Samsung has just announced its third Android Go smartphone: the Galaxy A2 Core. It is one of the most affordable alternatives for people who search for a smooth phone under 100 bucks. But just like flagship and midrange devices, even a device in the most affordable segment of the market has a lot of rivals, especially since Google released Android Go, the Lite version of Android for entry-level devices with low-end or outdated chipsets and a low quantity of RAM. Among the most recent Android Go phones there are the best-selling Redmi Go by Xiaomi and the Nokia 1 Plus: are they better or less impressive than Samsung Galaxy A2 Core? This specs comparison will let you find out.
Samsung Galaxy A2 Core vs Nokia 1 Plus vs Xiaomi Redmi Go
| Samsung Galaxy A2 Core | Nokia 1 Plus | Xiaomi Redmi Go | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | N/D | 145 x 70.4 x 8.6 mm | 140.4 x 70.1 x 8.4 mm, 137 grams |
| DISPLAY | 5 inches, 540 x 960 pixels, 220 ppi, 16:9 ratio, IPS LCD | 5.45 inches, 480 x 960p, 197 ppi, 18:9 ratio, IPS LCD | 5 inches, 720 x 1280 pixels, 294 ppi, 16:9 ratio, LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Samsung Exynos 7870, octa-core 1.6 GHz | MediaTek MT6739WW, quad-core 1.5 GHz | Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| MEMORY | 1 GB RAM, 8 GB – 1 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 1 GB RAM, 8 GB – 1 GB RAM, 16 GB – micro SD slot | 1 GB RAM, 8 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 8 Oreo, Android Go | Android 9 Pie, Android Go | Android 8.1 Oreo, Android Go |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS |
| CAMERA | 5 MP f/1.9 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
8 MP 5 MP front camera |
8 MP f/2.0 5 MP f/2.2 front camera |
| BATTERY | 2600 mAh | 2500 mAh | 3000 mAh |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Hybrid Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot |
Design
Unimpressive design and cheap materials in each case. Samsung Galaxy A2 Core, Xiaomi Redmi Go and Nokia 1 Plus all come with a standard plastic body and pretty thick bezels around the display. The most modern and beautiful one is the Nokia 1 Plus as it comes with a taller 18:9 aspect ratio, while Samsung Galaxy A2 Core and Xiaomi Redmi Go sport 16:9 displays. On the other hand, Nokia 1 Plus has bigger dimensions, so compact phone lovers may prefer its two rivals. But my choice when it comes to the aesthetics would definitely be the Nokia 1 Plus.
Display
As they are entry-level handsets, you can not expect a good detail and a nice color reproduction on these displays. Xiaomi Redmi Go is a clear winner because it is the only one to sport an HD panel, with a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels. The resolution of the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core and Nokia 1 Plus is below HD, so they are a bit disappointing under this point of view. But it is worth noting that Nokia 1 Plus has a bigger display, so it may be more comfortable for advanced tasks. But if you are only looking for the quality, then choose the Xiaomi Redmi Go without thinking twice.
Specs
Most of the time, when we compare the performances of Samsung midrange phones with Xiaomi phones, Xiaomi wins. But this time it is not so, as the Samsung Galaxy A2 Core is equipped with a better chipset than both the Xiaomi Redmi Go and Nokia 1 Plus. It sports the octa-core Exynos 7870, the same processor built at 14 nm that you can find on the Samsung Galaxy J7 (2018), just to give you an idea. You will not get the same performance as the J7 since there is just 1 GB of RAM, but we are talking about something definitely superior to the Snapdragon 425 and the cheap MediaTek chipset found on the Nokia 1 Plus. Nokia 1 Plus takes the second place: even though it has a better chipset than the Redmi Go, the latter comes with just 8 GB of internal storage, while Samsung Galaxy A2 Core and Nokia 1 Plus go up to 16 GB. Also note that Android Go on the Nokia 1 Plus is based on Android 9 Pie, while Redmi Go and Galaxy A2 Core are still based on Oreo.
Camera
We still did not test the cameras of these Android Go devices, but on the paper, Samsung Galaxy A2 Core seems more interesting. Despite coming with a lower resolution for the rear camera, it has a bright aperture and it may behave in a better way in low light conditions. Further, it can record 1080p video, while Nokia 1 Plus can not do it. Right after, we got the Xiaomi Redmi Go with its 8 MP rear camera.
Battery
Just looking at the specs on the paper, it is hard to understand which phone will last more on a single charge. The Samsung Galaxy A2 Core has a very efficient SoC as well as an efficient display panel with its below-HD resolution, but its battery is also smaller. On the other hand, the Nokia 1 Plus comes with Android Pie and the same resolution, but it has a bigger display and a less efficient SoC, while Xiaomi Redmi Go has a higher resolution but also a bigger battery. Only software optimization will prove who is better.
Price
Samsung Galaxy A2 Core vs Nokia 1 Plus vs Xiaomi Redmi Go: PROs and CONS
Xiaomi Redmi Go
PROs
- Compact design
- Affordable price
- Good battery
- Micro SD dedicated slot
CONS
- Just 8 GB
Nokia 1 Plus
PROs
- Better connectivity
- Better design
- Affordable
- Android Pie
CONS
- Small battery
Samsung Galaxy A2 Core
PROs
- Micro SD dedicated slot
- Good hardware
- Not bad cameras
- Very affordable
CONS
- Small battery
