The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Doogee X96 and Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Doogee leveraging a newer, octa-core processor while the Samsung relies on a quad-core chip and brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and responsiveness, the Doogee X96 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor offers a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, making everyday tasks smoother. While both phones are entry-level, the X96 provides more processing power for the price.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40, 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 | 2021, September 30 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 11 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 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 | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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 |
| Quad | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 | 5400 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 130 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 X96
- Octa-core processor offers better performance
- Potentially more RAM configurations available
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Less established brand reputation
- Limited information on display specifications
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known and trusted brand (Samsung)
- Multiple storage and RAM options available
- Refined software experience (One UI)
- Quad-core processor feels sluggish
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Potentially higher price for comparable performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 28nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over display technology. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are missing for the Doogee X96, but given its price point, it likely features a similar LCD panel to the Galaxy A02. The A02’s display is a standard 6.5-inch LCD. The real difference lies in software optimization; Samsung’s One UI, while heavier, is generally well-tuned for its displays, potentially offering a slightly more refined visual experience. However, without detailed specs for the X96, a definitive comparison is difficult.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside supporting lenses (details are sparse for the X96). The Galaxy A02’s configuration includes a 13MP main sensor, which is a reasonable starting point for basic photography. The Doogee X96’s sensor resolution is unknown, but it’s unlikely to significantly outperform the A02’s. Image processing will be a key differentiator, and Samsung generally offers more refined software algorithms. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the A02 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their processors. The Doogee X96’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. The higher core count and newer architecture of the Unisoc chip should translate to significantly better multitasking and app launch speeds. While both are built on a 28nm process, the architectural improvements in the A55 cores offer better efficiency. The A02’s performance will likely feel sluggish with more than a few apps open.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range (specific capacity for the X96 is unknown). However, the Doogee X96’s more efficient processor could lead to slightly longer battery life under moderate use. Charging speeds are slow on both devices, with the X96 limited to 10W wired charging. The A02’s charging speed is also likely around 10W. Expect several hours for a full charge on both models.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X96 if you need a phone capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, or if you occasionally play light mobile games. The octa-core processor and potentially more RAM (depending on configuration) provide a noticeable boost in performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize brand reliability and a wider range of storage/RAM options, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. The A02’s varying configurations allow for a more tailored purchase, but at a potential price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the A02 can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or loading content. The quad-core processor and limited RAM (especially in the 2GB variant) are not ideal for multitasking. Expect slower loading times and occasional stutters.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Doogee X96 a reliable processor?
Unisoc has been steadily improving its processors, and the SC9863A is a capable chip for entry-level smartphones. While it doesn't compete with Qualcomm's Snapdragon series, it offers a significant performance boost over the Mediatek MT6739W found in the Galaxy A02, providing a smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can run these less demanding games, but the Doogee X96 will provide a more consistent frame rate and smoother gameplay experience. The Galaxy A02 may struggle with more complex scenes or when running other apps in the background.
❓ What kind of storage expansion options are available on each phone?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 supports microSD card expansion up to 512GB, allowing you to increase storage for photos, videos, and apps. Information regarding microSD support on the Doogee X96 is currently unavailable, but it's likely to also include a microSD card slot given its target market.
