Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. Samsung Galaxy S23
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Samsung Galaxy S23 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-04 | 2023-02-17 | S23 is significantly newer, benefiting from newer tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no foldables or other special designs. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 146.3 × 70.9 × 7.6 mm | A02s is larger and bulkier; S23 is more compact and pocketable. A02s might be harder to handle for small hands. |
| Weight | 196g | 168g | S23 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | A02s has a larger display which might be better for media consumption, while S23 is more comfortable for single-hand use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S23 has a much sharper display, providing clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 425 | S23 offers significantly higher pixel density, resulting in sharper, clearer visuals. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | S23 has much better contrast, color vibrancy, and deep blacks, resulting in superior viewing experience; A02s display may look washed out in comparison. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 provides smoother scrolling, gaming and animation, making the phone feel more responsive. A02s refresh rate can appear choppy compared to the S23. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 is much more readable under bright sunlight, improving outdoor usability. A02s display is likely not usable in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 has a much more powerful processor, resulting in significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 1,456,671 | S23 is drastically faster and more responsive, able to handle heavy applications and intensive gaming with ease. A02s may struggle with demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 740 | S23 has a much more powerful GPU, enabling smoother graphics and better gaming performance. A02s is not suitable for high end mobile gaming. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 3900mAh | A02s has larger capacity, but S23 efficiency may balance out resulting in similar or better battery life; Real-world battery life varies based on usage. |
| Charging | 15W | 25W | S23 charges faster, reducing charging times. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable, 10W wireless (Qi/PMA), 4.5W reverse wireless | S23 offers wireless charging, reverse charging, and charging bypass (powering the phone directly instead of charging the battery, while A02s lacks these features). |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size | S23 captures much more detailed photos in good and low-light; better for those seeking higher quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2 | S23 captures higher quality selfies with greater detail. |
| Telephoto lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor, 1.00µm pixel size | S23 offers optical zoom capabilities, allowing for clear zoomed shots. A02s lacks this feature. |
| Wide Angle lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.40µm pixel size | S23 can capture wider shots, enabling more creative compositions, and capturing more of a scene. A02s lacks this feature. |
| Portrait mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode shots, while the S23 achieves portrait mode shots through AI. |
| Macro lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s has a dedicated macro lens for close up shots, while the S23 lacks a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps | S23 has much better video quality, stabilization and slow-motion capabilities; better for video content creators. |
| DxOMark | N/A | 133 | S23 has a significantly better camera, while A02s was not tested by DxOMark. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Night Mode, 4K/8K Video, OIS, RAW, etc | S23 offers advanced camera features for better flexibility and control, enabling users to take more creative photographs. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (up to 12) | Android 13 (up to 17) | S23 has a more recent OS, meaning it will receive more frequent updates. A02s is less likely to receive future updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | S23 offers faster and more reliable WiFi connectivity with modern standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S23 has a more modern and efficient Bluetooth connection, offering improved speed and stability for peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | S23 offers more precise GPS tracking; Better suited for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | S23 offers more flexibility with a physical and eSIM slot for users who wish to have multiple cellular plans. A02s doesn't have eSIM capabilities. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 128/256/512 GB | S23 offers much more storage space for photos, videos, apps and other files; less likely to run out of storage. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8 GB | S23 has much more RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and less lag when running multiple apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage via microSD. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Features | Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation Mic | S23 has much better audio with clearer calls, immersive sound and noise cancellation on phone calls; A02s lacks these features. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic security features | Fingerprint Sensor | S23 has a fingerprint sensor, offering enhanced security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | S23's screen is much more durable and scratch-resistant. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23 has a much wider variety of sensors, enabling more functionality for fitness tracking, AR, gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Larger Screen: The 6.5" screen might be preferable for users who enjoy larger displays for media consumption or have accessibility needs.
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery is significantly larger, potentially leading to longer battery life, especially for basic usage.
- Lower Price: Typically much more affordable, making it a better option for budget-conscious buyers.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, pixel density, refresh rate, and brightness offers a much better visual experience.
- Massive Performance Boost: Much faster chipset and more RAM, allowing for smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Significantly Improved Camera: Better main, selfie, telephoto, and wide-angle cameras, and video quality for better photos and videos.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, better WiFi, better Bluetooth, enhanced GPS, fingerprint sensor and more advanced software.
- Premium Build: Higher quality screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A02s: The trade-off for a lower price is a significant reduction in screen quality, performance, camera capabilities, and advanced features.
- Samsung Galaxy S23: The trade-off is a much higher price and potentially shorter battery life due to its smaller battery (although better efficiency may balance this out).
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users with basic needs. Elderly people who need a simple phone, or those who only need a device for calls, texts, and basic apps.
- Use Cases:
- Basic web browsing and social media.
- Streaming video content but not demanding high visual quality
- Simple photography and video recording.
- Users who prioritize battery life over performance.
- Price-to-Value: Provides very basic functionality at a low price.
Samsung Galaxy S23:
- Ideal User: Users who want a high performance device, and prioritize a top-tier camera, beautiful screen and overall user experience.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile games and heavy app usage.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Smooth multitasking and overall responsive user experience.
- Users seeking the latest features and premium build.
- Price-to-Value: Expensive, but offers a premium experience and features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is substantial.
- What are your priorities? Do you need a powerful phone for gaming and photography, or is a simple phone with good battery life enough?
- How important is screen quality and performance to you? The A02s is vastly inferior to the S23 in these aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Limited budget: If you're on a very tight budget and just need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is a viable option.
- Scenario 2: Performance Matters: If you frequently use resource-intensive apps or play mobile games, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: Photography & Videography: If you're passionate about photography or videography, the S23 offers much better photo and video quality, along with professional features.
- Scenario 4: All-Round Experience: If you want a smooth, fast, and modern smartphone experience with a premium display and advanced features, the Samsung Galaxy S23 is the better choice.
My Choice
I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23. Although significantly more expensive, the overall user experience, massive performance advantage, drastically improved display, and vastly superior camera make it the clear choice. The A02s, while being cheaper, is extremely outdated in terms of its performance capabilities, which will provide an uninspiring experience in terms of using apps and the overall feel of the device. The S23 is a top tier flagship device which will be a far more future proof and enjoyable device for everyday use.
