Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Realme 11
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Realme 11 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | Realme 11 is slightly taller but thinner, potentially feeling more modern. A02s is more bulky. |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Realme 11 is negligibly lighter, which may be more comfortable for long holding periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Realme 11 has a slightly larger screen, which is beneficial for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 11 has a sharper, clearer display with more detail, making text and images look better. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 392 | Realme 11's higher PPI results in significantly sharper visuals, reducing pixelation and improving overall clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Realme 11 typically offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD on A02s. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11 offers smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 11 is much brighter, making it significantly easier to use outdoors in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 (14nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Realme 11's chipset is significantly faster and more power-efficient, leading to smoother overall performance and better battery life. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 389,600 | Realme 11 has much higher performance in benchmarks (over 400% more), making it noticeably faster in everyday use and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 11's GPU is more capable for gaming, providing better frame rates and graphic quality. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 11 charges much faster, reducing charging time significantly. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Realme 11's Li-Polymer is more durable and has a better safety profile |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79, 1/2" sensor | Realme 11 captures significantly more detailed photos with its higher resolution sensor; it also performs slightly better in low light thanks to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme 11 takes slightly higher resolution and brighter selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a 2MP depth camera for portrait mode; performance will likely be similar. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung A02s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; Realme 11 lacks this. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No stabilisation | 1080p@30fps, No stabilisation | Both offer 1080p video at 30fps; lack of OIS might result in shaky footage. Realme 11 includes slow-motion. |
| Slow-motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Realme 11 offers slow-motion recording, which is useful for creative video content. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 13 | Realme 11 has a more up-to-date OS with latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 11 supports more WiFi bands and standards, for potentially faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.1 LE | Realme 11 has a newer Bluetooth standard for better range, stability, and audio quality. It also supports Apt-x, LDAC, SBC and AAC. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme 11 supports more satellite navigation systems, for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones use dual Nano SIM cards in Dual Standby mode |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | Realme 11 offers significantly more internal storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 11 has significantly more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking and faster app switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme 11 includes a fingerprint sensor for more secure and convenient unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 offers superior screen protection against scratches and minor impacts |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Heart Rate, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 11 has a larger array of sensors offering a richer user experience, including more advanced gaming features. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Dedicated Macro Camera: Offers a dedicated macro camera for close-up photography, a feature missing on the Realme 11. This is useful for users who enjoy detailed close-up shots.
Realme 11 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Larger, higher resolution display with a higher refresh rate and brightness offers a much better viewing experience, especially in bright conditions.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset provides dramatically better performance compared to the Snapdragon 450, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging is significantly quicker than the A02s' 15W charging.
- Improved Camera: The 64MP main camera captures much more detail and has better low-light performance. The front-facing camera is also better.
- Modern Software: Comes with Android 13, providing access to the latest features and security updates, compared to Android 10 on the A02s (which may be upgradable to 12).
- More Storage and RAM: Offers much more internal storage (128GB/256GB) and RAM (8GB/12GB) for better multitasking and storage needs.
- Better Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi standards and newer Bluetooth versions. It includes more satellite systems for better GPS.
- Enhanced Security: It has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easier and safer unlocking of the phone.
- Enhanced Build: Corning Gorilla Glass 5 offers improved screen protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Wider Array of Sensors: Includes sensors like a gyroscope for motion and heart rate sensing, expanding its functionality.
- Slow-motion video: Offers slow motion capture.
- Battery Type: Li-Polymer offers better safety and durability than the Li-Ion battery found in the Samsung.
Trade-offs:
- Macro Camera: The A02s has a dedicated macro camera, which might be a preference for some users; the Realme 11 lacks one.
- Price: The Realme 11 is likely to be more expensive than the Galaxy A02s due to its significantly better hardware.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users who prioritize macro photography: Individuals who find the macro lens a useful feature for close-up shots.
- First-time smartphone users: Those who don't need advanced performance and features.
Use Cases for Galaxy A02s:
- Basic social media browsing.
- Simple photography (for users who value the macro lens more than overall quality)
- Casual usage without demanding tasks.
Realme 11 Ideal User:
- Users who want good performance and features: Individuals who prioritize smooth operation and good camera quality.
- Gamers and media consumers: Those who enjoy mobile gaming or watching videos on their phone.
- Users who want a modern experience: Individuals who value a modern design, fast charging, and the latest Android version.
Use Cases for Realme 11:
- Demanding mobile gaming.
- High-quality photography.
- Extended multimedia consumption.
- Daily productivity with multiple apps.
- Outdoor use, thanks to its high brightness display.
- Users who value having more secure methods of unlocking their device such as a fingerprint reader.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The Galaxy A02s offers good value for its very low price point, but it does have limitations in terms of speed and features compared to modern phones.
- The Realme 11 provides a far better price-to-value ratio overall, offering substantial benefits in performance and features for a slight increase in price; it represents the better "bang for your buck."
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If on a very tight budget, the Galaxy A02s may be the only option, but the Realme 11 provides a significantly superior experience for a bit more.
- How important is performance? If fast performance and smooth multitasking are important, the Realme 11 is a far superior choice.
- What features do I value most? If a macro camera is a priority, the A02s is the only option; otherwise, the Realme 11 provides more up-to-date features and benefits.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User, Limited Budget
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A02s; this phone will work for basic functions and the user doesn't need many bells and whistles.
- Scenario 2: Everyday User, Moderate Budget
- Recommendation: Realme 11; this phone offers the best combination of features, performance, and price.
- Scenario 3: Performance User, Moderate Budget
- Recommendation: Realme 11; its significantly better processor, RAM and screen refresh rate make it the superior choice for demanding users who enjoy playing games and multitasking.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 11. While the Samsung Galaxy A02s has a macro camera, the Realme 11 offers a vastly superior experience in virtually every other aspect: the display is significantly better with a higher resolution and refresh rate, the performance is much faster, the cameras capture more detail, and it includes more RAM and storage; it also boasts faster charging.
From a practical standpoint, the benefits of the Realme 11 are far more tangible in daily use, making it a more worthwhile investment. Its faster processor ensures apps run smoothly; the higher refresh rate screen makes the user interface feel more fluid; the improved cameras allow for better photos and videos; and faster charging means less time spent tethered to a wall. These improvements lead to a better user experience across the board. The presence of a fingerprint sensor for security as well as a more up to date android version make the Realme 11 more appealing. Even though the Samsung A02s is more affordable, the performance of the Realme 11 is a better value for the increased price.
