The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. The Honor Play9A and Samsung Galaxy A02 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware, particularly the chipset, dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Honor Play9A is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, offers a substantial performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s aging MT6739W. While the A02 offers slightly lower entry prices, the Play9A’s improved responsiveness justifies the small premium.
| 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 | 2024, November | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, November | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.8 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 14, MagicOS 8 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB 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 |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue, Starry Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | GFY-LX3 | 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 |
Honor Play9A
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for better battery life
- Octa-core CPU enables better multitasking
- Likely better image processing due to newer ISP
- Potentially slightly higher price point
- Specific display specs are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Lowest possible entry price
- Available in multiple RAM/storage configurations
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Widely available
- Slow and sluggish performance
- Inefficient chipset leads to shorter battery life
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking
- Outdated processor architecture
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but given the price points, expect basic viewing experiences. The A02’s display resolution is likely 720 x 1520 pixels, typical for this class, while the Play9A’s resolution is not specified. The larger difference will be in the processing power to drive the display smoothly, favoring the Play9A.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Galaxy A02 offers configurations with 32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, and 64GB/3GB RAM, but camera specs are consistent across all variants. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. The A02’s main sensor is likely 13MP, while the Play9A’s is unspecified. The presence of a more modern ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G36 could offer slightly better image processing, but don’t expect flagship-level results from either. The 2MP macro cameras on both are largely marketing filler.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Honor Play9A’s Mediatek Helio G36, fabricated on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53). This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor built on a significantly older 28nm process. The 12nm node of the Helio G36 translates to improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation, allowing for sustained performance. The octa-core configuration also provides a clear advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The A02 will struggle with even moderate app switching.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient 12nm Helio G36 in the Play9A will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A02. The A02’s older 28nm MT6739W is inherently less power-efficient. Charging speeds are also unknown, but given the price points, expect slow charging times for both devices. The Play9A’s chipset efficiency will likely translate to more usable screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play9A if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and anticipate using your phone for more than just calls and texts. It’s the better option for light gaming and multitasking. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if your absolute top priority is minimizing cost and you only need a phone for the most basic functions – calls, messaging, and occasional light browsing – and are willing to accept noticeable performance limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the MT6739W chipset in the Galaxy A02 is quite limited. While it can run these apps, you'll likely experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and occasional crashes, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Honor Play9A a good option for playing mobile games?
The Honor Play9A is better suited for light gaming than the A02. The Helio G36 can handle less demanding titles at lower settings. However, don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG or Genshin Impact smoothly.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support fast charging?
No, the Samsung Galaxy A02 likely supports only standard 5W charging. Expect a very long charging time to fully replenish the battery.
❓ What kind of storage does the Honor Play9A use? Is it expandable?
Storage specifications for the Play9A are not readily available, but it likely uses eMMC storage, common in this price range. It almost certainly includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
