The Tecno Pop 5 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 features. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is the better choice. Its Mediatek MT6739W chipset, featuring Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Tecno Pop 5’s 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, despite both being quad-core configurations.
| 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 26 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 26 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.7 x 75.7 x 9.6 mm (6.21 x 2.98 x 0.38 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 | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~76.5% 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 Cortex-A7 | 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 | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP
VGA | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Unspecified | - |
| 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 | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Lake Green, Obsidian Black, Ice Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | BD2, BD2p, BD3, BD1, BD2d | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 70 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 5
- Potentially lower price point
- Likely large battery capacity (estimated)
- Functional for basic tasks
- Outdated Cortex-A7 processor
- Limited performance
- Unknown display quality
Samsung Galaxy A02
- More powerful Mediatek MT6739W chipset
- Slightly better display technology (PLS LCD)
- Samsung brand recognition
- Higher price compared to Tecno Pop 5
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics on the Tecno Pop 5’s panel are scarce, but given its price point, it’s likely a low-resolution LCD. 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 wider viewing angles. However, neither display is expected to deliver vibrant colors or high brightness levels, making outdoor visibility a challenge for both. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate at the expense of a modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. The Samsung Galaxy A02 offers a 13MP main sensor, which, while not exceptional, is a step above what’s typically found on phones in this price bracket. The Tecno Pop 5’s camera specifications are not readily available, but it’s reasonable to assume a lower resolution sensor. Both phones likely include auxiliary cameras (depth or macro) of minimal utility. Image processing will be limited on both, resulting in soft details and struggles in low-light conditions. Expect acceptable results in well-lit environments, but don’t anticipate high-quality photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, built on a 28nm process, utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.5 GHz. This represents a significant architectural advantage over the Tecno Pop 5’s 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 cores. Cortex-A53 cores are more efficient and offer better instruction-per-clock (IPC) performance than the older A7 architecture. While both phones are paired with limited RAM (2GB or 3GB in the A02), the A02’s chipset will handle multitasking and app loading more smoothly. The 28nm process node of the MT6739W also suggests potentially better thermal management, though neither phone is likely to be pushed to its thermal limits.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor for budget users. While the exact capacity of the Tecno Pop 5 is unknown, it’s likely in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Samsung Galaxy A02 comes with a 5000 mAh battery. The A02’s more efficient chipset, despite potentially higher screen brightness, should translate to comparable or slightly better battery life. Charging speeds are slow on both devices, likely utilizing Micro-USB, and a full charge will take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5 if your primary need is a functional smartphone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and WhatsApp, and you are operating on the tightest possible budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, are willing to spend a little more, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition and potentially better software support, even if limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT6739W in the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with demanding apps like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the MT6739W is an entry-level chipset. While it can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially experience frame rate drops, especially in intense scenes. It's not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ How much storage does the Tecno Pop 5 offer, and is it expandable?
Specific storage details for the Tecno Pop 5 are limited. However, given its price point, it likely comes with 16GB or 32GB of internal storage. It almost certainly supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
Both phones likely ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM. Software update support is limited for both devices; expect minimal or no major Android version updates.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A02 worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited benefit. Image quality is typically poor, with low detail and soft focus. It's a marketing feature more than a genuinely useful camera component.
