The Nokia C2 Tennen and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct performance characteristics. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if slow, smartphone for basic tasks, the Nokia C2 Tennen edges out the Samsung Galaxy A02. Its newer Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a more efficient 16nm process, provides a slight performance advantage and potentially better long-term stability despite the A02's RAM options.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE, Cat6 300/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, June 15 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| 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 (~70.3% 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 (16 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 500 entries | - |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, AF
2 MP | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS | - |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 240 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 3 h | - |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Steel | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 60 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 |
Nokia C2 Tennen
- More efficient chipset (Mediatek Helio A22)
- Potentially better battery life
- Slightly faster CPU performance
- Limited storage options
- Basic camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Multiple storage/RAM configurations
- Wider availability of options
- Familiar Samsung brand
- Less efficient chipset (Mediatek MT6739W)
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Slower CPU performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are expected to utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but given the target market, expectations should be tempered. The A02's availability in multiple storage configurations doesn't imply any display differences. The focus here is purely functional, prioritizing visibility over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are sparse, but it's safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. The A02's availability of different RAM/storage configurations doesn't impact the camera hardware. Expect adequate results in well-lit conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light. Any 'macro' or 'depth' sensors are likely to be low-resolution and offer minimal benefit. Focusing on the primary sensor is key, and without specific sensor size information, it's difficult to declare a clear winner.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C2 Tennen’s Mediatek Helio A22 (16nm) features a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, while the Samsung Galaxy A02 utilizes the older Mediatek MT6739W (28nm) with a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The 16nm fabrication process of the Helio A22 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the MT6739W, suggesting better thermal management and potentially longer battery life under load. While both CPUs are Cortex-A53 based, the higher clock speed of the A22 and the more advanced node give it a clear advantage in processing power. The A02's RAM options (2GB or 3GB) offer a potential benefit for multitasking, but the slower chipset will likely be the bottleneck in most scenarios.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device. However, the Nokia C2 Tennen’s more efficient Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a 16nm process, will likely translate to better battery life compared to the Samsung Galaxy A02’s power-hungry Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). Both support 10W wired charging, meaning charging times will be relatively slow. The A02’s larger storage options don’t directly impact battery performance, but storing more apps could indirectly increase power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 Tennen if you need a reliably basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and prioritize a slightly more modern chipset. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prefer a wider range of storage options (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, or 64GB/3GB) and are willing to accept potentially lower performance due to the older, less efficient Mediatek MT6739W chipset. The A02 is a better fit for users who anticipate storing more photos, videos, or apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739W in the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with modern apps?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739W is an older, less powerful chipset. While it can handle basic apps like calling, texting, and web browsing, it will likely struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. Expect noticeable lag and slowdowns when running multiple apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the 2GB of RAM in some Galaxy A02 configurations enough for a smooth experience?
2GB of RAM is minimal for a modern smartphone. While it will function, you'll likely experience frequent app reloading and slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open. Opting for the 3GB RAM version of the Galaxy A02 is highly recommended if your budget allows.
❓ Does the Nokia C2 Tennen support software updates beyond the initial Android Go release?
Nokia typically provides a limited number of software updates for its entry-level devices. While the C2 Tennen launched with Android Go, the extent of future updates is uncertain. Expect security patches for a limited time, but major Android version upgrades are unlikely.
❓ What kind of storage expansion options are available on either phone?
Both the Nokia C2 Tennen and Samsung Galaxy A02 feature a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing for storage expansion up to 32GB. This is crucial given the limited internal storage options on both devices.
