The ultra-budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Wiko Power U10 and Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a considerably better user experience, particularly for those needing more than basic functionality.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Wiko Power U10 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Galaxy A02’s aging MT6739W, making it noticeably smoother for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While the A02 offers slightly more storage options, the U10’s superior processing power is more impactful.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 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 | CDMA / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 173.8 x 78.6 x 9.5 mm (6.84 x 3.09 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) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM Radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Blue, Denim Blue, Turquoise | Black, Blue |
| Models | W-V745-EEA, W-V745-OPE | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.36 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 |
Wiko Power U10
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient chipset for potentially longer battery life
- Modern chipset architecture for better app compatibility
- Limited storage options compared to some A02 configurations
- Camera quality likely similar to the A02
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Multiple storage/RAM configurations to choose from
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially slightly better color calibration on the display
- Outdated and slow processor
- Less efficient chipset leading to shorter battery life
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed specs are missing. Given Samsung’s history, the A02 likely has slightly better color calibration, but the difference will be minimal. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are sparse, but both likely feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. The A02 offers different storage/RAM configurations, but this won't impact camera performance. The focus should be on adequate image capture in good lighting conditions, rather than expecting high-quality photos. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A02 is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Wiko Power U10’s Mediatek Helio G35, built on a 12nm process, is a far more modern and capable chipset than the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W, fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The G35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a substantial advantage over the A02’s quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 28nm process of the MT6739W also implies higher power consumption for similar tasks, potentially impacting battery life. The U10 will handle basic games and apps with far less struggle.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Helio G35’s more efficient 12nm process in the Wiko Power U10 will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A02. The A02’s older, less efficient chipset will consume more power for the same tasks. Charging wattage is unknown for both devices, suggesting slow charging speeds are likely.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Power U10 if you prioritize responsiveness and a smoother user experience, even if it means potentially relying more on cloud storage. It’s ideal for users who occasionally browse social media, use messaging apps, or play casual games. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if your primary need is a very basic phone for calls and texts, and you absolutely require more than 32GB of internal storage without relying on microSD cards. It’s best suited for first-time smartphone users or those with extremely limited needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Wiko Power U10 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the Helio G35 in the Wiko Power U10 is capable of running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. The A02’s MT6739W will likely exhibit noticeable lag and slowdowns when using these apps, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the extra storage on the higher-end Samsung Galaxy A02 models worth the price increase?
If you plan to store a large number of photos, videos, or apps directly on your phone, the 64GB model of the Galaxy A02 might be worthwhile. However, the Wiko Power U10’s superior performance makes it a better choice even with less internal storage, as you can easily utilize cloud storage or a microSD card.
❓ Can the Wiko Power U10 handle basic mobile games?
The Wiko Power U10’s Helio G35 is capable of running basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers at playable frame rates. More demanding games may require lower graphics settings. The Galaxy A02’s MT6739W will struggle even with less demanding titles.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support fast charging?
Based on available information, the Samsung Galaxy A02 likely supports standard 5W charging. This means a full charge will take several hours. Charging speed for the Wiko Power U10 is also unknown, but is likely similar.
