The Tecno Spark Power 2 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 Power 2 prioritizes processing power and fast charging, while the Galaxy A02 focuses on brand recognition and a wider range of storage/RAM configurations. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and faster charging, the Tecno Spark Power 2 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P22 chipset, built on a 12nm process, significantly outperforms the Galaxy A02’s older 28nm MT6739W, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. While the Samsung offers more storage options, the performance gap justifies the Spark Power 2’s selection.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 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, June 17. Released 2020, June 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 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 MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| Quad | 16 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), AF
5 MP, 115˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | 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, 50% in 60 min | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Misty Grey, Fascinating Purple | Black, Blue |
| Models | LC8 | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.80 W/kg (body) | - |
| 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 Power 2
- Significantly faster processor (Helio P22)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially larger battery capacity
- RAM configuration not specified
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Strong brand recognition (Samsung)
- Multiple storage/RAM configurations available
- Wider availability in some markets
- Slow processor (MT6739W)
- Likely slower charging
- Lower performance for multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing. The Galaxy A02’s display size is 6.5 inches, while the Spark Power 2’s is larger at 7.0 inches. This larger screen on the Tecno may be beneficial for media consumption, but could also impact one-handed usability. Without specific brightness measurements, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but the larger screen size of the Tecno could potentially require more power to maintain similar brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The Galaxy A02’s available configurations include a 13MP main camera, while the Spark Power 2’s camera specs are not provided. However, given the overall focus on cost reduction, image quality will likely be comparable. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A02 is unlikely to provide significant benefit due to its low resolution and limited detail capture. Image processing will likely be basic on both devices, with limited dynamic range and low-light performance.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Tecno Spark Power 2’s Mediatek Helio P22 (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 fabrication process of the Helio P22 is far more efficient, leading to better performance and thermal management. The octa-core configuration also provides a substantial advantage in multitasking. The Galaxy A02’s older chipset will struggle with demanding apps and even moderate multitasking, resulting in noticeable lag. The RAM options for the Galaxy A02 (2GB or 3GB) further exacerbate this issue, while the Spark Power 2’s RAM configuration is not specified, but even 2GB paired with the Helio P22 will likely outperform the A02.
Battery Life
The Tecno Spark Power 2 features 18W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in 60 minutes. The Galaxy A02’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely to be significantly slower. While the Spark Power 2’s battery capacity is not listed, the ‘Power’ branding suggests a larger battery than the Galaxy A02’s. The faster charging speed of the Tecno is a significant advantage, allowing for quicker top-ups. The more efficient Helio P22 chipset will also contribute to better battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Power 2 if you need a phone that can handle basic multitasking and streaming without significant lag, and if fast charging is a priority. It’s ideal for users who rely on their phone for communication, social media, and light entertainment. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you strongly prefer the Samsung brand ecosystem, or if you specifically need a storage configuration (64GB/3GB) not offered by the Tecno, and are willing to compromise on performance for that convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739W in the Galaxy A02 powerful enough for social media and basic browsing?
While the Galaxy A02 can handle basic tasks like social media and browsing, the MT6739W is an older and less powerful chipset. Expect noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading complex webpages. It's sufficient for very light use, but will struggle with anything more demanding.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark Power 2 support popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube?
Yes, the Tecno Spark Power 2, with its more capable Helio P22 processor, should handle popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube without significant issues. However, the resolution may be limited to 720p or 1080p depending on the specific model and network conditions.
❓ What kind of storage does the Galaxy A02 offer, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 is available in 32GB/2GB RAM, 32GB/3GB RAM, and 64GB/3GB RAM configurations. It also supports microSD card expansion up to 512GB, allowing you to increase storage for photos, videos, and other files.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark Power 2 compatible with standard USB chargers?
Yes, the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark Power 2 is compatible with standard USB chargers, but charging will be significantly slower. To take full advantage of the 18W fast charging, you'll need to use the included charger or a compatible USB Power Delivery (PD) charger.
