The smartphone landscape is crowded with options, particularly in the budget segment. We're pitting the newly released Lava Bold, powered by a modern Mediatek Dimensity 6300, against the established Samsung Galaxy A02, which relies on the older MT6739W chipset. This comparison isn't just about specs; it's about understanding where each phone excels and who will benefit most from its strengths.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Lava Bold is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a substantial performance advantage over the Galaxy A02's MT6739W, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the A02 remains a viable option for basic use, the Bold delivers significantly more for your money.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 02 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 08 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.4 x 73.9 x 8.5 mm (6.39 x 2.91 x 0.33 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 | 183 g (6.46 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~89.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 14, planned upgrade to Android 15 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sapphire Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 110 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 |
Lava Bold
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better battery life
- 33W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Likely better software support and updates
- Price is likely higher than the base Galaxy A02 configuration
- Camera specs are currently unknown
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Extremely affordable, especially the 32GB/2GB RAM variant
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Widely available and well-known brand
- Lightweight and compact design
- Outdated and slow processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slow charging speeds
- Potentially limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on internals, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels common in this price bracket. The A02's display resolution is likely 720p+, while the Bold's is also likely 720p+. The key difference will be color accuracy and brightness, where the newer Bold may have a slight edge due to more modern panel technology, but without specific nit ratings, it's difficult to quantify. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. The A02's available configurations (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB) don't specify camera sensor details, but it's reasonable to assume a primary sensor around 13MP. The Lava Bold's camera specs are also unavailable, but the more powerful chipset allows for better image processing, potentially resulting in slightly improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on the A02 is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Lava Bold's Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A02's Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). The Dimensity 6300's octa-core configuration (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the A02's quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The 6nm process node also translates to improved power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. This means the Bold will handle demanding apps and multitasking far more smoothly. The A02 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the A02's battery capacity is unknown, the Lava Bold's 33W wired charging is a significant advantage. This allows for much faster charging times compared to the A02, which likely supports only 10W or 15W charging. Even if the A02 has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Bold's faster charging will minimize downtime and provide a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold if you need a phone capable of handling modern apps, light gaming, and multitasking without significant lag. It's ideal for users who want a device that will remain usable for several years. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. It's a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 in the Lava Bold handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Dimensity 6300 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with playable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it's a significant improvement over the Galaxy A02's MT6739W, which would struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much faster is the Lava Bold's charging compared to the Samsung Galaxy A02?
The Lava Bold's 33W charging is substantially faster. While the A02 likely supports 10W-15W charging, the Bold can potentially charge from 0-100% in around 60-75 minutes, whereas the A02 could take over 3 hours. This makes a significant difference in daily usability.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A02 still a good option for basic smartphone users?
If your needs are limited to calls, texts, and light social media, the Galaxy A02 remains a functional option, especially if budget is the primary concern. However, be prepared for noticeable lag when opening apps or multitasking.
❓ What kind of RAM and storage options are available on the Lava Bold?
Unfortunately, the context data doesn't specify the RAM and storage configurations for the Lava Bold. However, given the chipset, it's reasonable to expect options ranging from 4GB to 6GB of RAM and 64GB to 128GB of storage, potentially with microSD card expansion.
