Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy M01s and M02s are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This detailed comparison will break down the key differences to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy M02s edges out the M01s thanks to its slightly better CPU, faster charging, and improved software support. While both are budget options, the M02s provides a more modern and smoother experience, making it the preferable choice for most users.
| 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 | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 | 2021, January 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 164.2 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 | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.1 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue, Gray | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-M017F, SM-M017F/DS | SM-M025F/DS, SM-M025F |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.26 W/kg (head) | 0.52 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M01s
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Sufficient for basic tasks
- Slower performance
- Standard charging
- Older software
Samsung Galaxy M02s
- Slightly better performance
- Faster 15W charging
- Potentially longer software support
- Macro lens
- Still a budget phone
- Limited gaming capabilities
- HD+ display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.2-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. However, the M02s might have slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations. Screen brightness is comparable on both.
Camera Comparison
The M01s typically has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the M02s often features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is similar in good lighting conditions, but the M02s' macro lens offers a unique shooting option. Low-light performance is adequate on both, but not exceptional.
Performance
The M02s' Snapdragon 450 generally outperforms the M01s' Helio P22 in everyday tasks. While both are octa-core processors, the Snapdragon 450's architecture and efficiency provide a smoother user experience, especially when multitasking. Gaming performance will be limited on both, but the M02s will handle it marginally better.
Battery Life
Both phones usually come with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The M02s' 15W fast charging is a significant advantage over the M01s' standard charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M01s? Those on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy M02s? Users seeking a slightly more responsive experience, faster charging, and a phone that will likely receive longer software updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M02s worth the extra money compared to the M01s?
Yes, the M02s offers a noticeable improvement in performance and charging speed, making it a worthwhile upgrade if your budget allows.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy M02s is likely to receive longer software updates and security patches due to being a newer model.
