Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Realme C61
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Realme C61 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is taller and thinner, A02s has a larger volume and might feel bulkier. |
| Weight | 196g | 188g | Realme C61 is slightly lighter, potentially more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C61 provides a slightly more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same detail level, adequate for basic use, but not sharpest. |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both have similar pixel density, no real difference visible to naked eye |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme C61's IPS display likely offers better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Realme C61 provides smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is identical, but actual levels are unknown. Outdoor visibility cannot be determined. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Realme C61's chipset is newer and more efficient, suggesting better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 252,597 | Realme C61 offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme C61's GPU should handle graphics-intensive tasks better. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 32MP, f/1.8 | Realme C61 has higher resolution, potentially capturing more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.0 | Realme C61's wider aperture may result in slightly better low-light selfies. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensors, performance should be comparable. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A02s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, Realme C61 lacks this feature. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record video at the same resolution and frame rate, suitable for basic needs. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | Realme C61 has Digital image stabilization, White balance settings, Exposure compensation. Samsung has Triple camera setup |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery sizes, expected to offer comparable battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Realme C61 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. It also uses Li-Polymer which generally lasts longer. |
| Removable | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | Realme C61 has a much newer OS, likely offering better features, security, and longevity of software support. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (Dual Band) | Realme C61 supports faster WiFi standards, offering better speed and reliability on compatible networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Realme C61's newer Bluetooth provides more reliable and efficient connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Samsung A02s offers wider satellite support, may provide slightly better accuracy, especially in challenging conditions. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards active at the same time. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB or 64GB | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB | Realme C61 offers much more storage, better for media and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 4GB, 6GB or 8GB | Realme C61 offers more RAM, which improves multitasking and overall responsiveness. |
| Expandable | No expandable storage | No expandable storage | Neither phone allows storage expansion with a memory card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers | Realme C61 has a more immersive audio experience, due to having two speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Realme C61 offers additional biometric security, enhancing convenience and protection. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection specifics aren't clear, potential for scratches and damage on both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Both phones have the basic sensor set for basic features such as screen orientation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Macro Lens: Dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- Wider GPS Satellite Support: Beidou support may provide marginally better location accuracy.
- Triple Camera Setup: Might offer marginally more flexibility in different types of photos.
Realme C61 Advantages:
- Significantly Higher Performance: Much faster processor and GPU, leading to smoother multitasking, app loading, and gaming.
- Larger, Better Display: IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals and a more enjoyable viewing experience.
- Faster Charging: 45W fast charging gets the phone back up and running quicker.
- Newer Software: Android 14 out of the box, providing better features, security, and support.
- More Storage and RAM Options: Significantly more storage space and RAM variants for improved usability.
- Stereo Speakers: better audio with 2 speakers.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wifi and Bluetooth technology which results in a more reliable and faster connection.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Adds biometric security for easy unlocking.
- Better Front Camera Aperture: Allows more light to reach the sensor, resulting in better images in darker scenarios.
Trade-offs:
- The Realme C61 lacks the dedicated macro camera found on the A02s, but offers a better overall camera experience.
- The A02s has slightly wider GPS satellite support, but in reality, the difference is unlikely to be noticeable in most practical scenarios.
- The Samsung A02s comes with a triple camera while the Realme C61 comes with a dual camera.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: A user on an extremely tight budget who only needs basic smartphone functionality.
- Use Cases:
- Basic calling and messaging.
- Casual web browsing.
- Very light social media use.
- Taking occasional close-up photos.
- Price-to-Value: Offers basic functionality at a very low cost. However, performance is significantly slower compared to the Realme C61.
Realme C61:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users looking for a well-rounded smartphone with good performance.
- Use Cases:
- Daily social media use.
- Watching videos.
- Light to moderate gaming.
- Taking good-quality photos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Smooth multitasking between apps.
- Price-to-Value: Provides much better performance and features for the money compared to the A02s.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? (Both are budget phones, but the Realme C61 offers more value)
- How important is performance and speed? (Realme C61 is much faster)
- What features do you prioritize? (Macro lens for A02s, or fingerprint scanner/faster charging/better screen/more RAM/more storage for C61)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Extremely Budget-Conscious, Basic Use): If your primary concern is having a very low-cost smartphone with basic functions and you are not particularly demanding on performance, then the Galaxy A02s may be suitable. However, be prepared for slower performance compared to the other phone.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious, More Demanding Use): If you are looking for better performance, a smoother screen, a fingerprint sensor, faster charging, more storage and overall a better experience without breaking the bank, the Realme C61 is a significantly better choice, offering much higher value for a similar price.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme C61. While both phones target the budget segment, the Realme C61 offers a significantly better user experience. The faster processor, higher refresh rate screen, larger storage options, and faster charging make it a much more versatile and enjoyable phone for daily use. While the macro lens on the Galaxy A02s is a nice addition, it doesn't make up for the C61's overall superior performance and user experience. For the money, the Realme C61 presents a much better value proposition, offering a smoother and more responsive experience that will likely be relevant for a longer period of time. The superior display, better audio, and added security of the fingerprint sensor further solidify my choice.
