The Energizer Ultimate U505s and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their similarities and differences, focusing on where each device compromises and who benefits from those trade-offs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing brand recognition and potentially better software support, the Samsung Galaxy A02 (specifically the 3GB RAM variant) is the slightly better choice. However, the Energizer U505s offers a comparable experience at a potentially lower price, making it a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 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 | 2022, March | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 138.5 x 73.5 x 10.6 mm (5.45 x 2.89 x 0.42 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 | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~67.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 80 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 Ultimate U505s
- Potentially lower price point
- 4000mAh battery provides decent endurance
- Functional smartphone experience
- Less brand recognition
- Unspecified RAM configuration (likely 2GB)
- Camera performance likely inferior to A02
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Samsung brand reputation
- Available with 3GB RAM for improved multitasking
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Higher price compared to U505s
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a standard for this price bracket. The Galaxy A02's display size is 6.5 inches, while the U505s' is unspecified, but likely similar. Given the lack of information on panel technology or resolution, the primary difference will likely be color calibration and brightness. Samsung generally offers better color accuracy, even on its budget devices, but without specific nit measurements, it's difficult to quantify. Expect both to struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Galaxy A02's camera specs are more readily available, indicating a 13MP main sensor. The U505s' camera specs are unknown, but given the price point, it's unlikely to surpass the A02 in image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A02 is largely marketing fluff; its utility is limited due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus. Expect both to struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
Both the Energizer U505s and Samsung Galaxy A02 are powered by the Mediatek MT6739 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz CPU. However, the Galaxy A02 utilizes the MT6739W, fabricated on a 28nm process. While the core architecture is the same (Cortex-A53), the 28nm process *could* indicate slightly improved power efficiency in the A02, though the difference is likely minimal. The Galaxy A02's availability in 2GB or 3GB RAM configurations is a significant differentiator; the 3GB variant will offer a noticeably smoother multitasking experience compared to the 2GB option on either device. The U505s RAM is unspecified, but assuming 2GB, the A02 with 3GB RAM is the clear performance winner.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the U505s is 4000mAh, while the Galaxy A02 has a 5000mAh battery. This gives the A02 a significant advantage in battery life, potentially lasting a full day with moderate use. However, the MT6739 is not a particularly power-hungry chipset, so the U505s should still provide acceptable battery life. Charging speeds are likely slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. The larger battery of the A02 will likely translate to longer screen-on time, even with the slightly more efficient MT6739W.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U505s if you need a functional smartphone with minimal frills and are comfortable with a less-established brand. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prefer the Samsung ecosystem, value potential software updates, and are willing to spend a little more for a more polished experience, especially opting for the 3GB RAM version for improved multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739 chipset sufficient for basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739 is capable of handling everyday tasks like calling, texting, and browsing social media. However, it will struggle with demanding applications or multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously. The 3GB RAM variant of the Galaxy A02 will provide a smoother experience than the 2GB options.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support software updates, and for how long?
Samsung typically provides at least one major Android update and several years of security patches for its devices. While the Galaxy A02 is a budget phone, it's likely to receive at least one Android version update (from Android 10 to 11 or 12) and regular security updates for a reasonable period, offering better long-term support than the Energizer U505s.
❓ How does the 2GB vs 3GB RAM configuration on the Galaxy A02 impact performance?
The 3GB RAM configuration on the Galaxy A02 significantly improves multitasking capabilities. With 2GB, the phone will frequently close apps in the background to free up memory, leading to slower app switching and a less responsive experience. The 3GB version is highly recommended if you plan to use more than a few apps concurrently.
