The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Cubot A30 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent two approaches to affordability: the A30 prioritizes processing power with a modern Unisoc chipset, while the A02 leverages Samsung’s brand recognition and offers varying RAM/storage configurations. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Cubot A30 is the clear winner. Its Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset offers significantly better performance than the Galaxy A02’s aging Mediatek MT6739W. While the A02 benefits from Samsung’s software support, the A30’s superior hardware justifies the choice.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 41 | 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 | 2024 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 170.4 x 77.5 x 9.6 mm (6.71 x 3.05 x 0.38 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 | 216 g (7.62 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5100 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Pink | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | - | € 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 |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 52:43h endurance, 800 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Cubot A30
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Superior battery life and longevity
- More efficient chipset (12nm vs 28nm)
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Display specifications are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known and trusted brand
- Potentially lower initial price (depending on configuration)
- Multiple RAM/storage options
- Outdated and slow processor
- Likely shorter battery life
- Less efficient chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The A02’s display specifications are not provided, but given its price point, it likely features a basic LCD panel. The A30’s display details are also missing, but the focus here is clearly not on visual fidelity. The A02’s potential for lower cost may be offset by a lower quality display experience. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both sides. The A02’s available configurations (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB) don’t specify camera sensor details, but it’s reasonable to assume a low-resolution main sensor. The A30’s camera specs are also absent, but the more powerful chipset *could* enable slightly better image processing. Neither phone is expected to excel in low-light conditions or offer advanced camera features. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A02 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Cubot A30’s Unisoc Tiger T616, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). This is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a much older 28nm process. The A75 cores in the A30 provide a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 12nm process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the A02’s 28nm chip, reducing heat and potentially improving sustained performance. The A02 will likely exhibit noticeable lag with even moderate multitasking.
Battery Life
The Cubot A30 shines in battery endurance, boasting a remarkable 52:43h rating and a claimed 800 charge cycles. This suggests a large battery capacity and optimized power management. While the A02’s battery capacity is unknown, the less efficient Mediatek MT6739W chipset will likely result in significantly shorter battery life. The A30’s longevity claim of 800 cycles also indicates a more durable battery, potentially extending the phone’s usable lifespan.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot A30 if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, moderate gaming, and demanding apps without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who value performance over brand prestige. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize a well-known brand, a potentially lower initial price (depending on configuration), and are primarily focused on basic communication tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or those with minimal needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset in the Cubot A30 comparable to a Snapdragon 680?
While not directly equivalent, the Unisoc Tiger T616 offers performance that is generally considered to be in the same ballpark as the Snapdragon 680 in many tasks. It’s a significant step up from the Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02, providing a much smoother user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Samsung provides software updates for its A-series devices, but the A02, being an entry-level model, may receive updates less frequently and for a shorter duration compared to higher-end Samsung phones. The Cubot A30’s update schedule is less predictable, relying on Cubot’s support commitment.
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739W is a relatively weak processor and may exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when running demanding apps like Facebook or WhatsApp, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Cubot A30’s Unisoc Tiger T616 will handle these apps much more smoothly.
