Samsung's Galaxy M and A series represent their attempts to capture the budget smartphone market. The M02 and A02, while visually similar, offer subtle but potentially impactful differences in configuration and pricing. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device provides the best value for users seeking an affordable Android experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A02 with 3GB of RAM represents the better buy at $129.99. While both phones share the same Mediatek MT6739W chipset, the A02’s wider range of RAM and storage options, coupled with competitive pricing, offer a more flexible and future-proof 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 | 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 | 2021, February 02 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 09 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| 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) | 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2.0 | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Red | Black, Blue |
| Models | SM-M022F, SM-M022F/DS, SM-M022G, SM-M022G/DS | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR EU | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) | 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 |
Samsung Galaxy M02
- Potentially lowest possible price point.
- Simple and straightforward configuration.
- Samsung brand recognition.
- Limited to 2GB of RAM, hindering multitasking.
- Fixed 32GB storage, potentially restrictive.
- Likely slower software updates.
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Multiple RAM and storage options (2GB/3GB, 32GB/64GB).
- 3GB RAM variant offers improved multitasking.
- Competitive pricing across configurations.
- Slightly higher price compared to the M02.
- Still utilizes a basic Mediatek chipset.
- Camera performance likely similar to the M02.
Display Comparison
Both the Galaxy M02 and A02 are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their positioning. Specific details like screen resolution and brightness are not provided, but based on the market segment, we can anticipate a 720p+ resolution. The 28nm chipset suggests limited graphical processing power, meaning these displays are optimized for efficiency rather than high-fidelity visuals. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both models, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed beyond the presence of cameras. Given the price point, image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. Expect image processing to prioritize simplicity and speed over advanced features like HDR or night mode. The aperture sizes are unknown, but likely to be relatively small, impacting low-light performance.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Mediatek MT6739W (28nm) chipset, paired with a Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU. This indicates identical processing capabilities for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. However, the A02’s availability with 3GB of RAM, compared to the M02’s fixed 2GB, is a significant advantage. The extra RAM allows for smoother multitasking and reduces app reloading times, particularly noticeable when switching between several applications. The 28nm process node isn't known for efficiency, so sustained performance under load may be limited on both devices.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, considering the power-efficient chipset and low-resolution display, both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely to be limited to 5W or 10W, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The focus here is on longevity rather than rapid replenishment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02 if you prioritize finding the absolute lowest possible price and are comfortable with a fixed 32GB storage/2GB RAM configuration. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you value having options – choosing between 32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, or 64GB/3GB configurations – and are willing to spend slightly more for that flexibility and potentially better multitasking performance with the 3GB RAM variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739W struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Mediatek MT6739W is a basic chipset, but it should handle lightweight apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. However, expect some lag when opening these apps or switching between them, especially on the M02 with only 2GB of RAM. The A02 with 3GB of RAM will provide a smoother experience.
❓ Is the 32GB of storage on the A02 enough for everyday use?
32GB of storage is becoming increasingly limited, especially with the size of modern apps and media files. While sufficient for basic use, you'll likely need to utilize a microSD card to expand storage, particularly if you plan to take many photos or videos. The 64GB option on the A02 is a worthwhile upgrade if you anticipate needing more space.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on these devices, the experience will be far from ideal. The Mediatek MT6739W and its integrated GPU are not powerful enough to run the game smoothly, even at the lowest graphics settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and lag, making the game unplayable for most users.
