1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 165 × 71 × 8.2 mm | A02s is slightly wider and thicker, may feel bulkier in hand. Xperia 1 IV is slimmer and more pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 185g | Xperia 1 IV is 11g lighter which might be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1644x3840 | Xperia 1 IV's display is much sharper, resulting in crisper images, text, and video. |
| PPI | 270 | 643 | Xperia 1 IV's display is significantly sharper, making a huge difference in perceived image quality. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Xperia 1 IV provides deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 1 IV offers significantly smoother scrolling and animations making the experience feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical brightness. This information is incomplete, and typical brightness is not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Xperia 1 IV offers drastically better performance - apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is significantly improved. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 1,076,100 | Xperia 1 IV has significantly better performance in benchmarks indicating a very noticeable difference in overall speed and smoothness |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 1 IV's GPU is much more powerful and ensures a smooth graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Standard | 13MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1.80µm pixels, Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 1 IV should perform better in low light due to wider aperture and larger pixels and sensor. |
| Front Selfie | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 1 IV captures much higher detail selfies with better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.3, 1/3.5" sensor, 1.00µm pixels, Sony IMX650 Exmor RS | Xperia 1 IV has 3x optical zoom capability, allowing to capture distant subjects without quality loss. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 1 IV can capture a wider field of view, useful for group photos and landscapes. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | Yes | Xperia 1 IV enables better depth sensing for improved portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Portrait (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits, though may not be as advanced as Xperia 1 IV's software processing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s can take close-up photos with a dedicated macro lens, with lower resolution. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps, EIS, OIS | Xperia 1 IV can record very high-quality videos with advanced stabilization and slow-motion capabilities, better for video enthusiasts. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple Camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, ISO settings, Scene mode, Self-timer | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous autofocus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Xperia 1 IV offers more advanced camera functionalities and capabilities |
| DxOMark Score | None | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | Xperia 1 IV has a tested camera performance of 105, while A02s has no DxOMark data |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Ion | 30W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Xperia 1 IV charges the battery faster and might have better longevity. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Xperia 1 IV's bypass charging can prolong battery health while gaming or using demanding apps. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10, max 12 | Android 12, max 13 | Xperia 1 IV has a newer Android version and guaranteed software updates for at least 1 more year. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Dual band | Xperia 1 IV offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE with many codecs | Xperia 1 IV has a newer Bluetooth version, enabling a more stable and efficient connection with compatible devices. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia 1 IV has more precise and reliable location tracking with more satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Xperia 1 IV has eSIM support for more flexibility in managing different phone numbers, while A02s has a slot for a second physical sim card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 256/512GB | Xperia 1 IV offers much more space for photos, videos, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 12/16GB | Xperia 1 IV enables smoother multitasking and can handle more demanding apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 1 IV provides a superior audio experience with better clarity, depth, and spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Xperia 1 IV has convenient and secure biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 1 IV provides more scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall | Xperia 1 IV has a more extensive array of sensors enabling more advanced functionalities and applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Lower Price: The primary advantage of the A02s is its significantly lower cost, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious users.
- Macro Lens: Has a dedicated macro lens that the Sony does not, for close-up photography.
- Portrait (Depth) Camera: Has a dedicated depth camera which may be useful to some users.
- Dual Physical Sim: May be preferred by users who need two physical sim cards.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: High resolution OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate for a far superior visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset for fast and smooth performance in all tasks.
- Advanced Camera System: Versatile camera setup with telephoto, wide-angle lenses, and superior video recording capabilities.
- More Storage and RAM: Vastly more internal storage and RAM for improved multitasking and storage of larger media files.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards offer faster and more stable connections.
- Premium Features: Includes features like Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and a fingerprint sensor.
- Better Build Quality: With a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen, the Xperia 1 IV offers superior protection against scratches and drops.
- Bypass Charging: The option to bypass charging while plugged in is a boon for gamers and other intensive users.
Trade-offs:
- The A02s offers basic functionality at a very low cost but falls far short in performance, display, camera, and overall quality.
- The Xperia 1 IV is a flagship device with a premium price tag. Users will pay significantly more for the advanced features and performance. It also lacks a macro lens.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Users who prioritize affordability over top-tier performance and features.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media use.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Suitable for those new to smartphones or requiring a simple and inexpensive device.
- Users needing two physical sim cards: Users who need to use two sim cards simultaneously may prefer this phone.
Use Cases:
- Making phone calls and sending text messages.
- Browsing the web and checking emails.
- Light social media usage.
- Basic photography.
Sony Xperia 1 IV Ideal User:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the best possible performance, display, and camera technology.
- Mobile Gamers: Gamers who need a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
- Photographers and Videographers: Users who need advanced camera features and video capabilities.
- Content Creators: Individuals who require a powerful smartphone for creating and consuming high-quality media.
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily and use demanding apps regularly.
Use Cases:
- Gaming at high settings.
- Professional-quality photography and videography.
- Multitasking with demanding apps.
- Enjoying high-quality media content.
- Content creation and editing.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A02s offers good value for its very low price, but its limited capabilities are evident.
- The Xperia 1 IV is a premium-priced device that provides top-tier performance and features, justifying its cost for users who will fully utilize them.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget?
- Are you looking for the most affordable option possible, or are you willing to invest in a high-end device?
- What are your primary use cases?
- Do you mainly need a phone for basic communication, or will you be using it for gaming, photography, or video editing?
- How important is display quality, performance, and camera quality to you?
- Are you willing to trade some performance or features for a lower price?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A02s. It is the best fit for users on a very tight budget.
- Scenario 2: Balanced Use, Some Media
- Recommendation: Neither phone really fits the bill. The A02s will likely be too slow and with too poor a display. The Xperia 1 IV will likely be overkill.
- Scenario 3: High Performance, Gaming, Advanced Photography
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 IV. The best fit for power users wanting a premium experience.
What I would choose
I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV. While it is significantly more expensive, the drastic differences in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience make it a far superior choice for my needs. I prioritize a smooth and responsive device, and high-quality display and camera are essential for my daily usage. The superior performance of the Xperia 1 IV ensures I can perform any task without lag. While the Samsung A02s may be adequate for basic tasks, it falls far short in areas I prioritize. The price difference is substantial, but for my use case, the extra cost is justified by the vastly enhanced experience and capabilities.
