The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Doogee X95 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent two compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware, impacting performance and overall user experience. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Doogee X95 emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, provides a modest performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s older, 28nm MT6739W, despite similar CPU core counts. However, the A02’s wider range of RAM/storage configurations offers more flexibility.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 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, April 23. Released 2020, May | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77.4 x 8.9 mm (6.57 x 3.05 x 0.35 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 | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 1200 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~202 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~79.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761V Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide)
2 MP, (telephoto)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 4350 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 110 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 |
Doogee X95
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22, 12nm)
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz)
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency
- RAM configuration not specified, potentially limiting multitasking
- Limited storage options compared to A02
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Wider range of RAM/storage configurations (2GB/32GB, 3GB/32GB, 3GB/64GB)
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially lower price for base configuration
- Older, less efficient chipset (MT6739W, 28nm)
- Slower CPU clock speed (1.5 GHz)
- Potential for thermal throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. The absence of display specifications beyond the chipsets makes a direct comparison difficult. However, the older manufacturing process of the MT6739W in the A02 suggests potential compromises in display driver efficiency, potentially impacting color accuracy and brightness. Expect both to offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Both will likely feature a primary camera and a depth sensor, with the A02 sometimes including a 2MP macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and adequate lighting conditions. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either device means low-light performance will be limited. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution (which is not provided in the context data) is more important than the presence of a low-resolution macro lens.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee X95’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a more modern design than the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). While both feature quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs, the A22’s smaller fabrication node translates to improved power efficiency and a slight performance boost. The A02’s CPU is clocked slightly lower at 1.5 GHz versus the X95’s 1.8 GHz, further widening the gap. The A02’s availability in 2GB or 3GB RAM configurations versus the X95’s unspecified RAM impacts multitasking capabilities; 3GB in the A02 will provide a noticeably smoother experience than 2GB. The older 28nm process of the MT6739W will also generate more heat under load, potentially leading to thermal throttling.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this segment (around 3000-4000 mAh). However, the Doogee X95’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset should translate to slightly better battery life. Charging speeds are limited to 10W on the X95, and the A02’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely similar. Expect full charges to take several hours on both devices. The A22’s efficiency will be more noticeable during sustained use, extending the time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X95 if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience and are comfortable with potentially limited storage options. It’s ideal for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication, light social media, and occasional web browsing. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you value brand recognition, require more storage options (up to 64GB), and are willing to accept a potentially slower performance profile. It’s a good fit for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple, reliable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02 struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the MT6739W is an older chipset and will likely exhibit noticeable lag when running demanding applications or multitasking heavily. While it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media, it may struggle with more resource-intensive apps or games. The Doogee X95’s Helio A22 offers a modest improvement in this regard.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on some Galaxy A02 configurations worth considering?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones typically produce low-quality images with limited detail. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful addition. Focusing on the quality of the primary camera sensor is far more important for overall image quality.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Both phones will struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even at the lowest settings. The MT6739W in the A02 will likely perform worse due to its older architecture and lower clock speed. Expect significant frame rate drops and potential overheating. These phones are not designed for gaming.
❓ Does the Doogee X95 support Android updates?
Doogee’s update track record is inconsistent. While the X95 likely launched with Android Go Edition (designed for lower-spec hardware), major Android version updates are unlikely. The Samsung Galaxy A02 has a slightly better chance of receiving at least one major Android update, but it’s still not guaranteed.
