The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the BLU A5L and the Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability and basic features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy A02 offers a slight edge. Its Mediatek MT6739W chipset, while not powerful, provides a marginally faster CPU clock speed and benefits from Samsung's established brand reputation and software support.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124.5 x 64.5 x 10.6 mm (4.90 x 2.54 x 0.42 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 118 g (4.16 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~56.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 1400 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 40 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
BLU A5L
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic smartphone functionality
- May suit users with minimal needs
- Limited specifications available
- Potentially less reliable software support
- Likely lower performance than the A02
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- Available with up to 3GB of RAM
- Established brand reputation and software support
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Basic camera system
- Still limited overall performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The BLU A5L's display specifications are not provided, but given its price point, it likely features a basic LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD, a technology similar to IPS LCD, offering decent viewing angles. However, neither phone is expected to deliver vibrant colors or high brightness levels. The A02's larger screen size may be preferable for media consumption, but both will struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Samsung Galaxy A02 typically includes a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. While the megapixel count suggests potential, the image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and sensor size, which are not specified. The BLU A5L’s camera specifications are unavailable, but it’s reasonable to assume a similar low-resolution setup. The 2MP macro lens on the A02 is unlikely to deliver significant detail and is primarily a marketing feature. Users should expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The performance gap between these two is relatively small. The Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. The BLU A5L utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A53 clocked at 1.4 GHz. While both CPUs share the same architecture, the 100MHz clock speed difference in the A02 provides a slight advantage in processing tasks. The A02’s availability with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, compared to the A5L’s unspecified RAM, further enhances its multitasking capabilities. The 28nm process of the MT6739W is less efficient than more modern nodes, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption under load.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key consideration for budget smartphone users. The Samsung Galaxy A02 typically features a 5000mAh battery. The BLU A5L’s battery capacity is not specified, but it’s likely to be in the same 4000-5000mAh range. The A02’s Mediatek chipset, being less efficient, may offset some of the battery capacity advantage. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. Expect a full charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU A5L if you need a bare-bones smartphone for essential communication and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. It's ideal for users on a strict budget who prioritize minimal cost above all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prefer a more recognizable brand, slightly better performance for multitasking, and the option of more RAM configurations, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739W chipset in the Samsung Galaxy A02 prone to overheating during extended use?
The MT6739W is a low-power chipset, and overheating is unlikely during typical usage scenarios like browsing or calling. However, demanding tasks like gaming or prolonged video recording may cause the device to warm up, and performance throttling is possible to manage temperatures.
❓ How much storage space is realistically usable on the 32GB Samsung Galaxy A02 model after system software is installed?
Typically, around 10-15GB of the 32GB storage is consumed by the Android operating system and pre-installed applications. This leaves approximately 17-22GB of usable storage for user data, such as photos, videos, and apps. A microSD card is highly recommended for expanding storage capacity.
❓ Does the BLU A5L receive regular software updates and security patches?
BLU devices generally have a less consistent track record for software updates compared to established brands like Samsung. Users should not expect frequent updates or long-term security support for the BLU A5L. This is a significant trade-off for the lower price point.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A02 worth using?
The 2MP macro camera on the A02 is primarily a marketing feature. Due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus, the image quality will be limited. It can be used for close-up shots, but don't expect detailed or high-quality results. The main 13MP camera is far more versatile.
