1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 156 x 67 x 8.2 mm | A02s is larger and bulkier, making the Xperia 5 IV more pocketable and comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 196g | 172g | Xperia 5 IV is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort during extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly better screen protection against scratches and drops. A02s screen material is unknown. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.5" | 6.1" | A02s has a larger screen, better for media consumption, while Xperia 5 IV is more compact. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2520 | Xperia 5 IV has a much sharper display, leading to clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV's higher pixel density means images will appear significantly more detailed and less pixelated. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Xperia 5 IV delivers superior contrast, vibrant colors, and deeper blacks compared to the A02s LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing the overall user experience, especially in games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers vastly superior performance, handling demanding apps and games with ease. A02s will struggle with more intense tasks and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV is significantly faster. Apps will load much faster and games will run smoother compared to A02s. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU is much more powerful, delivering better graphics performance in gaming and video editing. |
| RAM | 3GB or 4GB | 8GB | Xperia 5 IV has more RAM, enabling better multitasking and handling more applications running simultaneously without lag. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7, 1/1.7" sensor, 1.8µm pixel size, Sony IMX557 | Xperia 5 IV captures higher-quality images, especially in low light, thanks to its larger sensor and wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1.25µm pixel size, Sony Exmor RS | Xperia 5 IV's selfie camera captures much more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4, 1/3.5" sensor, 1.0µm pixel size, Sony IMX650 | Xperia 5 IV offers optical zoom capabilities for better close-up shots, a feature absent in A02s. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor, 1.4µm pixel size, Sony IMX363 | Xperia 5 IV can capture much wider scenes with its ultra-wide lens, enhancing versatility for landscape shots. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, but Xperia 5 IV will likely produce better portraits through software processing. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A02s has a dedicated macro lens, which could result in better macro photography compared to the Xperia 5 IV. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps with HDR, OIS, EIS | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly higher quality video recording with advanced stabilization options, suitable for professional video recording. |
| DxOMark | Not Tested | Mobile (119), Photo (121), Video (113) | Xperia 5 IV's camera is rated by DxOMark which scores good overall camera capabilities. A02s has no score and is not tested. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have similar battery capacity, which may result in comparable battery life for regular usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Xperia 5 IV charges significantly faster, reducing downtime waiting for the battery to fill. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV can bypass charging, reducing battery degradation. It can also charge other devices. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Larger Display: The 6.5" screen is better for users who prioritize a larger viewing area for media consumption.
- Dedicated Macro & Depth Cameras: Offers dedicated lenses for macro and depth, potentially leading to better performance in those specific use cases compared to relying on software processing.
- Lower Cost: Likely to be significantly cheaper, making it suitable for budget-conscious users.
- Dual SIM (Nano SIM + Nano SIM): Supports two physical SIM cards, useful for users who need to manage multiple phone numbers.
Sony Xperia 5 IV Advantages:
- Superior Display: OLED, higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate and better pixel density provides a much sharper, smoother, and more vibrant viewing experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 offers flagship-level performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- Advanced Camera System: Higher quality main and selfie cameras with more versatile lens options (telephoto, wide-angle) and 4K video with OIS, EIS.
- Faster Charging and Battery Features: 30W fast charging, bypass charging, and reverse charging offer convenience and battery management capabilities.
- Better Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards (including WiFi 6), as well as more advanced Bluetooth with more codecs for higher quality audio.
- More RAM and Storage: 8GB of RAM and 128/256GB of storage provide better multitasking and file management capabilities.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus offers excellent screen protection and a premium feel.
- Advanced Sensors: The inclusion of sensors like a barometer, gyroscope and compass enhance the functionality of the device, especially for location and navigation.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Samsung Galaxy A02s: Sacrifices performance, display quality, and camera capabilities for affordability. Lacks modern features like a fingerprint sensor.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Much higher price, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: Does not have a dedicated Macro or Depth lens like the A02s.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious individuals needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, browsing, and casual media consumption. Also suitable for users who prioritize a large display and multiple SIM card slots.
- Use Cases:
- Basic communication (calls, texts, emails)
- Casual social media browsing
- Streaming video at lower resolutions
- Simple mobile games
- Users needing two physical SIM cards
- Value Proposition: The most affordable option here, providing basic smartphone functionality without any frills.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Ideal User: Power users, photographers, videographers, and those who prioritize high performance, display quality, and advanced features.
- Use Cases:
- Demanding mobile gaming and content creation.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Multitasking and using resource-intensive apps
- Professional video recording with 4k, OIS, EIS
- Immersive multimedia consumption
- Power users who appreciate faster wireless speeds
- Value Proposition: Delivers a premium smartphone experience with top-tier specs but at a higher price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a new smartphone? This is the most important question as the price difference will most likely be substantial.
- Primary Use Cases: What will you primarily use the phone for? Basic tasks or more demanding activities?
- Feature Importance: Which features are most important to you? (Display quality, camera, performance, battery, design, modern features, etc.).
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User: If you have a tight budget and mainly need a basic smartphone for simple tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A02s is the more affordable choice, providing the basic requirements.
- Scenario 2: Performance & Camera Focus: If you prioritize a high-quality display, top-tier performance, advanced camera capabilities, and don't mind spending more, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Experience: If you desire a higher-quality experience than the A02s but are not interested in the Sony Xperia 5 IV's price, consider a phone in a mid-range category.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would go for the Sony Xperia 5 IV. Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A02s is a budget-friendly option, its limitations in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are too significant for my needs. I often use my phone for tasks that demand good performance, such as running applications, multitasking and mobile gaming. The Xperia 5 IV's OLED display with a high refresh rate is a huge plus for daily use, and the improved camera system is a big win. Additionally, the significantly faster chipset and larger RAM will result in a smoother experience that will be noticeable in the long run. The improved connectivity, higher quality audio, and build quality all justify the higher price tag. The Xperia 5 IV feels much more like a smartphone designed for a modern user.
Although it is the more expensive option, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is my choice due to its overall higher quality and significantly improved user experience.
