The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Hot 10 Lite and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent two of the most popular options. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, revealing which phone offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and slightly better performance, the Infinix Hot 10 Lite emerges as the winner. Its newer Mediatek Helio A20 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s older 28nm MT6739W, despite the similar core count. However, the A02’s wider range of RAM/storage configurations offers more flexibility.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 3, 7, 20 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 29. Released 2020, October 26 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.5 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.52 x 3.01 x 0.35 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 | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~83.2% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Triple-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 3.2 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 713 h (2G) / Up to 428 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 15 h (2G) / Up to 6 h 30 min (3G) | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | X657B | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 100 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 |
Infinix Hot 10 Lite
- More efficient chipset (Helio A20)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely longer battery life due to chipset efficiency
- Limited RAM/storage configurations
- Slow 10W charging
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Wider range of RAM/storage options (32/2GB, 32/3GB, 64/3GB)
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially better image processing
- Older, less efficient chipset (MT6739W)
- Likely more throttling under load
- Potentially shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a standard for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The A02’s potential for slightly better color calibration, typical of Samsung’s displays, is offset by the older chipset needing to drive it. The real-world difference in visual experience will likely be minimal for casual users.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Detailed sensor information is lacking, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with a depth sensor. The A02’s available configurations suggest a focus on storage options rather than camera improvements. Given the similar likely sensor quality, the image processing algorithms will be the deciding factor, and Samsung generally offers more refined software. However, the performance difference will be minimal in most lighting conditions. Avoid expecting high-quality photos from either device.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Hot 10 Lite’s Mediatek Helio A20 (12nm) is a more modern design than the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). While both are quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.8GHz and 1.5GHz respectively, the 12nm process node of the Helio A20 translates to improved power efficiency and potentially better sustained performance. The A02’s older, larger node will generate more heat under load, potentially leading to throttling. This means the Hot 10 Lite will likely handle multitasking and light gaming slightly better. The A02’s RAM options (2GB/3GB) offer some flexibility, but the underlying chipset remains the bottleneck.
Battery Life
Both phones feature modest battery capacities, likely around 5000mAh (specifics unavailable). The Infinix Hot 10 Lite’s 10W charging is slow, but the more efficient Helio A20 chipset should contribute to longer battery life between charges. The A02’s charging speed is also likely 10W. The difference in real-world battery life will be marginal, with usage patterns being the dominant factor. Neither phone is designed for all-day heavy use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Hot 10 Lite if you need a phone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and value a slightly more responsive experience. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize brand recognition and the flexibility to choose between 32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, or 64GB/3GB RAM/storage configurations, and are willing to accept a slightly slower overall performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the MT6739W in the Galaxy A02 struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the MT6739W is an older chipset and will exhibit noticeable lag when running demanding applications or multitasking. While it can handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing, expect slower loading times and occasional stuttering. The Infinix Hot 10 Lite’s Helio A20 offers a smoother experience, though still limited.
❓ Is the 2GB of RAM in some Galaxy A02 configurations enough for a good experience?
2GB of RAM is the absolute minimum for a modern smartphone. On the Galaxy A02, this will severely limit multitasking capabilities and lead to frequent app reloading. Upgrading to the 3GB RAM variant is highly recommended if your budget allows, even if it means sacrificing storage space.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Both phones can *launch* PUBG Mobile, but the experience will be far from ideal. Expect very low graphics settings, significant frame rate drops, and potential overheating. The Infinix Hot 10 Lite’s Helio A20 will offer a slightly more playable experience, but neither phone is suitable for serious gaming.
❓ What kind of storage does the Galaxy A02 use, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 utilizes eMMC storage, which is slower than the UFS storage found in more expensive phones. However, it does feature a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage up to 512GB. This is crucial given the limited internal storage options.
