The Realme C20 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 smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to reveal which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C20 emerges as the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s older 28nm MT6739W. While both are entry-level, the C20 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 | 2021, January 19 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 19 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 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 |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| | Splash-resistant design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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 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, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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 | 5.1, 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cool Gray, Cool Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | RMX3063, RMX3061 | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 0.98 W/kg (head) 0.50 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 |
Realme C20
- More powerful and efficient Helio G35 chipset
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking
- 12nm process node for better battery life
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Limited information on display quality
- Basic camera specifications
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Brand recognition of Samsung
- Multiple storage/RAM configurations available
- Potentially lower price point for base models
- Wider availability in some regions
- Older and less efficient MT6739W chipset
- Quad-core CPU may struggle with multitasking
- 28nm process node consumes more power
- Likely slower performance overall
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 lack of information suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. The focus here is purely on functionality, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both models, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. While both likely feature a main camera, details are scarce. The Samsung Galaxy A02’s available configurations (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB) suggest a focus on storage options, but don’t indicate camera improvements. Expect basic image quality suitable for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device are unlikely to deliver meaningful improvements to image quality. The larger sensor (if any) will be the determining factor, but without specific sensor size data, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme C20’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s MT6739W (28nm). 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 and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process node of the G35 also implies better power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life under load. The A02’s older, larger-node chipset will struggle with demanding applications and may exhibit noticeable lag.
Battery Life
Both phones feature basic battery setups. The Realme C20 includes 10W wired charging, and can also perform reverse wired charging. The Galaxy A02’s battery capacity is not specified, but given its target market, it’s likely similar to the C20’s. The G35’s more efficient 12nm process could translate to slightly longer battery life on the Realme C20, even with a similar capacity, as it requires less power for everyday tasks. The 10W charging on the C20 is standard for this price point, and the reverse charging is a niche feature.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C20 if you prioritize responsiveness and a slightly more modern chipset for basic tasks like social media and messaging. It’s ideal for users who need a functional smartphone without breaking the bank. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you value brand recognition and potentially a wider range of storage/RAM configurations, and are willing to accept a performance trade-off. The A02’s varying price points based on RAM/storage may appeal to those with a strict budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The MT6739W chipset in the Galaxy A02 is quite limited. While it can run basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, you may experience noticeable lag, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The Realme C20’s Helio G35 will provide a smoother experience with these apps.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Realme C20 slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards, but it’s typical for phones in this price range. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It’s best to charge the phone overnight.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
While technically possible, gaming on either the Realme C20 or Samsung Galaxy A02 will be a compromised experience. The Helio G35 in the C20 will offer slightly better performance, but you’ll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and accept low frame rates. The A02’s MT6739W will struggle even more, making PUBG Mobile largely unplayable.
❓ What storage options are available for the Realme C20?
The provided context data does not specify the storage options for the Realme C20. However, based on market trends for this price point, it likely comes in a 32GB or 64GB configuration, with microSD card support for expandable storage.
