The Tecno Spark Power 2 and Samsung Galaxy M02s represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through chipset selection and power management. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and slightly faster charging, the Tecno Spark Power 2 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P22, built on a smaller 12nm process, offers a modest performance edge over the Samsung Galaxy M02s' Snapdragon 450, despite the latter's slightly lower clock speed.
| 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 07 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 19 |
| 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) | 164.2 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) | 196 g (6.91 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10, HIOS 6.1 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| 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 | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
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/2.2 |
| 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 | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | Yes |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, 50% in 60 min | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Jadeite, Misty Grey, Fascinating Purple | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | LC8 | SM-M025F/DS, SM-M025F |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.85 W/kg (head) 0.80 W/kg (body) | 0.52 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark Power 2
- Faster 18W charging
- More powerful chipset (Helio P22)
- Potentially better thermal management due to 12nm process
- Less brand recognition than Samsung
- Software experience may not be as polished
Samsung Galaxy M02s
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- Potentially more refined software experience
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Slower 15W charging
- Less powerful chipset (Snapdragon 450)
- Larger process node (14nm) may lead to more heat
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The absence of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. While neither is expected to offer high brightness levels, the slightly more powerful GPU in the Tecno Spark Power 2 *could* translate to marginally better responsiveness during scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones likely featuring basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it's safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the M02s is unlikely to significantly enhance image quality, serving more as a marketing feature. Image processing will likely be the differentiating factor, with Samsung’s software potentially offering more refined results, but the underlying hardware limitations will be a significant constraint for both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark Power 2’s Mediatek Helio P22 (12nm) and the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm) represent a generational and process node difference. The 12nm process generally leads to better power efficiency and thermal performance compared to 14nm. While both CPUs feature octa-core Cortex-A53 cores, the Helio P22 operates at 2.0 GHz versus the Snapdragon 450’s 1.8 GHz. This, combined with the process node advantage, suggests the Tecno Spark Power 2 will exhibit slightly better performance in CPU-intensive tasks and potentially less throttling under sustained load. The GPU difference is also notable; the Helio P22's IMG PowerVR GE8320 is generally considered more capable than the Adreno 0615 in the Snapdragon 450, offering a small boost in gaming performance.
Battery Life
Both phones prioritize battery life, but approach it differently. The Tecno Spark Power 2’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ 15W charging. While neither offers incredibly fast charging, the Tecno will reach 50% charge in approximately 60 minutes, while the Samsung will take longer. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but the faster charging speed of the Tecno suggests a focus on minimizing downtime, even if the capacity is similar.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark Power 2 if you need a phone capable of handling moderately demanding tasks like social media, light gaming, and multitasking without significant slowdowns. Its 18W charging also provides a quicker top-up. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02s if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially more refined software experience, accepting a slight performance trade-off and slower charging speeds. It's a solid choice for basic communication and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark Power 2 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Helio P22 chipset is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it provides a smooth and responsive experience for typical social media usage.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 450 in the Samsung Galaxy M02s sufficient for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Snapdragon 450 can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to maintain a playable experience. Expect occasional stuttering and frame drops, especially during intense action sequences. The Tecno Spark Power 2 offers a slightly better gaming experience due to its more capable GPU.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy M02s with the included charger?
Given the 15W charging, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Samsung Galaxy M02s will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. The Tecno Spark Power 2's 18W charging will significantly reduce this time.
