The Nokia C20 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone owners or those needing a very basic, affordable device. Both phones aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but significant differences in their internal hardware dictate distinct performance characteristics. This comparison will dissect those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and a slightly smoother experience, the Nokia C20 emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, while still entry-level, demonstrably outperforms the quad-core Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02, making it more capable for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 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 |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM, Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 06 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB 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, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sand, Dark Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | TA-1339, TA-1348, TA-1352, TA-1356 | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 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 C20
- Octa-core processor offers better multitasking.
- More efficient processor architecture (Cortex-A55).
- Potentially better battery life due to processor efficiency.
- RAM configuration is unknown.
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known and trusted brand (Samsung).
- Multiple storage/RAM configurations available.
- Wider availability of accessories.
- Quad-core processor is less capable than the Nokia C20.
- Older processor architecture (Cortex-A53).
- Performance may feel sluggish with multiple apps.
Display Comparison
Neither the Nokia C20 nor the Samsung Galaxy A02 are expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specific display specs (resolution, brightness, panel type) are not provided, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest brightness levels. The focus here is on functionality rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are sparse, but both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A02's available configurations (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB) don't specify camera resolution, but the market segment suggests low-resolution sensors. The Nokia C20's camera specs are also unavailable. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. Any 2MP macro cameras included on either device should be considered largely for marketing purposes, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Nokia C20’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. While both are built on a 28nm process, the higher core count and newer Cortex-A55 architecture in the Nokia C20 provide a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The A55 cores are more efficient than the A53, potentially leading to better battery life under load. The Galaxy A02's RAM options (2GB or 3GB) versus the C20's unspecified RAM configuration further complicate the comparison, but the processor difference is the dominant factor. The A02's performance will likely feel noticeably slower when switching between apps or loading more demanding content.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the low-power chipsets and basic displays, both the Nokia C20 and Samsung Galaxy A02 should be capable of all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unspecified, suggesting slow charging speeds. The Unisoc SC9863A’s efficiency advantage might translate to slightly longer battery life for the Nokia C20, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial. Real-world battery performance will heavily depend on individual usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C20 if you need a phone capable of handling more than just basic calling and texting, and if you anticipate running multiple apps simultaneously, even if they are lightweight. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize a well-established brand and are willing to accept a more limited performance profile, potentially benefiting from Samsung's software optimizations and wider availability of accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02 struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Mediatek MT6739W is a relatively weak processor. While it can run basic social media apps, you may experience noticeable lag when scrolling through feeds or loading images, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The Nokia C20's Unisoc SC9863A should provide a smoother experience in these scenarios.
❓ Is the Nokia C20 a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Nokia C20 is a solid option for a first-time smartphone user. Its octa-core processor provides enough power for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web. The Android Go Edition software is designed to run efficiently on lower-end hardware, making it a user-friendly experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support software updates for security patches?
Samsung typically provides a limited number of software updates for its entry-level devices. While the Galaxy A02 will likely receive some security patches, the duration of support is shorter compared to Samsung's flagship models. The Nokia C20's update schedule is less predictable, but Nokia generally commits to a certain level of security support.
