The Tecno Pop 4 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both prioritize affordability, but differ in their approach to hardware and software, making a direct comparison crucial for informed decision-making.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739W chipset, clocked at 1.5 GHz, provides a modest performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 4’s 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. However, the Pop 4 may offer better value depending on regional pricing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 24. Released 2020, July 24 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160 x 77.3 x 9.5 mm (6.30 x 3.04 x 0.37 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 | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~75.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| 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 | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Dawn Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | BC2c, BC1s | 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) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
Tecno Pop 4
- Potentially lower price point
- May come with Android Go edition for optimized performance
- Likely lightweight and compact
- Significantly weaker processor
- Likely lower quality display
- Inferior camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A02
- More powerful Mediatek MT6739W chipset
- Larger 4000 mAh battery
- Better camera system (13MP main sensor)
- Higher price compared to the Tecno Pop 4
- Still a very basic smartphone experience
- Limited storage options (32GB/64GB)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Tecno Pop 4’s display specifications are not provided, but given its price point, it likely features a low-resolution LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD, which is a step up from typical TFT panels found in this segment, offering slightly better color reproduction and viewing angles. However, neither display is expected to have high brightness or accurate color calibration. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature underwhelming camera systems. The Samsung Galaxy A02 typically includes a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, is a significant step up from the likely 5MP or 8MP sensor found on the Tecno Pop 4. Both will likely include secondary cameras for depth sensing or macro photography, but these are generally of low quality and offer limited utility. Image processing will be basic on both devices, resulting in soft details and limited dynamic range. The A02’s slightly better sensor and image processing will yield marginally better results in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W chipset, fabricated on a 28nm process, represents a clear advantage over the Tecno Pop 4’s unspecified chipset with a 1.3 GHz quad-core CPU. The MT6739W’s Cortex-A53 cores, clocked at 1.5 GHz, offer improved single-core and multi-core performance. The A02 is available with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, while the Pop 4’s RAM configuration is unknown, but likely limited to 2GB. This RAM difference, combined with the chipset advantage, will translate to smoother multitasking and app loading times on the A02. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern on either device given the low-power chipsets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the Tecno Pop 4, but it likely falls in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 4000 mAh battery. While the A02’s battery is larger, the less powerful chipset may result in similar real-world battery life. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. Expect a 3-4 hour charge time from 0-100% using the included charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 4 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and are comfortable with a very basic user experience. It’s ideal for users who primarily need calling, texting, and light app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prefer a slightly more responsive interface and are willing to spend a little more for a marginally better chipset and the Samsung brand reputation. The A02 is better suited for users who occasionally browse the web or use social media apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT6739W in the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with multitasking?
While the MT6739W is an entry-level chipset, the A02's availability with 3GB of RAM mitigates multitasking issues for basic apps. Expect some slowdown with numerous apps open simultaneously, but it's generally sufficient for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media.
❓ Is the 13MP camera on the Samsung Galaxy A02 good enough for social media photos?
The 13MP camera is adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. However, expect limited detail and dynamic range, especially in low light. It's sufficient for casual snapshots but won't compete with higher-end smartphone cameras.
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 4 receive software updates?
Software update support for the Tecno Pop 4 is likely to be limited. Given its price point, it may not receive major Android version updates or frequent security patches. Users should expect a relatively static software experience.
❓ What kind of storage does the Samsung Galaxy A02 offer, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 is available with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, and thankfully includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage up to 512GB. This is crucial given the limited internal storage and the size of modern apps.
