The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Realme C11 and Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a noticeably smoother experience, despite the A02's wider range of storage/RAM configurations.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C11 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s older 28nm Mediatek MT6739W. While the A02 offers more storage options, the C11’s improved processing power delivers a more responsive daily experience.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 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, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.36 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~264 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~83.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 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/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 27mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Pepper Grey | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX2185 | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 90 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 |
Realme C11
- Significantly better processor performance
- More efficient chipset for longer battery life
- Modern 12nm fabrication process
- Limited storage options
- Slow 10W charging
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Wider range of storage configurations (32GB/64GB)
- Lower starting price (depending on configuration)
- Readily available
- Outdated and slow processor
- Less efficient 28nm fabrication process
- Poor multitasking performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both are likely to utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are not provided, but the A02’s display is likely similar to other phones in its class – adequate for basic viewing but lacking vibrancy. The Realme C11’s display quality is also unknown, but the focus here is on the chipset, not the screen.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Neither phone is positioned as a photography powerhouse. The A02’s available configurations include options for 2GB or 3GB of RAM, which can impact image processing speeds. However, the core camera hardware is likely similar in quality – a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (often a 2MP macro, which offers limited practical benefit). Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner, but the Realme C11’s more powerful processor *may* allow for slightly faster image processing.
Performance
This is where the Realme C11 pulls decisively ahead. The Mediatek Helio G35, fabricated on a 12nm process, is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, which uses an older 28nm process. The G35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) versus the A02’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 28nm node of the MT6739W also implies higher power consumption for similar tasks, impacting battery life. The A02’s CPU is simply outmatched.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range (around 5000mAh is common). The Realme C11’s 10W charging is slow by modern standards, but the more efficient Helio G35 chipset should translate to better overall battery life compared to the A02, despite the A02 potentially having slightly more capacity. The A02’s less efficient processor will drain the battery faster under load, negating any potential capacity advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C11 if you prioritize a fluid user experience and responsiveness for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The newer chipset will translate to fewer stutters and a more enjoyable overall experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if storage capacity is your absolute top priority and you’re willing to accept a slower, less responsive phone. The A02’s availability in 64GB configurations is its main advantage, particularly for users who store a lot of photos, videos, or apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the A02’s Mediatek MT6739W processor is quite limited. While it can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag, slow loading times, and difficulty multitasking. Switching between apps will likely be sluggish, and demanding features within these apps may not function smoothly.
❓ Is the Realme C11 a good option for playing mobile games?
The Realme C11 is better suited for gaming than the A02, but it’s still an entry-level device. The Helio G35 can handle less demanding games at lower settings. However, graphically intensive titles will likely require significant compromises in graphics quality and frame rates to achieve playable performance. Don't expect a high-end gaming experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02's 64GB storage option make it worth considering over the Realme C11?
Only if storage is your absolute top priority. While 64GB is more spacious, the A02’s significantly slower processor will make the entire user experience feel sluggish. If you can manage your storage with cloud services or by carefully selecting apps, the C11’s superior performance is a more worthwhile trade-off.
