Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Realme C35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Realme C35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.4 × 75.6 × 8.1 mm | Realme C35 is slightly thinner making it more pocketable and comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Weight | 196g | 189g | The Realme C35 is slightly lighter, which could be noticeable for long-term handling, especially for users with smaller hands or who prefer lighter devices. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in screen size; both provide a fairly large viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | The Realme C35 offers a significantly sharper and more detailed display due to its higher resolution, leading to a better viewing experience for reading and watching videos. |
| PPI | 270 | 401 | The Realme C35 has a much higher pixel density resulting in crisper text and images. This is especially noticeable when viewing small text or detailed graphics. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Realme C35 generally offers better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Both have a standard refresh rate, so the experience in terms of motion fluidity will be the same. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have same brightness, information unavailable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | The Realme C35’s chipset is more modern with a smaller process size, offering better performance and energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 230,726 | The Realme C35 demonstrates significantly better overall performance in benchmarks, which translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a better gaming experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Realme C35's GPU is more powerful, providing a better experience for graphic-intensive applications and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Realme C35 has much higher resolution primary camera, capturing more detailed images. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | The Realme C35's selfie camera captures sharper images and performs better in low-light conditions due to its wider aperture. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Samsung Galaxy A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, while Realme relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro lens capabilities. |
| Black & White | None | 2MP, f/2.8 | The Realme C35 provides an extra creative option with its B&W sensor. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer standard video recording for casual use. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Contrast detection autofocus (CDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme C35 has additional features which will result in higher quality and usability |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, providing a full day of typical usage. |
| Charging | 15W, Li-Ion | 18W, Li-Polymer | The Realme C35 charges slightly faster and uses a more modern Li-Polymer battery technology. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 11 | Realme C35 comes with a newer version of Android out-of-the-box. Samsung A02s can be updated. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme C35 has newer and faster wifi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0 | Realme C35 offers a more modern Bluetooth version, offering faster pairing and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Samsung A02s has better satellite support for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both offer dual-SIM capability, beneficial for managing multiple networks. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 64/128GB | The Realme C35 offers greater storage, particularly for users with large media collections or apps, and only offer the larger option. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4GB | The Realme C35 only offers the larger 4GB option. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The Realme C35 has a physical fingerprint sensor, which offers a more secure way to unlock the phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Realme C35 offers more sensors for better navigation and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Slightly better GPS: Supports Galileo, potentially offering slightly improved location accuracy.
- Depth Sensor: Dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode photos
- Potentially lower cost: older device may be available at a lower price, making it a budget-friendly option.
Realme C35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Higher resolution, higher PPI, and better display technology (IPS LCD) resulting in much sharper and more vibrant images and text.
- Significantly Better Performance: A more powerful processor and GPU lead to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a superior gaming experience.
- Better Camera System: Higher resolution main and front cameras, and additional features like a black and white lens, offer more versatile photography options.
- Faster Charging: 18W charging compared to 15W, meaning less waiting time for your phone to be charged.
- More Modern Connectivity: Newer Bluetooth and wifi standards.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers convenient and secure biometric unlocking.
- More Sensors: Additional sensors such as Compass and Gyroscope.
- More Storage: Only offers 64/128GB options vs. 32/64 for the A02s.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung A02s offers a dedicated depth sensor, while the Realme C35 uses software which is a trade off for more advanced sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Users who prioritize affordability above all else.
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who use their phones primarily for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Users needing accurate GPS: Use cases include hiking, geocaching or other navigation heavy tasks.
- Users who prefer depth sensor for photos: If you like the quality of depth sensors and do not need the other extra features on the C35, this is an option.
Use Cases:
- Basic communication
- Casual web browsing
- Light social media use
- As a secondary or backup device
- For those using it for accurate GPS functions
Realme C35 Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize display quality: Those who enjoy consuming video content, gaming, and browsing with sharp and clear images.
- Performance-oriented users: People who need a smooth and responsive experience for everyday tasks and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a more versatile camera system with higher resolution and various modes.
- Users who value security: Those who prefer a fingerprint sensor for unlocking their device.
- Those who prefer faster charging: If you do not want to wait long for your phone to charge this device is preferable.
- Those who want modern connectivity: If you need the newest bluetooth and wifi standards.
- Those who need more storage: If you require larger storage options.
Use Cases:
- Multimedia consumption (video, gaming)
- Social media and content creation
- Moderate to heavy app usage
- Mobile photography and videography
- Security conscious users.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Samsung A02s may be cheaper, however the Realme C35 offers more for the same budget or slightly more.
- How important is display quality and performance? If these are crucial, the Realme C35 is the clear winner, with its display and processing advantage.
- What are your primary use cases? For basic tasks, the A02s is acceptable, but if you plan to do more, the C35 will be a better fit.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Only): If the absolute lowest price is the sole concern, the older Samsung A02s might be acceptable, however for similar cost, the Realme C35 provides much better value.
- Scenario 2 (Balanced Performance and Features): The Realme C35 is a better option providing improved performance, display, cameras, and security.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia and Photography): The Realme C35 excels in display and camera quality, making it a more enjoyable choice for media consumption and photography.
My Choice
If I had to choose between the two, I would definitively choose the Realme C35. While both devices serve as budget smartphones, the C35 provides a vastly superior user experience in almost every regard that matters to me. The higher resolution display, faster processor, improved cameras, fingerprint sensor, and newer connectivity standards make it a much more enjoyable and future-proof device. The lack of expandable storage on either is a minor annoyance, but the 128GB version of the C35 compensates well, especially compared to the smaller options for the Samsung A02s. The slight increase in cost is more than justified by the performance and quality enhancements provided. The A02s may be suitable for basic users with limited budgets, but for anyone who plans to use their phone beyond very light tasks, the C35 is a much better investment.
