The Realme C2 2020 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at the lowest possible price, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C2 2020 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s older, 28nm Mediatek MT6739W. While both phones are limited, the C2 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 38, 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 | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm (6.07 x 2.90 x 0.33 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 | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~80.3% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), ColorOS 6 Lite | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, 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 | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@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, 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 |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Black, Diamond Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 100 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 C2 2020
- More powerful and efficient processor (Helio P22)
- Octa-core CPU for better multitasking
- Likely better sustained performance
- Potentially longer battery life
- Specific battery capacity and charging speed unknown
- Display details are not specified
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Multiple RAM/storage configurations offer some flexibility
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially better software support (though updates are unlikely)
- Lower price point for base configuration
- Significantly weaker processor (MT6739W)
- Quad-core CPU limits multitasking
- Less efficient 28nm process
- Potential for throttling under load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, though specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided. However, the more significant factor is the underlying performance impacting the UI smoothness. Display quality is secondary to the ability to drive the interface without lag, favoring the Realme C2.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed sensor information is lacking. Given the price point, image quality will be limited. The focus should be on usability, not photographic excellence. The A02’s various storage options (32GB/64GB) may allow for more photos to be stored, but the image processing capabilities of both devices are likely similar and constrained by the chipset. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either phone should be considered marketing features rather than genuinely useful additions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C2’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, while the Samsung Galaxy A02 utilizes the older Mediatek MT6739W (28nm) with a quad-core CPU at 1.5 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio P22 is significantly more efficient, resulting in better power management and sustained performance. The octa-core configuration also provides a clear advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The A02’s 28nm process is known for being less efficient, potentially leading to more heat and throttling under load. The A02’s available RAM options (2GB or 3GB) attempt to mitigate this, but cannot overcome the fundamental CPU/process node disadvantage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the more efficient Mediatek Helio P22 in the Realme C2 2020 will likely translate to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A02. The A02’s less efficient MT6739W will consume more power for the same tasks. Charging wattage is also unknown, but given the budget nature of these phones, expect relatively slow charging speeds on both.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C2 2020 if you prioritize responsiveness and a slightly better multitasking experience, even within the constraints of a budget device. It’s ideal for users who need to run basic apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and a lightweight browser. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if brand recognition and potentially slightly better software support are paramount, and your usage is *extremely* light – primarily calls, texts, and occasional photo capture. The A02’s multiple RAM/storage configurations offer some flexibility, but the core performance remains a significant limitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Galaxy 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. The Realme C2 2020 will provide a smoother experience, even if it’s not perfect.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
No. 2MP macro cameras on ultra-budget phones typically produce low-quality images with limited detail. They are primarily a marketing feature and offer little practical benefit. Focus on the main camera for acceptable photos.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games will be playable on both, but don't expect a great experience. The Realme C2 2020’s Helio P22 will handle slightly more demanding games at lower settings, but even then, frame rates will likely be inconsistent. The Galaxy A02 will struggle with most modern mobile games.
❓ How important is the RAM difference (2GB vs 3GB) on the Galaxy A02?
While 3GB of RAM is preferable to 2GB, it won't fundamentally change the performance limitations imposed by the MT6739W processor. It will help with multitasking slightly, allowing you to keep more apps open in the background, but the core performance bottleneck remains the CPU.
