1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Realme C31 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.7 × 76.1 × 8.4 mm | Similar sizes, but the Realme C31 is slightly thinner and thus potentially feels better in hand. Samsung is a bit thicker. |
| Weight | 196g | 197g | Both are virtually identical in weight, will feel almost the same in pocket and hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, so both will provide the same real-estate for content consumption and use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same sharpness, good for basic tasks, but can look slightly less detailed than FHD displays. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density means the same visual clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate, fine for general use, but will not feel as smooth as higher refresh rate displays for scrolling and gaming. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | The Unisoc chipset in the Realme C31 offers significantly better performance for everyday use, multitasking and even some light gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 224,223 | The Realme C31 scores much higher, indicating faster app loading, better multitasking and a much smoother user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Mali-G57 in the Realme C31 is a more capable GPU, leading to better graphics performance in games. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity offers comparable battery life, usually good for a full day of use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | The Samsung A02s charges faster, reducing the time spent waiting for the phone to be fully charged. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP f/1.8 | 13MP f/2.2 | The Samsung A02s with a wider aperture (f/1.8) should perform slightly better in low light compared to the Realme C31 (f/2.2). |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Both have the same selfie camera setup, offering comparable quality for selfies. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A02s has a dedicated depth sensor that can help achieve better portrait mode effect, while the C31 does not have it. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both offer the same macro camera, same functionality. |
| B&W Camera | N/A | 2MP f/2.8 | Realme C31 has a dedicated black & white camera while Samsung A02s doesn't. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video at same settings with identical capabilites, fine for standard social media sharing. |
| Features | PDAF, etc. | PDAF, CDAF, DIS etc. | Realme C31 offers more camera features like digital image stabilization, and contrast detection autofocus, which may give an advantage to some users. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | The Realme C31 has a slightly more recent Android OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 b/g/n, Direct, Display | 802.11 b/g/n, Hotspot | Samsung A02s has additional Wi-Fi Direct and Display capabilities in comparison to the Realme C31. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR | Realme C31 offers a newer version with faster and more efficient connection with EDR for enhanced data rate. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Both offer the same GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both have Dual SIM dual standby capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 32/64 GB | Same storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 3/4 GB | Same RAM options, sufficient for basic multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Only Realme C31 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Realme C31 has better sensor capabilities thanks to the compass and gyroscope. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Wider Aperture Main Camera: The f/1.8 aperture on its main camera allows more light, potentially leading to better low-light photos.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging will reduce charging times compared to the 10W charging of the Realme C31.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Enables potentially better portrait mode photos.
- Wi-Fi Direct and Display: Offers additional connectivity options
Realme C31 Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Unisoc T612 chipset provides much better performance compared to the Snapdragon 450, resulting in a smoother user experience.
- Newer Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.0 offers a more stable and faster connection.
- Digital Image Stabilization & Additional Camera Features: DIS can improve video quality and reduce shakiness, while CDAF and other software features may lead to enhanced photographic results.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Offers additional security and convenience.
- Gyroscope & Compass: Provides additional sensor capabilities and can lead to better performance in navigation and mobile gaming apps.
- Newer Operating System: Ships with Android 11, giving you a newer experience out of the box.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung A02s has faster charging and wider aperture for the main camera, but the overall performance lags considerably behind the Realme C31.
- Realme C31 excels in performance and features, but lacks the depth sensor and the additional WiFi functionalities found on the Samsung.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Basic User: Someone who primarily uses a phone for calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
- Budget-Conscious: Those seeking a very affordable smartphone.
- Camera Priority (Low Light): Users who might prioritize low-light camera performance (although the camera is basic).
- Existing Samsung Ecosystem: Users who might prefer to stay within the Samsung ecosystem for familiarity.
Use Cases:
- Basic daily communication
- Light web browsing
- Occasional social media use
- Low light photography with basic requirements
Realme C31 Ideal User:
- Performance-Oriented Budget User: Users looking for the best performance possible in a budget smartphone.
- Light Mobile Gamer: Those who want to play basic games without lag.
- Feature-Conscious: Users who want a good selection of features at a budget price, including DIS and a fingerprint scanner.
- Users that benefit from newer features: The gyroscope, digital image stabilization or black and white camera capabilities
Use Cases:
- Smoother multitasking and app switching
- Light gaming
- More advanced photography with software features
- Mobile navigation
- More secure phone with fingerprint scanner
Price-to-Value:
The Realme C31 generally provides better value for most users due to its superior performance, newer software, security features, and additional sensors.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- How important is performance to you? (The Realme C31 will have a significantly better everyday user experience)
- Are you more concerned with slightly better low light photography or better performance, and newer features? (Samsung A02s has a slightly better camera for low light, but Realme C31 excels in all other camera aspects.)
- Is fingerprint security important? (Only the Realme C31 has a side mounted fingerprint sensor.)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you need a basic phone for simple tasks and want to save every penny: The Samsung Galaxy A02s might suffice, especially if you have very specific needs like low light photography.
- If you want smoother, more responsive performance and better features for similar price: The Realme C31 is the clear choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme C31. The performance difference is the key deciding factor. The Snapdragon 450 in the Samsung A02s is quite weak, resulting in a slow and often frustrating user experience. The Realme C31's Unisoc chipset offers a significantly smoother and more responsive feel, which is crucial for everyday usability, including opening apps quickly, and smoothly scrolling through menus. Also, the addition of a fingerprint scanner, a more modern Bluetooth, the gyroscope, and extra camera features makes the Realme C31 the better choice in every way for a modern smartphone. While the faster charging and wider aperture camera on the Samsung are nice, they do not outweigh the performance and modern features advantages provided by the Realme C31, making it a better overall value for most users.
