The LG W11 and Samsung Galaxy A02s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on where each phone excels and where it compromises, helping you determine which best fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A02s emerges as the better choice. While both phones offer similar battery endurance, the Snapdragon 450's architecture provides a more stable experience, even if marginally slower on paper.
| 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, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 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 | 2020, November 06 | 2020, November 24. Released 2021, January 04 |
| Status | Cancelled | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166.2 x 76.3 x 8.4 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.2 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 | - | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 3.15 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 530 h (2G) / Up to 530 h (3G) |
| Talk time | - | Up to 6 h 12 min (2G) / Up to 6 h 18 min (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Blue | Black, White, Red, Blue |
| Models | LM-K310IM | SM-A025F, SM-A025F/DS, SM-A025G, SM-A025G/DS, SM-A025M, SM-A025M/DS, SM-A025U, SM-A025V, SM-A025A, SM-A025U1, SM-A025AZ, SM-S124DL |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.15 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -81.4dB / Crosstalk -80.5dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1765:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-29.8 LUFS (Average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 90811 (v8)
GeekBench: 495 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 6.1fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
LG W11
- Potentially lower price point
- Higher CPU clock speed (on paper)
- May offer unique LG software features
- Less efficient chipset (potentially more throttling)
- No published display brightness data
- No fast charging support
Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Brighter display for outdoor visibility
- More thermally efficient chipset
- 15W fast charging support
- Slightly lower CPU clock speed
- May be slightly more expensive
- 2MP macro camera is likely of limited use
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A02s boasts a measured peak brightness of 406 nits, a significant advantage over the LG W11, which lacks published brightness data. The A02s’ 1765:1 contrast ratio (measured) suggests a more vibrant image, though the LG W11 shares the same nominal contrast ratio. Both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, common in this price bracket, but the A02s’ higher brightness makes it more usable in direct sunlight. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, given their cost.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Expect limited low-light performance and a focus on basic photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A02s is likely more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful addition. Sensor size and aperture are unknown for both, making a direct comparison impossible without further testing. The A02s' image processing is likely to be more refined due to Samsung's established camera software.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A02s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm), while the LG W11 features the MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). While the Helio P22 has a higher clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.8 GHz), the Snapdragon 450’s 14nm process generally translates to better thermal efficiency. This means the A02s is less likely to throttle under sustained load. Both CPUs utilize Cortex-A53 cores, indicating similar architectural limitations. The Snapdragon 450’s Adreno 506 GPU is also likely to offer a slightly smoother experience in light gaming compared to the Helio P22’s PowerVR GE8320. Both phones will struggle with demanding titles, but the A02s will likely maintain a more consistent frame rate.
Battery Life
Both the LG W11 and Samsung Galaxy A02s achieve an endurance rating of 114 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. The A02s supports 15W wired charging, a feature absent from the LG W11’s specifications. While neither phone offers exceptionally fast charging, the A02s’ 15W support will result in quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. The actual battery capacity (mAh) remains undisclosed for both devices, but the similar endurance ratings suggest comparable sizes.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG W11 if you prioritize a potentially lower price point and are comfortable with a chipset that may show its age more quickly in demanding applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02s if you prefer a more refined user experience, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a chipset known for its stability, even if it's not a performance powerhouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 450 in the Galaxy A02s struggle with multitasking?
The Snapdragon 450 is an entry-level chipset, and heavy multitasking with numerous apps open simultaneously will likely result in slowdowns. However, for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, it should provide a reasonably smooth experience. The A02s' thermal efficiency helps prevent performance throttling during extended use.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones good enough for casual social media posts?
Both phones are capable of taking acceptable photos in good lighting conditions for casual social media sharing. However, expect limited detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Samsung Galaxy A02s likely has an edge due to Samsung's image processing algorithms, but neither phone will rival the camera quality of more expensive devices.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A02s with the 15W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charging time isn't officially specified, a 15W charger will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge the Galaxy A02s. This is significantly faster than charging the LG W11, which lacks fast charging support and will likely take considerably longer.
