Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Samsung Galaxy M35
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 162.3 × 78.6 × 9.1 mm | A02s is slightly taller, M35 is slightly wider. Both have same thickness. M35 may feel a bit wider in hand. |
| Weight | 196g | 222g | A02s is significantly lighter, more comfortable for prolonged use. M35 is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference, nearly identical viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | M35 has a much sharper display, noticeably clearer text, and images, better for media consumption. |
| PPI | 270 | 390 | M35 has significantly higher pixel density, resulting in a much clearer display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | M35 offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better outdoor visibility. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | M35 screen animations and scrolling feel smoother; More responsive in gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not defined. Difficult to compare their outdoor visibility. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 (14 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | M35 is much faster and more efficient, better for demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 578,500 | M35 has a significantly higher benchmark score, translating to a much smoother and faster user experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 has a significantly more powerful GPU, better for gaming and graphics-intensive applications. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | M35 offers much longer battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | M35 charges faster, getting you back to full battery quicker. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", Sony LYT-600, 1.00 µm | M35 captures much more detailed and higher-quality photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12 µm | M35 produces sharper and clearer selfie photos. |
| Wide Angle | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | M35 includes a versatile wide-angle lens for capturing more in a frame. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A02s has a dedicated depth camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have comparable macro lenses for detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS, 720p@480fps | M35 can record higher resolution and smoother videos with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) and slow motion capabilities. |
| Features | Basic features | More features like OIS, Auto Framing | M35 has a more robust set of camera features, more versatility. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | M35 has the latest OS version, with new features, security updates, and a more modern UI. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), dual band | M35 provides faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 | M35 offers better range, more efficient power consumption, and new Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 provides more accurate location tracking due to more satellite support. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | M35 offers much more storage space for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 6GB/8GB | M35 ensures smoother multitasking and better performance with RAM intensive applications. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 has better audio quality, stereo speakers enhance audio immersion, better for media consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | M35 has fingerprint sensor, more convenient and secure way to unlock the phone. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35's screen has superior scratch and damage resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | M35 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, allowing for more features and functionality. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Lighter: Significantly lighter at 196g, making it more comfortable for prolonged use.
- Portrait Mode: Dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution (1080x2340), higher pixel density (390 PPI), and 120Hz refresh rate provides a much better viewing experience.
- Significantly Better Performance: Exynos 1380 chipset offers much faster processing, smoother multitasking and gaming experience.
- Much Larger Battery: 6000mAh battery provides longer battery life.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging is faster than 15W on the A02s, meaning less time plugged in.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution main camera (50MP), selfie camera (13MP), and wide-angle lens enable higher quality photos. Better video recording (4K with EIS).
- More Modern Software: Ships with Android 14, more features, security, and performance improvements
- Improved connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 offers faster and more stable connections.
- More Storage and RAM: 128/256 GB of internal storage and 6/8 GB of RAM
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo speakers for an improved media experience
- Enhanced Security: Fingerprint sensor for better device security.
- Better Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus for better screen protection.
- Better Sensors: More comprehensive sensor suite for better functionality.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy A02s has a portrait mode camera lens which the M35 lacks
- The Samsung Galaxy M35 is slightly heavier, which could be a disadvantage for some.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: Users on a very tight budget who need a basic smartphone for simple tasks like calling, texting, browsing social media, and very light app usage.
- Use Cases: Primary phone for seniors who are less tech-savvy, or as a secondary "burner" phone for specific situations. Ideal for users not too concerned about performance or camera quality.
- Price-to-value: Suitable if price is the absolute top priority.
Samsung Galaxy M35:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize performance, good display quality, and a capable camera. Users who enjoy media consumption, social media, gaming, and general day-to-day productivity.
- Use Cases: Daily driver for social media, photography, mobile gaming, streaming videos, and basic productivity tasks. Good for users who need a phone that will last for a full day of moderate to heavy usage without the need for frequent charging.
- Price-to-value: Excellent if you want a more well-rounded device with advanced features without breaking the bank.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
What is your budget?
- If very limited budget: Samsung Galaxy A02s is a cheaper alternative.
- If more budget can be allocated: Samsung Galaxy M35 is worth the extra investment.
What are your priorities?
- If basic functionality and light weight are key: Samsung Galaxy A02s may be sufficient.
- If performance, display quality, camera capabilities and battery life are important: Samsung Galaxy M35 is the much better option.
What are your use cases?
- For calling, texting, and basic social media browsing: A02s is enough.
- For media consumption, gaming, photography, and daily productivity: M35 is the superior choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Minimalist User: If you need the absolute cheapest smartphone possible and mostly call, text, and occasionally browse the web, then the Samsung Galaxy A02s is adequate.
Scenario 2: Casual User: If you want a phone for daily use that performs well, has a good camera and display, and offers decent battery life, then the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the preferred choice.
Scenario 3: Power User: If you're a heavy user who does mobile gaming and needs a great display, a reliable camera, and long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy M35 is the clear winner.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy M35 without hesitation. While the A02s is cheaper, the M35 offers a vastly superior user experience across almost every important aspect. The improved display, significantly better performance, longer battery life, superior camera, more modern software, and enhanced features make it a much more well-rounded and enjoyable device to use daily. The price difference would be negligible considering the value gained in real world use. The lack of a depth sensor is not a major sacrifice for all the gains that the M35 offers. The A02s simply feels outdated. The M35 is the only choice in this comparison given all the advantages, and more up-to-date features.
