Both the Honor 8S 2020 and the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. This comparison focuses on the core differences in their processing power and efficiency, as these are the primary factors differentiating these ultra-affordable options.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Honor 8S 2020 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance and efficiency advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739, despite the slightly lower clock speed.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 27. Released 2020, May 27 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.1 x 70.8 x 8.5 mm (5.79 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 146 g (5.15 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), EMUI 9, Google Play Services | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3020 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Midnight Black, Green | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Honor 8S 2020
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed
- Potentially better image processing
- May still struggle with demanding apps
- Limited RAM and storage options
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Samsung brand recognition
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Slower CPU clock speed
- Likely shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely feature basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1520. However, display quality isn't the defining factor here. The focus is on the internal hardware. Without specific brightness data, it's difficult to compare, but the A01 Core's older chipset likely impacts its ability to efficiently drive a brighter display.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specs are limited. It's safe to assume both will have a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Helio A22 likely offers slightly better image processing capabilities than the MT6739, potentially resulting in marginally better photo quality. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; the chipset's processing power is more crucial at this price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor 8S 2020’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12nm) is significantly more efficient than the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 (28nm). While both utilize a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, the 12nm process allows the Helio A22 to deliver comparable performance at lower power consumption. This translates to better battery life and less thermal throttling during sustained use. The 2.0 GHz clock speed of the A22 versus the 1.5 GHz of the MT6739 provides a modest clock speed advantage, but the process node is the key differentiator. The A01 Core's older chipset will struggle more with multitasking and demanding apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but the efficiency of the Helio A22 in the Honor 8S 2020 will have a significant impact on real-world battery life. The 28nm process of the MT6739 in the A01 Core is inherently less efficient, meaning it will drain the battery faster under similar usage conditions. While the A01 Core might have a slightly larger battery, the less efficient chipset will likely negate any capacity advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor 8S 2020 if you need a slightly more responsive experience for basic tasks like messaging, web browsing, and social media, and if you value a more modern chipset architecture. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prioritize brand recognition and are looking for the absolute cheapest possible smartphone option, understanding that performance will be limited and battery life may suffer due to the less efficient chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the MT6739 chipset in the A01 Core is relatively weak. While it can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect noticeable lag and slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The Honor 8S 2020 will offer a smoother experience.
❓ Is the difference in chipset manufacturing process (12nm vs 28nm) really that important?
Absolutely. A smaller manufacturing process (like 12nm) means more transistors can be packed into the same space, leading to increased performance and significantly improved power efficiency. The Honor 8S 2020's 12nm Helio A22 will run cooler and last longer on a single charge compared to the A01 Core's 28nm MT6739.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games, but don't expect a good experience with anything more demanding. Frame rates will be low, and you'll likely encounter stuttering and lag. The Honor 8S 2020 will perform slightly better due to its more efficient chipset.
