The Tecno Pouvoir 4 and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches. The Pouvoir 4 prioritizes processing power, while the Galaxy A02 leverages Samsung's brand recognition and offers multiple storage/RAM configurations. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Tecno Pouvoir 4 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, significantly outperforms the quad-core MT6739W in the Galaxy A02. While the A02 offers Samsung's software experience and varied storage options, the Pouvoir 4 delivers more performance for your money.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28 | 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 07. Released 2020, July 23 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.9 x 79.6 x 9.2 mm (6.89 x 3.13 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.0 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB 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 | Quad-LED flash | LED flash |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Ice Jadeite, Fascinating Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | LC7, LC7S | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | - | € 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 Pouvoir 4
- More powerful octa-core processor
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Less brand recognition
- Camera specs less readily available
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Samsung brand reputation
- Multiple storage/RAM configurations
- Potentially smoother software experience
- Significantly weaker processor
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The lack of detailed display specifications necessitates relying on market segment expectations. The Galaxy A02's display is likely 6.5 inches, typical for this price range, but its resolution is probably 720x1600. The Pouvoir 4's display size is also likely around 6.5 inches. Without specific brightness or color accuracy data, it's difficult to declare a winner; however, the A02's multiple configurations suggest potential for slight variations in panel quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The Galaxy A02's configuration is more commonly known, often including a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. The Pouvoir 4's camera specs are less readily available, but it's reasonable to assume a similar configuration. The 2MP macro lens on the A02 is unlikely to deliver significant detail and serves primarily as a marketing feature. Image processing will heavily influence the final image quality, and Samsung's software optimizations might provide a slight edge in certain scenarios, but the core hardware difference isn't substantial enough to declare a clear winner. Focusing on the main sensor, the A02's 13MP sensor is likely comparable to whatever the Pouvoir 4 offers.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Pouvoir 4's Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz, while the Samsung Galaxy A02 is equipped with the older Mediatek MT6739W (28nm) and a quad-core CPU at 1.5 GHz. The 12nm process node of the Helio A22 is more efficient, leading to better power management and potentially less heat generation. The eight cores of the A22 provide a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling demanding applications compared to the A02's four cores. This translates to smoother app switching and a more responsive user experience on the Pouvoir 4.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the exact battery capacity of the Pouvoir 4 isn't specified, it's likely in the 5000mAh range, common for Tecno devices. The Galaxy A02 typically features a 5000mAh battery as well. However, the Helio A22's more efficient 12nm process could translate to slightly longer battery life on the Pouvoir 4, despite both having similar capacities. Charging speeds are likely slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. Expect a 0-100% charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pouvoir 4 if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks like calls and messaging. It's ideal for users who occasionally browse the web, use social media, or play light games. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize brand familiarity, a wider range of storage options (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, 64GB/3GB), and a potentially smoother software experience due to Samsung's optimizations, even if it comes at the cost of raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Galaxy A02's Mediatek MT6739W chipset is relatively weak. While it can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, you may experience noticeable lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. The Tecno Pouvoir 4's Helio A22 will provide a smoother experience.
❓ Is the Tecno Pouvoir 4 a good option for mobile gaming?
The Tecno Pouvoir 4 is not a dedicated gaming phone. However, its Helio A22 chipset is capable of running less demanding games at low to medium settings. Don't expect to play graphically intensive titles like PUBG Mobile at high frame rates. The Galaxy A02 will struggle even more with gaming due to its weaker processor.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support software updates for security patches?
Samsung typically provides a limited number of software updates for its entry-level devices like the Galaxy A02. While you'll likely receive some security patches, don't expect major Android version updates. Tecno's update policy is less predictable, but generally similar for this price point.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the Tecno Pouvoir 4 and Samsung Galaxy A02 utilize a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. Neither supports USB-C, which is becoming increasingly common in newer smartphones.
