The Energizer E3 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users who prioritize affordability above all else. While both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality, they differ significantly in their internal hardware and resulting user experience. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if basic, smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739W chipset, while not powerful, offers a more refined experience than the Spreadtrum SC6531E in the Energizer E3, and the availability of 2GB or 3GB of RAM provides a slight performance edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April. Released 2021, April | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 113.9 x 48 x 14 mm (4.48 x 1.89 x 0.55 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 70 g (2.47 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~116 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.77 inches, 9.9 cm2 (~18.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC6531E | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | - | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | QVGA | - |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | QVGA | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1 | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, White, Green, Brown, Yellow | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 10 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 |
Energizer E3
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- May be suitable for very basic users.
- Durable Energizer branding (potentially).
- Extremely limited performance due to the Spreadtrum SC6531E chipset.
- Lack of detailed specifications.
- Likely poor camera quality.
Samsung Galaxy A02
- More powerful Mediatek MT6739W chipset.
- Available with 2GB or 3GB of RAM.
- Large 5000mAh battery for all-day use.
- Still a very basic smartphone experience.
- 28nm process is less efficient.
- Camera quality is limited.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications for the Energizer E3's display are unavailable, suggesting a very basic panel. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 6.5-inch PLS TFT LCD, a technology Samsung uses as a cost-effective alternative to IPS. While PLS TFT offers decent viewing angles, it's unlikely to match the color accuracy or brightness of higher-end panels. Both will likely struggle in direct sunlight, and neither is expected to have a high refresh rate.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on the Energizer E3's camera are scarce, implying a very basic sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. While the 13MP sensor is adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting, the 2MP macro lens is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical benefit. Image processing will be basic on both, and low-light performance will be poor. Expect significant noise and lack of detail.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Energizer E3 utilizes the Spreadtrum SC6531E, a chipset commonly found in extremely low-cost feature phones and entry-level smartphones. It's designed for basic functionality and will struggle with even moderately demanding apps. The Samsung Galaxy A02, on the other hand, is powered by the Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). This chipset, while still entry-level, features a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The 28nm manufacturing process is older, impacting efficiency, but the Cortex-A53 cores provide a noticeable performance boost over the SC6531E, especially when paired with 2GB or 3GB of RAM. The A02's RAM options (2GB/3GB) are crucial; 3GB is strongly recommended for a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Energizer E3 is unknown. The Samsung Galaxy A02 packs a 5000mAh battery, a substantial size for a phone in this price range. However, the power-efficient Mediatek MT6739W chipset and the relatively low-resolution display contribute to good battery life. While charging speeds are likely slow (5W), the large battery should easily last a full day of moderate use. The lack of fast charging on either device is standard for this segment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E3 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant performance limitations. It's a viable option for basic calling and texting. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition. The A02's multiple storage/RAM configurations allow tailoring to your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739W in the Samsung Galaxy A02 prone to overheating during prolonged use?
The MT6739W is a low-power chipset and is unlikely to overheat significantly, even during extended use. Its 28nm process isn't the most efficient, but the chipset's overall thermal design power (TDP) is low, meaning it generates relatively little heat. Expect some warmth during demanding tasks, but not overheating.
❓ How useful is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A02?
The 2MP macro camera on the A02 is largely a marketing feature. Due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus, image quality will be poor, with limited detail and sharpness. It's best used only in ideal lighting conditions and for very close-up subjects, but don't expect professional-looking results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A02 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 can *run* PUBG Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to achieve a playable experience. Even then, you may encounter lag and stuttering. The MT6739W is not a gaming chipset.
❓ Does the Energizer E3 support Google's Android Go edition?
Given the limited hardware of the Energizer E3, it's highly probable that it runs Android Go edition. This stripped-down version of Android is designed for devices with limited RAM and storage, offering a smoother experience on low-end hardware.
