The Tecno Spark 5 Air and Samsung Galaxy A02 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to hardware and features. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Samsung Galaxy A02 offers a slightly more refined experience due to its known brand reliability and potentially better software support, despite the similar chipset. However, the Tecno Spark 5 Air could be a viable alternative if priced significantly lower.
| 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 | LTE | 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, May 05. Released 2020, July | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.6 x 79.3 x 9.1 mm (6.87 x 3.12 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 |
| 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 (~84.0% 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 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), 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 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/1.8, PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 Jadeite, Spark Orange, Vacation Blue, Misty Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | KD6a | 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 Spark 5 Air
- Potentially lower price point
- Larger display size for media consumption
- Likely comparable performance to Galaxy A02
- Less established brand reputation
- Unspecified chipset details
- Potentially limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Well-known Samsung brand
- Available with 3GB of RAM for smoother multitasking
- Potentially better software support
- Slightly higher price
- Less power-efficient chipset (MT6739W)
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Samsung Galaxy A02's display size is 6.5 inches, while the Tecno Spark 5 Air's is 7.0 inches. The larger screen of the Tecno Spark 5 Air may appeal to users who consume more video content, but it also contributes to a less dense pixel count. Neither manufacturer provides details on peak brightness or color accuracy, suggesting both displays prioritize functionality over visual fidelity. Expect wide viewing angles to be limited and outdoor visibility to be challenging.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 13MP main camera, accompanied by a 2MP macro lens. The Tecno Spark 5 Air's camera specifications are not provided, but it's reasonable to assume a similar configuration. The 2MP macro lens on the Galaxy A02 is unlikely to deliver significant detail and is primarily a marketing feature. Image quality will be acceptable in well-lit conditions, but expect significant noise and a lack of detail in low light. Both phones likely rely heavily on software processing to enhance images, which can sometimes result in artificial-looking photos.
Performance
Both the Tecno Spark 5 Air and Samsung Galaxy A02 are powered by Mediatek quad-core processors. The Galaxy A02 utilizes the Mediatek MT6739W (28nm), clocked at 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Tecno Spark 5 Air's chipset is simply listed as 'Mediatek,' lacking specific details. However, given the price point, it's likely a comparable or slightly older Mediatek processor. The 28nm process node of the MT6739W suggests it will be less power-efficient than newer chipsets. The Galaxy A02's availability in 2GB and 3GB RAM configurations is a key differentiator; the 3GB variant will provide a noticeably smoother multitasking experience. The CPU architecture is identical, meaning performance differences will be minimal, primarily dictated by RAM capacity and software optimization.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a crucial factor for many users in this segment. The Samsung Galaxy A02 is available with a 5000mAh battery. The Tecno Spark 5 Air's battery capacity is not specified, but it's likely to be in the 4000-5000mAh range. The MT6739W's 28nm process node in the Galaxy A02 may lead to slightly faster battery drain compared to a more efficient chipset. However, the larger battery capacity of the Galaxy A02 should offset this to some extent. Neither phone supports fast charging, so expect 0-100% charge times to be several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 5 Air if you need a phone primarily for very basic tasks and are comfortable with a less established brand, potentially benefiting from a lower price point. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize brand recognition, potentially longer software support, and are willing to spend a little more for a slightly more polished user experience, especially if you opt for the 3GB RAM variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek MT6739W in the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with demanding apps?
Yes, the Mediatek MT6739W is an entry-level chipset. While it can handle basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media, it will struggle with graphically intensive games or multitasking with numerous apps open. Expect noticeable lag and slowdowns in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A02 worth using?
Not really. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically lack the resolution and detail to produce truly impressive macro shots. Images will often appear soft and blurry. It's more of a marketing feature than a genuinely useful camera component.
❓ How long does the Samsung Galaxy A02 take to fully charge?
Given the lack of fast charging support, the Samsung Galaxy A02's 5000mAh battery will likely take 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% using a standard 5W charger. Using a more powerful charger *may* reduce this time slightly, but the phone's charging circuitry will limit the input power.
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 5 Air receive regular software updates?
Software update support for the Tecno Spark 5 Air is uncertain. Tecno's update track record is less consistent than Samsung's. Users should not expect frequent or long-term software support for this device.
