Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02s vs. ZTE Axon 40 Ultra
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02s | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-01-04 | 2022-05-13 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is a significantly newer device, potentially benefiting from more modern technology and software improvements. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.3 × 73.6 × 8.4 mm | The Galaxy A02s is slightly larger in overall volume and thicker, potentially feeling less comfortable for single-handed use compared to the sleeker Axon 40 Ultra. |
| Weight | 196g | 204g | Galaxy A02s is slightly lighter, but the difference is minimal and not likely a deciding factor in daily use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a slightly larger screen providing more screen real estate for content consumption, gaming, and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1116x2480 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images and videos. Noticeably less pixelated than the Samsung. |
| PPI | 270 | 400 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's higher pixel density leads to a more detailed and crisp viewing experience. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's AMOLED offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, better viewing angles, and more efficient dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will have significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience compared to the 60Hz of the Samsung. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's significantly higher brightness will result in much better visibility outdoors, especially in direct sunlight. Samsung's display will be very difficult to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra's chipset offers significantly faster processing speeds, better app loading times, and smoother multitasking due to its much more powerful and efficient processor. |
| Antutu Score | 74,800 | 1,061,300 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra provides a much higher performance, enabling a far smoother user experience across all tasks, including intensive gaming and demanding applications. |
| GPU | Adreno 506 | Adreno 730 | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has a dramatically superior GPU, providing much better graphics performance for gaming and other graphically intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer the same battery capacity, suggesting similar battery life. Actual battery life will vary based on usage, display settings, and network conditions. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will charge much faster, reducing downtime and offering greater convenience. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.6, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.7µm | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra will capture more detailed and higher quality images, especially in low light due to the larger sensor, wider aperture, and higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.0, Omnivision 1.22µm | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra takes much better selfies with greater clarity, detail, and performance in varied lighting conditions. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.5, 1/2", Omnivision OV64B, 0.7µm | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for capturing distant objects with greater clarity and detail, while Samsung does not. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | 0.3MP | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has improved depth sensing, which can enhance portrait mode and enable other advanced imaging features. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A02s has a dedicated portrait mode (depth) camera. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A02s has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 64MP, f/2.3, 1/1.72", Sony IMX787, 0.7µm | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a wide-angle lens with macro capabilities, allowing for versatile shooting scenarios that the Samsung does not offer. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps, 4K@120fps | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra supports much higher resolution video recording (up to 8K), significantly enhancing video quality and offering greater flexibility in editing. Also offers better slow motion. |
| Features | Digital zoom, PDAF | 4K/8K, OIS, LAF, Under Display Camera, RAW | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra features optical image stabilization and a more advanced autofocus system, leading to higher quality images and video. Includes advanced features not found on Samsung |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (Up to 12) | Android 12 (Up to 13) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is running a newer version of Android and is also eligible for a further software update. Samsung's older software will result in a less secure and potentially less fluid user experience. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra supports newer WiFi standards, which translates to faster speeds, lower latency, and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra supports a newer Bluetooth standard which offers improved connectivity, range, data transfer, and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1) | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra supports more satellite systems leading to better location accuracy and stability, especially in challenging environments. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both devices support dual SIM use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1024GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers significantly more internal storage which enables the user to store more content. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra has much higher RAM which allows for smoother multitasking and performance while using demanding applications. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | DTS/DTS X, Stereo Speakers | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers superior audio quality with stereo speakers and surround sound technology for a more immersive experience. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Fingerprint Sensor | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers convenient and secure biometric authentication via a fingerprint sensor, which is not available on Samsung. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers more advanced sensors for improved functionality and gaming performance. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02s Advantages:
- Slightly Lighter: At 196g, it's marginally lighter than the Axon 40 Ultra.
- Dedicated Macro and Depth Camera: Offers dedicated macro and depth cameras, which can be useful for specific photography scenarios, though the overall camera quality isn't as good.
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, pixel density, AMOLED technology, 120Hz refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness resulting in a vastly superior viewing experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Dramatically faster processor, significantly more RAM, and more powerful GPU, which leads to significantly better and faster performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Superior Camera System: Much higher resolution main, selfie, and additional cameras, with a telephoto lens for optical zoom, as well as better image quality due to the sensor size, aperture, and modern tech.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging compared to the Samsung's 15W.
- Modern Connectivity: Supports newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
- Advanced Features: Includes 8K video, stereo speakers, fingerprint sensor, and more advanced sensor suite.
- More Storage: The device offers much more storage than the Samsung
Trade-offs:
- Weight: ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is slightly heavier.
- Price: The Axon 40 Ultra is expected to be significantly more expensive.
- Missing Depth Camera The Axon lacks a dedicated depth sensor.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02s:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic smartphone functionality, including calling, texting, and basic social media usage and casual browsing.
- Use Cases:
- Primary device for basic communication.
- Backup phone for emergencies.
- Users who prioritize battery life over display quality and performance.
- Users who require a dedicated macro and depth camera
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Ideal Users: Users who prioritize high performance, high-quality display and camera performance, and advanced features and do not mind paying a premium for it.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gamers who need high performance and a smooth display.
- Photography enthusiasts who want versatile and high quality camera capabilities.
- Professionals who need a device for high-resolution video, multitasking, and advanced connectivity.
- Media consumers who prioritize a vibrant and immersive viewing experience.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A02s is targeted at the budget market while the Axon 40 Ultra is a premium device.
- How important is performance and camera quality to you? The Axon 40 Ultra significantly outclasses the A02s.
- How much are you willing to invest for premium features like high quality display, superior video, faster charging, better audio, and better connectivity?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User - If budget is your primary concern and you need a basic smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A02s might be acceptable. However, the older hardware and slower speed mean that it will feel frustrating to use.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Focused User - If you want a phone with excellent performance, premium display, and versatile camera capabilities, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the superior choice. It represents a very significant step up in overall quality compared to the A02s.
- Scenario 3: Balanced User If you're looking for a balanced device that offers good performance and camera but you can not afford the Axon 40 Ultra, you should look for another device as the Samsung A02s is too low powered to be considered a balanced choice.
My Choice and Why
Given the information, I would choose the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While it's clear that the Axon 40 Ultra will be a more expensive option, the performance differences are so substantial that it makes the Samsung Galaxy A02s difficult to recommend for daily use. The Axon 40 Ultra's significantly superior display, vastly more powerful processor, much better camera system, faster charging, and modern connectivity features make it a much better long-term investment if your budget allows for it. The experience on the Samsung device would be extremely frustrating in comparison. The Samsung device is a budget phone that represents a compromise in every single aspect which may result in a frustrating user experience. If you have a very tight budget there are many other superior options to the Samsung A02s in the used market that would make a much better purchase decision.
