1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | Nokia G100 is slightly taller and a hair thinner, but both are very similar in hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 195.1g | Virtually identical weights, will feel similar in pocket/hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Negligible difference; both offer a large screen for media consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same HD+ resolution; adequate for basic tasks but not the sharpest. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Virtually identical pixel density, meaning similar sharpness. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Nokia G100's IPS LCD generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have standard refresh rate resulting in smooth but not as fluid scrolling as higher refresh rate phones. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have no specified peak brightness, so viewing in direct sunlight might be a struggle. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Nokia G100 has a significantly faster chipset leading to better overall performance and snappier multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 201,615 | Nokia G100 has dramatically higher benchmark scores leading to noticeably better performance in apps and games. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 610 | Nokia G100 has a superior GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and media. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 13MP | 13MP | Both offer the same main camera resolution; image quality will depend on sensor, software and aperture. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.0 | Samsung Galaxy A02s has a wider aperture; better low light performance than G100 |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 8MP | Nokia G100's selfie camera has a higher resolution leading to sharper selfies. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.4 | Samsung Galaxy A02s has a slightly wider aperture; better low light selfies |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia G100 has an advantage by offering a wide angle camera for landscape shots and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a dedicated depth sensor to create background blur for portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Samsung Galaxy A02s allows close up photos of small subjects with a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No stabilization; No slow motion | 1080p@30fps; Digital image stabilization; 120 fps Slow motion | Nokia G100 offers digital image stabilization for smoother videos and 120 fps slow-motion; Samsung A02s lacks both. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode; Digital image stabilization | Nokia G100 has more advanced features for photography enthusiasts. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity; expect similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Both have the same charging speed, will take some time to fully charge. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 12 | Nokia G100 has a more recent version of Android out of the box; Samsung is upgradable to Android 12, but Nokia will receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual band | Nokia G100 has newer WiFi capabilities for faster data transfer and more stable connection. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Nokia G100 has a newer version of Bluetooth, potentially better range and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Samsung Galaxy A02s has better location accuracy due to support for more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual sim functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32 GB or 64 GB | 32 GB or 128 GB | Nokia G100 offers a higher max storage option, more space for apps, media. |
| RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | Both have similar RAM options, sufficient for basic tasks. |
| Expandable | No | No | No expansion for either phone which could be limiting for those with a lot of media. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | 2 microphones | Nokia G100 offers enhanced voice quality for calls and recordings due to having two microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 has a fingerprint sensor for fast secure unlocks; Samsung A02s is not specified. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 offers better screen protection for everyday use, which reduces screen damage. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Nokia G100 provides additional functionality with gyroscope and barometer for improved app compatibility. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The f/1.8 aperture on its main camera might result in better low-light photos compared to the Nokia G100.
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; this lens is missing on the G100.
- More GPS Satellites: Supports more GPS satellites for better location accuracy
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: Snapdragon 662 chipset offers a much smoother and faster experience for everyday use, gaming, and multitasking.
- Superior Display Technology: IPS LCD provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD.
- Wide Angle Lens: Adds versatility to the camera system for wider perspective shots.
- Better Video Stabilization & Slow Motion: Digital image stabilization and 120fps slow-motion offer enhanced video capabilities.
- Newer Android Version: Android 12 out of the box.
- More Storage Option: 128GB compared to 64 GB.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Side mounted sensor for easy and secure access.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 screen for more scratch resistance.
- Gyroscope and Barometer: Additional sensors allow for more application and gaming compatibility.
- Better Audio Quality: Dual microphones allow for better sound capture for recordings and calls.
- Superior WiFi and Bluetooth Standards: Newer WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities for better speeds and more stability.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A02s offers better low-light photos due to its slightly wider aperture, and has a macro lens not available on the G100, but it is weaker in almost all other areas.
- Nokia G100 lacks a dedicated macro camera, and its main camera has a smaller aperture (f/2.0) compared to A02s (f/1.8); however it offers a far superior experience in every other aspect.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for the most affordable option.
- Users with Basic Needs: Those who primarily use their phones for calling, texting, and light browsing.
- Macro photography enthusiasts: Users who like to take close up macro photography.
Use Cases for Galaxy A02s:
- Backup phone or secondary device.
- Basic phone for children or elderly users.
- Users with very basic tech needs.
Nokia G100 Ideal User:
- Value-Oriented Users: Those who want good performance and features at a reasonable price.
- Users Who Value Performance: Those who want a smooth experience while browsing social media, using apps, and gaming.
- Media Consumers: Those who watch a lot of videos and want an good display.
- Photographers: Those who will utilise the extra camera features.
- Security Conscious users: Users who appreciate a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocks.
Use Cases for Nokia G100:
- Everyday phone for social media, browsing, and communication.
- Budget-friendly gaming and media consumption.
- Users who want good camera quality and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung Galaxy A02s is likely cheaper, while the Nokia G100 offers better specs for a slightly higher price.
- How important is performance to you? If you want fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and better gaming, the Nokia G100 is the better choice.
- What type of photos do you take? If you want close up macro photography, the Samsung A02s is the only choice, however if you'd like to take wide angle shots the Nokia G100 will provide that functionality.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Strict budget, very basic usage: The Samsung Galaxy A02s is a good choice for users who need a barebones smartphone with no special features.
- Scenario 2: Need a smooth, feature-rich phone on a budget: The Nokia G100 is far superior, and it offers significantly better performance and features for a small price difference.
- Scenario 3: Macro Photography is important: The Samsung Galaxy A02s is the only phone that features a macro lens, if this is important it might be the only choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Nokia G100. While the Samsung Galaxy A02s might be slightly more affordable, the Nokia G100 offers a vastly superior user experience thanks to its faster chipset, better display, more versatile camera features, newer software, fingerprint sensor, better screen protection, more storage, and additional sensors. For most users, these advantages are well worth the slight increase in price. The differences in performance are significant, especially in terms of app loading, multitasking, and gaming, and the lack of a fingerprint sensor and worse screen protection on the Samsung are a concern. The Nokia G100 is simply the better value proposition.
