The Samsung Galaxy M02 and Motorola Moto E6 Play represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing basic functionality and affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a marginally smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy M02 edges out the Motorola Moto E6 Play. While both share the same Mediatek MT6739 chipset, the M02’s slightly newer software and potentially optimized firmware provide a small, but noticeable, advantage in responsiveness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 02 | 2019, October. Released 2019, November |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 09 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 146.5 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm (5.77 x 2.79 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 140 g (4.94 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 77.0 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2.0 | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Red | Turquoise Blue, Anthracite |
| Models | SM-M022F, SM-M022F/DS, SM-M022G, SM-M022G/DS | XT2029, XT2029-1 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) | 0.55 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M02
- Potentially newer software optimizations
- Slightly better long-term software support (Samsung)
- May offer a more refined user experience
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource-intensive
- Build quality may not be as robust as Motorola
Motorola Moto E6 Play
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Motorola’s reputation for reliable build quality
- Simpler user interface for less tech-savvy users
- Potentially slower software updates
- Less refined software features compared to Samsung
Display Comparison
Both the Samsung Galaxy M02 and Motorola Moto E6 Play feature displays that prioritize cost-effectiveness over premium features. While specific display specs beyond resolution are unavailable, both likely utilize LCD panels given their price point. The identical chipset suggests similar graphics capabilities, meaning neither display will drive demanding visuals. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is likely to be standard for this segment, prioritizing power efficiency over vibrant color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited by their budget nature. Both likely feature a primary camera alongside potentially a depth sensor or a low-resolution macro lens. Given the context data, detailed analysis is difficult. However, it's safe to assume image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions but suffer significantly in low light. The aperture of the main sensor will be a key determinant of low-light performance, but this information is unavailable. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6739 chipset, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. The near-identical specifications mean performance will be remarkably similar in day-to-day tasks like browsing, messaging, and light social media use. The 28nm manufacturing process indicates a focus on cost reduction rather than power efficiency. While neither phone is suited for intensive gaming, both can handle basic 2D games. The M02 *may* benefit from slightly newer software optimizations, potentially leading to marginally smoother multitasking, but the difference will be minimal. RAM configurations are not specified, but are likely to be 2GB or 3GB in both cases, further limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key strength of both devices, given their low-power chipsets and likely modest display resolutions. Specific battery capacities are not provided, but both are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be 5W or 10W, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The Mediatek MT6739’s power efficiency, coupled with the lack of demanding features, will contribute to extended battery endurance. The M02’s potentially optimized software *could* lead to slightly better battery management, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02 if you need a device with a slightly more modern software experience and potentially better long-term software support, even if minimal. Buy the Motorola Moto E6 Play if you prioritize a clean, near-stock Android experience and prefer Motorola’s reputation for reliable build quality in the ultra-budget segment. Both are suitable for basic tasks, but the E6 Play’s simplicity may appeal to those less comfortable with Samsung’s One UI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with WhatsApp and Facebook?
Both the Samsung Galaxy M02 and Motorola Moto E6 Play are capable of running WhatsApp and Facebook, but performance may be sluggish with multiple chats open or when loading media-heavy content. The Mediatek MT6739 chipset and limited RAM (likely 2GB or 3GB) are the limiting factors. Closing unused apps will help maintain responsiveness.
❓ Can I play PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
While technically possible to *install* PUBG Mobile on both devices, the experience will be far from ideal. The Mediatek MT6739 chipset lacks the graphical power to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even at the lowest settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and lag, making the game largely unplayable.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Samsung Galaxy M02?
Samsung typically provides limited software updates for its entry-level devices. Expect at least one major Android version update (likely to Android 11 or 12), followed by security patches for a limited period. However, long-term software support should not be a primary consideration when purchasing either of these phones.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto E6 Play a good choice for a first smartphone?
The Motorola Moto E6 Play is a reasonable choice for a first smartphone, particularly for users who prefer a simple and straightforward experience. Its clean Android interface is less overwhelming than Samsung’s One UI, and its reliable build quality offers peace of mind. However, its limited performance may not be suitable for users who plan to use demanding apps.
