The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the ZTE Blade Vantage 2, powered by the newer Mediatek Helio A22, against the Samsung Galaxy A02, utilizing the older MT6739W, to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing efficiency and a slightly smoother experience, the ZTE Blade Vantage 2 emerges as the better choice. Its newer 12nm Helio A22 chipset offers a performance edge over the Galaxy A02’s 28nm MT6739W, despite the similar Cortex-A53 cores, translating to better responsiveness and potentially longer battery life.
| 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 | 2, 4, 5, 13 | 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 | 2019, October. Released 2019, October | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 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 |
| Weight | - | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | 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 | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | About 50 EUR | € 97.46 |
| 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 |
ZTE Blade Vantage 2
- More efficient chipset (Helio A22)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely longer battery life
- RAM configuration unspecified
- Limited brand recognition compared to Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Wider range of storage/RAM options
- Stronger brand recognition
- Potentially lower price (depending on configuration)
- Less efficient chipset (MT6739W)
- Higher power consumption
- Potential for performance throttling
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, details regarding brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The Galaxy A02’s availability in different storage/RAM configurations doesn’t suggest display variations. The focus here is on the core experience, as display quality is likely similar and adequate for basic usage.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are missing, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The Galaxy A02’s availability of models with different RAM configurations doesn’t necessarily translate to camera improvements. Both phones likely feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors, the usefulness of which is limited. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The ZTE Blade Vantage 2’s Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12nm) is a more efficient processor than the Samsung Galaxy A02’s Mediatek MT6739W (28nm). While both utilize quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz respectively, the smaller 12nm fabrication process of the Helio A22 allows for lower power consumption and potentially better sustained performance. This means the Vantage 2 is less likely to throttle under load and will offer a smoother experience during multitasking. The A02’s 28nm process is older and less efficient, leading to higher heat generation and potential performance dips. The Galaxy A02 offers options for 2GB or 3GB of RAM, while the Vantage 2’s RAM configuration is unspecified, but the chipset advantage partially offsets any RAM deficit.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the ZTE Blade Vantage 2’s more efficient Helio A22 chipset will likely translate to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery to the Galaxy A02. The A02’s older, less efficient chipset will consume more power, reducing overall runtime. Charging wattage is also unspecified, making it difficult to compare charging speeds. The efficiency gain of the Helio A22 is the key differentiator here.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE Blade Vantage 2 if you need a phone that feels a bit more responsive for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and if you value a more modern chipset architecture for potential software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A02 if you prioritize brand recognition and are willing to trade some performance for potentially wider availability and a range of storage/RAM configurations, particularly if you find a significant discount on the 64GB/3GB RAM model.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A02 struggle with multitasking compared to the ZTE Blade Vantage 2?
Yes, the Galaxy A02’s older MT6739W chipset is less efficient and more prone to performance throttling under load. While both phones have Cortex-A53 cores, the 28nm process of the MT6739W will likely result in a less smooth multitasking experience compared to the Vantage 2’s 12nm Helio A22.
❓ Does the difference in chipset fabrication process (12nm vs 28nm) really impact real-world usage?
Absolutely. A smaller fabrication process like 12nm allows for more transistors to be packed into the same space, leading to increased efficiency and reduced heat generation. This translates to longer battery life, better sustained performance, and less throttling during demanding tasks on the ZTE Blade Vantage 2.
❓ Is the 3GB of RAM option on the Samsung Galaxy A02 worth the extra cost?
The benefit of 3GB of RAM on the Galaxy A02 is limited by the underlying chipset. While more RAM can help with multitasking, the MT6739W’s inherent limitations will still be a bottleneck. The ZTE Blade Vantage 2’s more efficient chipset may provide a better overall experience even with 2GB of RAM.
