The Tecno Spark 6 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 take different approaches. The Spark 6 Air prioritizes a more modern chipset, while the Galaxy A02 offers a range of storage/RAM configurations and the Samsung brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Tecno Spark 6 Air emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A02’s older, 28nm MT6739W, despite the similar Cortex-A53 cores. While both are entry-level, the Spark 6 Air provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, July 30. Released 2020, August 06 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 174.7 x 79.4 x 9.3 mm (6.88 x 3.13 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 | 720 x 1640 pixels (~256 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 7.0 inches, 116.4 cm2 (~83.9% 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 | Quad-core 1.8 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 (Go edition), HiOS 6.2 | 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, 64GB 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, HDR | LED flash |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/1.8, AF
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 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 |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Comet Black, Ocean Blue, Cloud White | Black, Blue |
| Models | KE6, KE6j, KF6 | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 90 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 Spark 6 Air
- More efficient processor (Helio A22)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Larger display for media consumption
- Limited storage/RAM configurations
- Camera performance likely basic
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Multiple storage/RAM options
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially lower price (depending on configuration)
- Less efficient processor (MT6739W)
- Slower performance
- No fast charging information
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are unavailable. The Galaxy A02’s display size is 6.5 inches, while the Spark 6 Air’s is 7.0 inches, making the latter more suitable for media consumption, though potentially less pocketable. The larger screen on the Spark 6 Air will likely consume more power. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Detailed sensor information is scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with basic auxiliary lenses. The Galaxy A02’s available configurations suggest a focus on storage capacity rather than camera quality. The 2MP macro lens found on many phones in this class is largely ineffective. Image processing will be basic on both, and low-light performance will be poor. The larger sensor (if present) will always be the determining factor, but without that data, it's difficult to declare a winner.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 6 Air’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is significantly more efficient than the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). The 12nm process allows for lower power consumption and reduced heat generation, translating to better sustained performance. While both CPUs feature quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, the A22’s architecture and manufacturing process give it an edge. The Galaxy A02’s RAM options (2GB or 3GB) impact multitasking, but even with 3GB, the slower chipset will be a bottleneck. The Spark 6 Air’s performance will be more consistent.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark 6 Air features 18W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Galaxy A02, which lacks specific charging speed information. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Helio A22 in the Spark 6 Air will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The 18W charging will also reduce the time spent tethered to a power outlet, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 6 Air if you need a phone that feels reasonably responsive for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, and you value a more efficient processor. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize brand recognition, a wider range of storage options (32GB/2GB, 32GB/3GB, or 64GB/3GB), and are willing to accept a slightly slower user experience in exchange for potentially lower upfront cost depending on the configuration.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with multitasking, even with 3GB of RAM?
Yes, even with 3GB of RAM, the MT6739W chipset is a significant bottleneck. The older 28nm process and slower architecture will limit the phone’s ability to handle multiple apps simultaneously without noticeable lag or slowdowns. The Tecno Spark 6 Air, with its Helio A22, will provide a smoother multitasking experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 6 Air a significant advantage in real-world use?
Absolutely. While neither phone has a massive battery, the 18W charging on the Spark 6 Air will drastically reduce charging times compared to the Galaxy A02, which lacks specified fast charging. This means less downtime and more time using your phone, a crucial benefit for budget users.
❓ Can either of these phones handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Both phones will struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. While you might be able to run them at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and lag. The Helio A22 in the Spark 6 Air will offer a slightly better experience, but neither phone is designed for serious gaming.
