provides faster and more reliable connections with wireless devices.
- Dual Microphones: Nokia G10 can capture clearer audio for video recording and calls
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A02s sacrifices performance for slightly better low-light camera performance, faster charging and more Wi-Fi features.
- Nokia G10 sacrifices charging speed and PDAF for significantly improved performance, security and display quality, and software support.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Ideal User for Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Budget-conscious users who prioritize slightly better low-light photos and faster charging over overall performance.
- Users who need basic smartphone functionality and don't push their phones with heavy multitasking or gaming.
- Users that want greater connectivity options: Wi-Fi direct and display
- Users who occasionally take pictures in low-light conditions and need the best available in this budget.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Browsing social media, light web browsing, and messaging.
- Taking the occasional photo in average to slightly low light conditions.
- Basic video calls.
Ideal User for Nokia G10:
- Users who value overall performance and a smoother smartphone experience on a budget.
- Users who want a more modern Android version and longer-term software support.
- Users who prefer a fingerprint sensor for easier security unlocking.
- Users who want better audio quality for calls and videos
- Users who appreciate better display quality.
Use Cases for Nokia G10:
- Everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, messaging, and light gaming.
- Users who want consistent performance and fast responsiveness in apps.
- Users who want a fast secure way to unlock their phone with a fingerprint.
- Users who want a smoother general smartphone experience.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Nokia G10 offers a better price-to-value ratio given its significantly better performance, fingerprint sensor, newer Android version, better display technology, and higher-resolution front camera for what is likely a similar price point. The improved general performance is a better value over slightly faster charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
How important is overall performance for me?
- If performance is a priority, choose the Nokia G10 for its superior processor and smoother operation.
- If performance is not the most important feature, consider the Samsung Galaxy A02s for its trade-offs.
Do I need a fingerprint sensor and longer software support?
- If you value a fingerprint sensor for security, or want a newer Android OS and long term support, then Nokia G10 is the better option.
- If you do not value fingerprint sensors or long term software support, the A02s is an option.
What type of camera performance am I looking for?
- If slightly better low-light images are a priority, the Samsung A02s's f/1.8 aperture might be preferred.
- If better selfie detail and more balanced camera performance is needed, Nokia G10 is the better choice with its 8 MP sensor.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: If you are an average user who only needs a phone for social media, browsing, and messaging, and you don't mind very basic performance, and you want slightly better low-light photos, then the Samsung Galaxy A02s is an option.
Scenario 2: If you are an average user who values a smooth, responsive experience and want more security, longer-term software support, and a better display, then the Nokia G10 is the better choice.
Final Decision
I would choose the Nokia G10.
Reasoning:
The Nokia G10 provides a superior overall experience compared to the Samsung Galaxy A02s. The significant performance difference due to the more powerful Helio G25 chipset is the key factor. The smoother app performance, coupled with the fingerprint sensor and better display technology, results in a much more modern and practical experience. While the A02s has slightly faster charging and a wider camera aperture, these advantages are not enough to outweigh the G10's performance benefits and security features. The newer Android version, Bluetooth 5.0, and better selfie camera, and dual microphones also make the Nokia G10 a more well-rounded option. Overall, the G10 provides better value in terms of daily usage and provides a smoother user experience.
