Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. vivo X100 Pro
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | vivo X100 Pro | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-04 | 2023-11-21 | The vivo X100 Pro is significantly newer, suggesting more modern technology and features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no folding mechanism. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.1 × 75.3 × 8.9 mm | Very similar physical size, making it difficult to perceive any difference in hand feel. |
| Weight | 196g | 221g | The A02s is noticeably lighter, more comfortable for long holding periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | The X100 Pro offers a slightly larger screen, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2800 | The X100 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 452 PPI | The X100 Pro's higher pixel density leads to a noticeably more detailed and crisp display. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | The X100 Pro's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors than the A02s's LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The X100 Pro provides much smoother animations and scrolling, especially noticeable in gaming and fast-paced content. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | The X100 Pro offers far better outdoor visibility, making it usable even under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Dimensity 9300 (4 nm) | The X100 Pro has a much more powerful and energy-efficient chipset, resulting in significantly faster performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 74,800 | 1,881,325 | The X100 Pro provides significantly better performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Immortalis-G720 MC12 | The X100 Pro has a much more capable GPU, offering significantly better graphics processing for gaming and other graphic intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5400mAh | The X100 Pro has a slightly larger battery capacity, which could provide marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | The X100 Pro charges much faster, reducing the time spent plugged into an outlet. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, Non-removable | The X100 Pro offers more versatile charging options with wireless and reverse charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/1.8, No Sensor Data | 50MP, f/1.75, 1" Sony IMX989, 1.6µm | The X100 Pro has a superior camera sensor with higher resolution, better low-light performance, and greater detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, No Sensor Data | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.8" S5KGD2, 0.8µm | The X100 Pro's selfie camera captures much sharper images, particularly in low light. |
| Wide Angle | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76" S5KJN1, 0.64µm | The X100 Pro has a dedicated wide-angle lens, capturing more of the scene in your shots. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4, No Sensor Data | None | The A02s has a dedicated depth sensor, useful for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, No Sensor Data | None | The A02s has a dedicated macro lens to take close-up photos, but likely at low quality. |
| Telephoto+Macro | None | 50MP, f/2.5, 1/2" OV64B, 0.7µm | The X100 Pro's telephoto camera offers optical zoom, better performance at distance, and a macro mode with the same lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The X100 Pro offers significantly higher resolution video recording, better video stabilization and a wider range of fps. |
| DXOMark Score | Not tested | 150 Mobile | The X100 Pro has been tested and is rated as good. A02s has not been tested. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | The X100 Pro boasts more advanced features like OIS, RAW capture, and a dedicated night mode. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 10, Up to 12 | Android 14, Up to 15 | The X100 Pro ships with a much newer version of Android, offering access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | The X100 Pro supports much faster and more reliable WiFi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.4 LE | The X100 Pro offers a newer Bluetooth version with improved audio codecs and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | More systems supported | The X100 Pro offers more precise location tracking with more supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM/eSIM | The X100 Pro supports eSIM for digital carrier switching. A02s supports using two SIMs simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The X100 Pro has much more internal storage, better for storing large files, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 12GB/16GB | The X100 Pro has far more RAM, enabling smooth multitasking and demanding gaming performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | The X100 Pro offers a superior audio experience with stereo speakers and enhanced spatial audio capabilities. |
| Security | Basic features | Basic fingerprint sensor | The X100 Pro includes a fingerprint sensor for easier unlocking and basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones screen protection technology is unknown, no conclusion possible. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The X100 Pro has a more comprehensive sensor suite which is better for gaming and location based applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: The A02s is significantly lighter (25g), making it more comfortable for extended use.
- Macro Lens: Offers a dedicated macro lens.
- Depth Sensor: Has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photography.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically, entry level phones like the A02s are significantly cheaper.
vivo X100 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology, higher refresh rate, and brightness.
- Significantly Better Performance: More powerful chipset and GPU resulting in much smoother gaming and app usage.
- Superior Camera System: Higher resolution sensors, a wide-angle lens, and a telephoto zoom lens with Macro capabilities.
- Advanced Video Capabilities: Records up to 8K video with better stabilization and more slow-motion options.
- Faster Charging: 100W fast charging versus 15W.
- Wireless and Reverse Charging: Offers added flexibility in charging options.
- Newer Software: Comes with the latest Android version and is likely to receive software updates for longer.
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi standards and Bluetooth versions.
- Significantly More Storage and RAM: Much more internal storage and RAM available.
- Enhanced Audio: Stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and Hi-Res audio support.
- Fingerprint Sensor: For biometric security.
- More Sensors: Offers a wider range of sensors.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The primary trade-off is the price. The vivo X100 Pro is significantly more expensive than the A02s, given its flagship features.
- The A02s sacrifices almost all aspects of performance and features in favor of a lower price point and a lighter weight.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s Ideal User:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and light app usage.
- Users who prioritize light weight: Prefer a phone that is comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- Users with very basic needs: Those who do not game, watch much content, and don't need a high quality camera.
Use Cases:
- Primary phone for basic communication.
- Backup phone for travel or emergencies.
- Simple mobile device for elderly or young users.
vivo X100 Pro Ideal User:
- Users who prioritize performance and speed: Demanding users who want a fast and smooth experience in gaming and apps.
- Enthusiast photographers and videographers: Users who require a high-quality camera and video capabilities.
- Multimedia consumers: Users who stream a lot of videos and prefer a vibrant, immersive screen.
- Users who want the latest technology: Those who need advanced features like wireless charging and a fingerprint sensor.
Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with smooth performance and graphics.
- High-quality photography and videography.
- Streaming content and video consumption.
- Productivity tasks and heavy multitasking.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these two phones is enormous.
- How important is performance to you? Are you a gamer, a heavy app user, or do you use your phone primarily for basic communication?
- How much value do you place on camera quality? Do you need high-quality photos and videos?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight budget, basic needs. If you need a very affordable phone for basic tasks like calling and texting, and do not use your camera or phone heavily the Samsung Galaxy A02s may be suitable.
- Scenario 2: Need for speed, excellent camera, good display. If you prioritize performance, photography, videography and gaming, and want a great display, the vivo X100 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Balanced needs. If you can spend a little bit more than what the A02s costs but don't need the ultimate performance and camera quality, there are many other mid-range phones which will offer a better balance than the A02s.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I would pick the vivo X100 Pro. While the price difference is substantial, the performance gap is equally significant, meaning that the phones are aimed at entirely different customers. The X100 Pro is an exceptional phone for demanding users, offering a superior screen, powerful performance, a versatile camera, and many other advanced features. The Samsung A02s is an extremely budget device, which has a place in the market, but I would not want to use it as my daily driver.
