Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C100 and Samsung Galaxy A02 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A02 generally edges out the Nokia C100 thanks to its more flexible RAM/storage options and slightly better overall performance. However, the Nokia C100 might appeal to those prioritizing a cleaner Android experience and Nokia's brand reputation.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71 | 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 | 2022, January 05 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q2 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.9 x 9.7 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.38 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 |
| Weight | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| | Splash protection | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.3% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 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 | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | - |
| 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 | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | TA-1484, TA-1520, N152DL | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 50 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | - |
| 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 |
Nokia C100
- Clean Android experience
- Reliable brand reputation
- Efficient 12nm chipset
- Lower performance compared to A02
- Limited RAM/storage options
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A02
- More RAM/storage configurations
- Slightly better performance
- Samsung's display technology (potentially)
- Wider availability
- Samsung's One UI can be bloated
- Older chipset (28nm)
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature basic LCD displays, likely around 6.5 inches. The Galaxy A02 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology, but both are adequate for media consumption. Resolution is likely to be HD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – basic single or dual rear cameras. Expect decent image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The Samsung Galaxy A02 might have a slightly better image processing algorithm.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A02 holds a slight advantage here. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the Nokia C100's chipset (MT6761 Helio A22) is built on a more efficient 12nm process, but the A02's 1.5GHz CPU is generally faster than the C100's 2.0GHz. RAM options on the A02 (2GB, 3GB) provide more flexibility.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 4000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization will play a key role in real-world performance.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Nokia C100? Users seeking a simple, clean Android experience and a reliable brand. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A02? Those needing more RAM/storage configurations and a slightly more powerful processor for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia generally provides faster and more consistent Android updates, though both are budget devices and support may be limited.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage.
