Galaxy A02S, A03S, A12 Review: Samsung’s Under-$200 Phones Do More Than I Thought
As budget-friendly smartphones continue to woo a large chunk of mobile users, Samsung has managed to surprise the market with their under-$200 offerings: Galaxy A02S, A03S, and A12. Far exceeding expectations for this price point, these three models pack a punch in performance and features. Let’s dive into the key aspects that make these Samsung devices stand out among the competition.
Display and Design
All three smartphones inherit typical Samsung design language with slim profiles and glossy plastic rear panels. The Galaxy A02S sports a 6.5-inch PLS TFT display with 720 x 1600 pixels resolution, while the A03S and A12 bump up to a slightly refined 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with the same resolution. Interestingly, each device features small bezels and a teardrop notch for the front camera, which adds a touch of elegance at an affordable price tag.
Performance
Under the hood, the Galaxy A02S is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset coupled with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. On the other hand, the Galaxy A03S packs a MediaTek Helio P35 processor and either 3GB or 4GB RAM variant options. Lastly, the Galaxy A12 impresses with an octa-core MediaTek Helio P35 chipset and offers a choice between 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB of RAM.
Despite their modest specs on paper, these smartphones still manage to deliver smooth multitasking and decent performance in everyday use. While gaming or heavy-duty tasks might not be their forte, most users will find them more than sufficient for casual usage.
Battery Life
A shining feature across all three devices is their remarkably long-lasting battery life. The Galaxy A02S and A12 come equipped with a massive 5,000mAh battery each, while the Galaxy A03S touts a 5,000mAh battery. Users can easily enjoy a full day of usage without scrambling for the charger. Furthermore, all three models support 15W fast charging, adding to their convenience factor.
Camera
Budget-minded users seeking adequate camera capabilities won’t be disappointed by these three Samsung smartphones. The Galaxy A02S features a triple camera setup: 13MP primary sensor accompanied by a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. Meanwhile, the A03S stays with the same rear configuration but adds a 5MP front-facing camera. The A12 takes it up a notch with a 48MP primary sensor, 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a pair of 2MP sensors for macro and depth shots. Smile-worthy snaps are achievable on these devices given optimal lighting conditions.
Final Thoughts
Samsung’s Galaxy A02S, A03S, and A12 go beyond expectations when it comes to delivering exceptional value under $200. Though compromises are made in processing power and build materials, they still triumph in providing decent performance, long battery life, and satisfactory camera experiences. For those who prioritize function over form or seek an affordable entry into the world of smartphones, these devices undoubtedly deserve consideration.