The Samsung Galaxy A25 and vivo G2 represent compelling options in the increasingly competitive sub-$250 smartphone market. The A25 aims to deliver a vibrant display and solid battery life, while the G2 focuses on efficient performance with its Mediatek Dimensity chipset. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing display quality and all-day battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A25 is the better choice. However, the vivo G2’s more efficient Dimensity 6020 chipset provides a smoother experience for sustained tasks, making it ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness over peak brightness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | 1, 5, 8, 28, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 19 | 2023, December 11 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 19 | Available. Released 2023, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.7 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm (6.44 x 2.97 x 0.32 in) | 161 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm (6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~396 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.7 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (HBM) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7 nm) | Exynos 1280 (5 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G68 |
| OS | Android 13, OriginOS 3 | Android 14, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Anti-stroboscopic sensor | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF, OIS
8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/4", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.8, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Market/region dependent |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Reverse wired | 25W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Brave Black, Personality Yellow, Fantasy Blue, Optimistic Blue |
| Models | V2318A | SM-A256E, SM-A256E/DS, SM-A256E/DSN, SM-A256B, SM-A256B/DS, SM-A256B/DSN, SM-A256U, SM-A256U1 |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 175.99 / $ 120.32 / ₹ 18,399 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
vivo G2
- Brighter, more vibrant display (1030 nits)
- Faster 25W wired charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Exynos 1280 may run warmer under sustained load
- Potentially lower battery life compared to optimized G2 usage
Samsung Galaxy A25
- More power-efficient Dimensity 6020 chipset
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Potentially longer battery life with conservative use
- Lower display brightness
- Slower 15W wired charging
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A25 boasts a significant advantage in display technology, achieving a measured peak brightness of 1030 nits. This is a substantial improvement over what we’d expect from the vivo G2, which lacks specific brightness data but likely falls considerably lower given its price point. The higher brightness of the A25 translates to better visibility outdoors and a more vibrant viewing experience. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A25’s superior brightness and color calibration make it the clear winner for media consumption and general usability.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are limited for both devices. However, given the market segment, it’s safe to assume both phones will rely heavily on software processing. The A25 likely benefits from Samsung’s established image processing pipeline, potentially delivering more consistent results. The absence of details regarding sensor size and aperture makes a direct comparison difficult, but the A25’s brand reputation suggests a more refined camera experience. We can assume both phones will include a standard macro lens, which are often of limited practical use.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A25 is equipped with the Exynos 1280 (5nm), while the vivo G2 features the Mediatek Dimensity 6020 (7nm). Although the Exynos 1280 has a slightly higher clocked Cortex-A78 core (2.4 GHz vs 2.2 GHz), the 5nm fabrication process gives it a significant edge in power efficiency and thermal management. The Dimensity 6020, while using a slightly older node, is still a capable performer, but the A25’s chip will likely sustain higher performance under prolonged load. Both CPUs share the same Cortex-A55 efficiency cores, but the A25’s GPU will offer a more noticeable performance boost in graphically intensive tasks.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A25 shines in battery performance, achieving an active use score of 10:19h. While the vivo G2’s battery capacity is unknown, its less power-hungry Dimensity 6020 chipset suggests it could offer comparable endurance. However, the A25’s 25W wired charging is significantly faster than the G2’s 15W charging, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. This faster charging speed is a considerable convenience factor for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo G2 if you need a phone that can handle moderate multitasking and gaming without significant thermal throttling, and you value efficient power consumption. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A25 if you prefer a brighter, more visually appealing display for media consumption and a longer-lasting battery for everyday use, even if it means slightly less raw processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 1280 in the Galaxy A25 tend to overheat during extended gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 1280 is a capable chip, it can experience some thermal throttling during prolonged, graphically demanding gaming. However, the 5nm process helps mitigate this, and the A25’s overall thermal design should prevent significant performance drops in most scenarios. Expect some frame rate dips after 30-45 minutes of intense gaming.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited practical benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful photographic tool. Expect soft, grainy images from both devices' macro lenses.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A25 reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Samsung Galaxy A25 should be able to maintain 60fps in PUBG Mobile at medium graphics settings. However, achieving consistently smooth performance at higher settings may require reducing the frame rate or graphics quality. The Exynos 1280’s GPU is capable, but it’s not a high-end gaming chip.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the vivo G2 with its 15W charger?
Given the 15W charging speed, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the vivo G2 will likely take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably slower than the Samsung Galaxy A25’s 25W charging, which can achieve a full charge in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
