Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. vivo X100
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | vivo X100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-04 | 2023-11-21 | vivo X100 is significantly newer, benefiting from technological advancements |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 164.1 x 75.2 x 8.5 mm | Similar size, vivo X100 is slightly thinner, potentially more comfortable |
| Weight | 196g | 202g | Galaxy A02s is slightly lighter, but both are within a similar weight class |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | vivo X100 offers a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2800 | vivo X100 has significantly sharper display, with much better clarity and detail |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 452 | vivo X100 displays sharper text and images, less pixelation noticeable |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | vivo X100 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | vivo X100 offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | vivo X100 is dramatically brighter, easily viewable in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | vivo X100 is significantly faster and more responsive for all tasks |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 1,881,325 | vivo X100 offers drastically better gaming, app loading, and multitasking |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | vivo X100 has a much more powerful GPU for graphics intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.57 | vivo X100 captures much higher resolution images, performs better in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.0 | vivo X100 takes sharper, clearer selfies, also better in low light |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6 | vivo X100 offers zoom capabilities, missing on the A02s |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/2.0 | vivo X100 offers the ability to capture a wider view |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A02s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Galaxy A02s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Yes, Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | vivo X100 has much more versatile video recording options, also supports much better video stability |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have similar battery capacity; expect similar battery life if usage is normalized. Note: higher screen res and performance will usually increase battery consumption |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 120W Fast Charging | vivo X100 charges extremely quickly; A02s is very slow |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | vivo X100 has a newer OS with the latest features and security updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | vivo X100 supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi standards; supports more bands |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.4 LE | vivo X100 has a newer Bluetooth version for better audio quality and connection stability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | vivo X100 provides more precise location data due to support of additional satellite systems |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | vivo X100 offers substantially more storage for apps, photos, and videos |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 12/16 GB | vivo X100 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and performance |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage via SD card |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | vivo X100 offers better audio with enhanced spatial audio, higher quality audio playback, better audio separation and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic Security Features | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | vivo X100 provides basic biometric security; Galaxy A02s does not have a fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | vivo X100 has a more comprehensive suite of sensors for additional functionality |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: 6g lighter which might be preferred by users with hand comfort concerns.
- Dedicated Macro & Depth Lens: Offers macro and depth sensors, which may appeal to users who enjoy specific types of photography.
- Price: Likely significantly cheaper than the vivo X100, making it a budget-friendly option.
vivo X100 Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and incredibly higher brightness result in a significantly better visual experience.
- Exceptional Performance: The Dimensity 9300 chipset provides significantly faster performance in every scenario, from app launching to gaming.
- Significantly Better Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, multiple lenses, larger apertures, more camera features leads to much higher quality photos and videos.
- Much Faster Charging: 120W fast charging makes charging very quick, which is significantly better than the Galaxy A02s's slow charging speed.
- Newer Software & Connectivity: Comes with a newer version of Android, faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions, better GPS system for location accuracy.
- Significantly More Storage and RAM: Offers significantly more storage and RAM for better multitasking and usage.
- Better Audio Quality: Offers enhanced audio features and quality.
- Fingerprint sensor: Provides a basic form of biometric security.
- Advanced Sensors: Has more advanced sensors compared to A02s.
Trade-offs:
- Price: The vivo X100 is likely significantly more expensive than the A02s.
- Weight: The vivo X100 is slightly heavier, which may be a trade-off for some users.
- No dedicated macro & depth sensor: Vivo X100 does not have dedicated macro or depth sensors.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users, first-time smartphone owners, users with basic needs (calls, texts, basic social media), users who prefer lighter phones, users interested in basic macro or portrait photos.
- Use Cases: Casual use, simple browsing, media consumption, basic photography (macro and portrait).
- Price-to-Value: Good for users on a very tight budget, but offers limited features, and an older user experience.
vivo X100:
- Ideal User: Users who prioritize high performance, excellent display quality, top-notch camera capabilities, fast charging, and a premium experience.
- Use Cases: Gaming, professional photography and videography, high-performance multitasking, heavy media consumption, users who need a phone for demanding tasks.
- Price-to-Value: High value if your budget can accommodate, providing flagship-level performance and features.
4. Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help buyers decide:
- What is your budget? The A02s is likely much more affordable, while the X100 represents a flagship device.
- What is your primary use case? If you need a device for casual use and not demanding tasks, A02s may be sufficient. If you need a high-performing device with an amazing camera, the X100 is the clear choice.
- How important are display quality, camera quality and speed? The vivo X100 excels significantly in these areas, while A02s is basic at best.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A user on a very tight budget who primarily uses their phone for calls and messaging; The Samsung Galaxy A02s would be the better option.
- Scenario 2: A user who heavily uses their phone for gaming and photography and wants the best possible mobile experience; The vivo X100 is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3: A user who wants a balance between price and performance and is looking for a device for daily use and some moderate photography; Neither of these are a great fit and another phone that balances performance and price will be more suitable.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would choose the vivo X100 without hesitation. While the price difference is likely significant, the performance gap between the two devices is enormous. The vivo X100 provides an exceptional user experience in every aspect from its stunning display to its blazing-fast performance, top-tier camera system and fast charging. The A02s, while affordable, feels severely outdated and lacks the capabilities that modern users need for an enjoyable and versatile mobile experience. The only reason I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A02s is if I had an extremely strict budget that I could not exceed, and did not need to use a phone much.
