The Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ and Samsung Galaxy M02s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability and basic usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a reliable, if basic, smartphone, the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ edges out the Samsung Galaxy M02s. Its newer Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, despite similar CPU core counts, offers a slight performance advantage and is built on a more efficient 12nm process, potentially leading to better battery life during sustained use.
| 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, 8, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 24 | 2021, January 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 24 | Available. Released 2021, January 19 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 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 | 194 g (6.84 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SDM450 Snapdragon 450 (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 506 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | Yes |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Carbon Black, Coral Green, Metallic Purple | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-M025F/DS, SM-M025F |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.51 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) | 0.52 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ
- Slightly more powerful and efficient chipset (Helio G35)
- Potentially better battery life due to 12nm process
- More modern architecture for smoother performance
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Likely similar camera performance to the M02s
Samsung Galaxy M02s
- Faster charging speed (15W)
- Samsung brand recognition and software experience
- Potentially slightly better image processing
- Older and less efficient chipset (Snapdragon 450)
- Larger manufacturing process (14nm) may impact battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. The absence of detailed display specifications necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. While neither phone will deliver vibrant colors or high brightness, the Redmi 9 Activ's slightly more powerful GPU *could* translate to marginally smoother scrolling and animations.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. The focus should be on image processing capabilities, which are difficult to assess without direct comparison. Given Samsung’s generally more refined image processing algorithms, the M02s *might* produce slightly more pleasing images in good lighting conditions, but neither phone will excel in low-light scenarios. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on both is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to deliver significant value.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Redmi 9 Activ features the Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) versus the Samsung Galaxy M02s’ Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm). Both are octa-core CPUs using Cortex-A53 cores, but the G35’s newer architecture and smaller manufacturing node suggest improved efficiency. The Snapdragon 450’s 14nm process is older and generally less power-efficient. While both CPUs are clocked similarly (2.3GHz vs 1.8GHz), the G35’s architecture provides a slight edge in multi-tasking and app loading times. The G35 also includes a slightly more capable GPU, potentially offering a better experience with light gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the charging speeds differ significantly: the Redmi 9 Activ supports 10W charging, while the Galaxy M02s offers 15W charging. This means the M02s will charge noticeably faster, a crucial advantage for users who frequently need to top up their battery. The Helio G35’s 12nm process *could* contribute to slightly better battery life during typical usage, offsetting the slower charging to some extent.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9 Activ if you need a slightly more responsive experience for everyday tasks and appreciate a chipset built on a more modern manufacturing process. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02s if you prioritize faster charging speeds and prefer the Samsung brand ecosystem, understanding that performance will be comparatively less snappy. Both are ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 9 Activ handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G35 chipset in the Redmi 9 Activ is sufficient for running everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. However, expect slower loading times compared to phones with more powerful processors.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Galaxy M02s a significant advantage over the Redmi 9 Activ's 10W charging?
Yes, the 15W charging on the Galaxy M02s will noticeably reduce charging times. While both phones likely have similar battery capacities, the M02s will reach a full charge much faster, which is beneficial for users who need to quickly top up their battery throughout the day.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle basic mobile gaming, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Redmi 9 Activ's slightly more capable GPU might offer a marginally better experience with less demanding games.
❓ Which phone is better for taking photos in low light?
Neither phone excels in low-light photography. Both likely have basic camera sensors and limited image processing capabilities. Expect noisy and blurry images in low-light conditions.
