The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the BLU G50 Mega and the Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the BLU G50 Mega prioritizing a newer CPU architecture while the Samsung Galaxy A02 offers a range of storage and RAM configurations.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G50 Mega represents the better value. Its octa-core Cortex-A55 processor offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A02’s quad-core Cortex-A53, despite the slightly slower clock speed. While neither phone excels in any single area, the G50 Mega’s CPU provides a smoother overall experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 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 | 2020, November. Released 2020, November | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.1 x 72.5 x 9.3 mm (6.15 x 2.85 x 0.37 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~90.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25µm, AF
12 MP, f/2.2, 1.25µm, AF | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 | USB Type-C 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 100 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 G50 Mega
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Octa-core processor for better multitasking
- Potentially better value for the price
- Less established brand reputation
- Slow 10W charging
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known Samsung brand
- Multiple storage and RAM configurations
- Widely available
- Older and less efficient CPU (Cortex-A53)
- Quad-core processor may struggle with multitasking
- Potentially lower performance for the price
Display Comparison
Neither BLU nor Samsung provide display specifications beyond size. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The lack of detailed specs makes a direct comparison impossible, but the A02’s availability in multiple configurations suggests a potential for slight variations in panel quality. Expect both displays to be adequate for basic viewing but lacking in brightness and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Neither phone is positioned as a photography powerhouse. The Samsung Galaxy A02 offers a variety of configurations, but the inclusion of a 2MP macro lens is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit. The primary sensor’s quality will be the determining factor, and without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to assess which phone captures better images. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions and produce images with limited detail. Image processing will likely be basic on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The BLU G50 Mega’s octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 CPU represents a generational leap over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s MediaTek MT6739W with its quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient and offers improved instructions per clock cycle, translating to faster app loading and smoother multitasking. The MT6739W, built on a 28nm process, is older and less efficient, potentially leading to more noticeable slowdowns under load. The A02’s RAM options (2GB or 3GB) further impact performance, with the 3GB variant offering a slight advantage, but still trailing the G50 Mega’s presumed 2GB or 3GB configuration.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The BLU G50 Mega’s 10W wired charging is slow, but comparable to the A02’s expected charging speed. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient Cortex-A55 CPU in the G50 Mega may contribute to slightly longer runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G50 Mega if you prioritize responsiveness and multitasking, even if it means sacrificing brand recognition. It’s ideal for users who need a phone for basic communication, social media, and light web browsing. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you value a well-known brand and the flexibility of choosing between different storage and RAM options, understanding that performance will be comparatively limited. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or those with extremely minimal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the MediaTek MT6739W chipset in the Samsung Galaxy A02 likely to struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the MT6739W is an older chipset that will likely exhibit slowdowns when running demanding apps or multitasking. While it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, it may struggle with more resource-intensive applications.
❓ Does the BLU G50 Mega support software updates, and for how long?
BLU’s software update track record is inconsistent. While the G50 Mega likely ships with a recent version of Android (Go Edition), long-term software support is not guaranteed. Users should not expect frequent security patches or major Android version updates.
❓ What kind of gaming performance can I expect from the Samsung Galaxy A02?
Gaming on the Samsung Galaxy A02 will be limited to less demanding titles. Expect low frame rates and graphical settings on most modern games. Even simpler games may experience occasional lag or stuttering due to the limited processing power.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the BLU G50 Mega significantly slower than other phones?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to the faster charging technologies found on more expensive smartphones. Expect a full charge to take several hours. However, it's typical for phones in this price range.
