The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Wiko Sunny5 and Samsung Galaxy A02 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point. This comparison dissects their key differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A02 is the better choice, thanks to its more modern Mediatek MT6739W chipset and Cortex-A53 cores. However, the Wiko Sunny5 remains a viable option for those on the absolute tightest budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 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, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September. Released 2020, September | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 161 x 77.6 x 9 mm (6.34 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~74.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go Edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB 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 | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| 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 | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gold, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 60 EUR | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 1.69 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 Sunny5
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- May run Android Go for smoother performance on limited hardware
- Outdated Cortex-A7 processor
- Limited specifications available
- Likely inferior camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A02
- More powerful Mediatek MT6739W chipset
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Samsung brand recognition
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- Can feel sluggish with only 2GB of RAM
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications for the Wiko Sunny5's display are unavailable, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD, a Samsung-specific LCD technology, which generally offers slightly better viewing angles than standard IPS LCDs. However, both are likely to have limited brightness and color accuracy. The larger screen size of the A02 may be preferable for media consumption, but the lack of detailed display specs for the Sunny5 makes a direct comparison difficult.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Detailed camera specifications for the Wiko Sunny5 are unavailable, but budget phones in this class typically feature low-resolution sensors. The Samsung Galaxy A02 features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. While the megapixel count suggests a decent main sensor, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The 2MP macro lens is unlikely to deliver significant detail. Given the limited processing power of the A02, image processing will be minimal, resulting in images that may lack dynamic range and sharpness. Without detailed specs for the Sunny5, it's difficult to assess its camera capabilities, but it's unlikely to outperform the A02 significantly.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A02 holds a clear advantage in processing power. Its Mediatek MT6739W chipset, built on a 28nm process, features quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 1.5 GHz. This is a significant step up from the Wiko Sunny5’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Cortex-A53 architecture is more efficient and offers better performance per clock cycle than the older Cortex-A7. While neither chipset is designed for demanding tasks, the A02 will handle everyday apps and multitasking with noticeably less lag. The A02's available RAM configurations (2GB or 3GB) further contribute to its performance edge, especially with the 3GB option.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for the Wiko Sunny5 is unknown. The Samsung Galaxy A02 packs a 5000mAh battery, a substantial size for a budget device. Coupled with the relatively power-efficient Mediatek MT6739W chipset, the A02 should deliver all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speed is a potential drawback, as the A02 supports only 10W charging. Expect a lengthy charge time from 0-100%. Without knowing the Sunny5’s battery capacity, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the A02’s large battery is a significant advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Sunny5 if you need a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are unwilling to spend more than the absolute minimum. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience, occasionally play simple games, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition, even within this budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek MT6739W in the Samsung Galaxy A02 powerful enough for basic gaming?
The MT6739W can handle very light gaming, such as older titles or simple puzzle games. However, it will struggle with more demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty, even on the lowest settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and lag.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A02 support fast charging?
Unfortunately, the Samsung Galaxy A02 only supports 10W charging. This means it will take a considerable amount of time – several hours – to fully charge the 5000mAh battery. It's best to charge it overnight.
❓ What version of Android does the Wiko Sunny5 run?
Given its specifications, the Wiko Sunny5 likely runs Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and processing power. This helps to improve performance and reduce storage usage.
❓ How much storage does the Samsung 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 add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
