As there usually aren’t any large keynote for many of the low-end mobile phones, Samsung has just quietly launched its entry-level phone for 2021 called Samsung Galaxy A02, together with better-equipped A02s and A12.
Samsung Galaxy A02: Hardware
⚙ Although its hardware has been cut to the necessary minimum, the new A02 comes with 6.5-inch PLS TFT display with 720 x 1600 (HD+) resolution made in Infinity-V style with a small selfie camera bazel at the top.
Under the hood, you will find 3GB RAM and MediaTek MT6739 SoC quad-core processor running at 1.5Ghz, used primarily in small budget Android phones. Unfortunately, the phone’s storage suffers under the low budget pressure, as you will find only 32GB internal memory (around 22.6GB with installed apps and operating software). To substitute for the insufficient memory, the A02 supports MicroSD card for up to 1TB.
Samsung Galaxy A02: Connectivity
📶Also here, we will see Samsung’s effort to save on the final price. The Samsung Galaxy A02 supports Bluetooth v5.0, GPS + Glonass location services, WiFi and we can also count on preserved 3.5mm headset jack. To our disappointment, the NFC is missing here.
The Galaxy A02 is a dual SIM phone, with two SIM and a separate MicroSD slots, capable to work with 4G LTE network.
The A02 also supports following Samsung gear:
Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds +, Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Fit2, Galaxy Fit e, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Watch3, Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active2, Galaxy Watch Active, Gear Fit2 Pro, Gear Fit2, Gear Sport, Gear S3, Gear S2, Gear IconX, Gear IconX (2018)
Samsung Galaxy A02: Camera
📷 As mentioned above, the front selfie camera comes in a small Infinity-V style bezel in the middle of the screen with a 5MP (f / 2.0) sensor.
A pair of camera sensors on the back feature a 13MP (f / 1.9) in the Main camera and 2MP resolution in Macro camera. The main camera is capable of recording FHD video in 1920×1080 resolution at 30 fps (frames per second).
It is good to know, that due to relatively high aperture value (f / 1.9) of the main camera sensor, the camera is less likely to capture good noise-free photos/videos during low-light conditions.
Samsung Galaxy A02: Battery
🔋 Good news for those who seek for a cheap phone with long battery life, as the A02 is powered by large 5000mAh, which should be more than enough to get you through your busy day. For example, Samsung states it should be enough to listen to music for up to 79 hours (offline).
The battery is not removable and can be charged via standard MicroUSB with 7.75W output. With regards to the smartphone’s price, wireless charging is not available here.
Samsung Galaxy A02: Price and Availability
🗓 At the moment, it seems the phone will be initially available only for the Thai (or other South-East Asian) market, as it first appeared on Thai version of the official Samsung’s website, however, the new A02 is expected to hit the global market shortly after that.
💸 In Thailand, the Samsung Galaxy A02 launches in Black or Blue colour variants at 🇹🇭 THB 2,999 which is around £73, €83 or $100 after conversion. Please note, the price in other countries will vary depending on the VAT.
