The Gionee G13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent opposite ends of the budget smartphone spectrum. The A02 leverages Samsung's brand recognition and established distribution, while the G13 Pro attempts to undercut it with a more modern, albeit less-known, chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Gionee G13 Pro offers a superior experience. Its Unisoc Tiger T310 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Galaxy A02’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739W. While Samsung benefits from brand trust, the G13 Pro delivers more processing power for everyday tasks.
| 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 | LTE | 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, January 28 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 30 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.22 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~280 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 94.6 cm2 (~78.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | HarmonyOS 2.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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-Ion 3500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Silver, Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | GNV5221 | 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 |
Gionee G13 Pro
- More powerful and efficient Unisoc Tiger T310 chipset
- Modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Potentially better battery life due to 12nm process
- Likely lower price point
- Less established brand reputation
- Limited availability of accessories
- Display specifications are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known Samsung brand
- Wider availability and accessory ecosystem
- Large 5000mAh battery (typical)
- Multiple RAM/storage configurations
- Outdated and inefficient Mediatek MT6739W chipset
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Higher price for comparable performance
- 28nm process leads to higher power consumption
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications (resolution, brightness) for the G13 Pro makes a direct comparison difficult. The Galaxy A02’s display is expected to be 720p+, but its older chipset will struggle to drive graphically intensive content smoothly. The larger process node of the MT6739W suggests it will be less efficient, potentially impacting battery life during display-heavy usage.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Both are expected to feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Galaxy A02’s available configurations (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB) don’t specify camera sensor details, but it’s unlikely to be a significant upgrade over the G13 Pro. Given the limited processing power of both chipsets, image processing will be basic, and low-light performance will be subpar. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A02 is largely a marketing gimmick and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Gionee G13 Pro is the clear winner here. Built on a 12nm process, it features a quad-core configuration with a Cortex-A75 performance core clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with three Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This architecture is significantly more modern and efficient than the Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, which uses four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.5 GHz and is fabricated on a much older 28nm process. The A75 core provides a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 12nm process also translates to better thermal management and power efficiency, meaning the G13 Pro is less likely to throttle under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery life is difficult to predict without knowing the G13 Pro’s battery capacity. The Galaxy A02 typically features a 5000mAh battery, which is substantial. However, the inefficient Mediatek MT6739W chipset will consume more power than the Gionee’s Unisoc Tiger T310. The 12nm process of the T310 contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting a smaller battery capacity in the G13 Pro. Charging speeds are also unknown for both devices, but are likely to be slow given the budget nature of both phones.
Buying Guide
Buy the Gionee G13 Pro if you prioritize performance and responsiveness for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. It’s ideal for users who want the most processing power for their dollar. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if brand recognition and a wider availability of accessories are paramount, and your usage is extremely light – primarily calls, texts, and occasional basic app use. The A02’s varying RAM/storage configurations offer some flexibility, but at a price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Gionee G13 Pro handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc Tiger T310’s Cortex-A75 core provides sufficient processing power for smooth operation of common social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. The improved architecture and 12nm process will result in a more responsive experience compared to the Galaxy A02’s older chipset.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A02 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 is not well-suited for mobile gaming. The Mediatek MT6739W chipset and its integrated GPU are underpowered for most modern games, even at low settings. Expect significant lag and frame rate drops. The Gionee G13 Pro, while still not a gaming powerhouse, will offer a slightly better experience due to its more capable chipset.
❓ How does the 28nm process of the Mediatek MT6739W affect the Galaxy A02's battery life?
The 28nm process is significantly less efficient than the 12nm process used in the Unisoc Tiger T310. This means the MT6739W consumes more power for the same tasks, leading to shorter battery life on the Galaxy A02, even with its larger 5000mAh battery. Expect more frequent charging.
