The Samsung Galaxy E02 is an entry-level smartphone that aims to deliver essential functionality at an affordable price point. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of performance or features, it serves as a reliable option for users who prioritize simplicity and budget-friendliness. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy E02 features a simple yet practical design, typical of Samsung’s budget-friendly lineup. The plastic back panel has a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the device feels lightweight in hand. The phone’s compact form factor makes it easy to grip, though the lack of a premium build material means it doesn’t quite match the sturdiness of mid-range or high-end models. The power and volume buttons are placed on the right side, while the 3.5mm headphone jack and micro-USB charging port are located at the bottom—a slight disappointment given that many budget phones now include USB-C.

Display

Samsung has equipped the Galaxy E02 with a 6.5-inch PLS IPS display, offering an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). While it won’t blow anyone away with pixel density or vibrant colors, the screen is decent for casual use, such as browsing social media or watching videos. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor viewing, though outdoor visibility can be a struggle under direct sunlight. The waterdrop-style notch at the top houses the front-facing camera, maximizing screen real estate without being too intrusive.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Galaxy E02 is powered by a MediaTek MT6739W chipset paired with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, depending on the variant. This configuration is sufficient for light tasks like messaging, web browsing, and running basic apps, but it struggles with multitasking or more demanding applications. The phone runs on Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI Core, a streamlined version of the company’s custom skin optimized for entry-level hardware. While the software experience is smooth for the most part, occasional lag and stuttering are noticeable when switching between apps or loading heavier web pages.

Camera Performance

The Galaxy E02 sports a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting conditions, the main camera captures decent shots with acceptable detail and color reproduction. However, low-light performance is underwhelming, with noticeable noise and lack of sharpness. The 5MP front-facing camera is serviceable for video calls and occasional selfies, though don’t expect studio-quality results. The camera app includes basic features like portrait mode and HDR, but advanced photography options are absent, which is expected at this price range.

Battery Life

One of the strongest aspects of the Galaxy E02 is its battery life. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy usage. Even with continuous video playback or gaming, the phone manages to stretch well into the evening before needing a recharge. Unfortunately, charging speeds are slow due to the lack of fast charging support, and the micro-USB port feels outdated in 2023. Still, if longevity is a priority, this phone delivers where it counts.

Storage and Connectivity

The base model comes with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via a microSD card slot (up to 1TB). This is a welcome feature for users who need extra space for media files or apps. Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS. While it lacks NFC or 5G support, these omissions are understandable given the phone’s target audience and price segment.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy E02 is a no-frills smartphone that caters to users who need a basic device for everyday tasks without breaking the bank. Its long battery life, expandable storage, and functional display make it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. However, the underwhelming performance, outdated charging port, and mediocre camera system may deter those looking for a more capable device. If you’re after a simple, reliable phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the Galaxy E02 gets the job done—but don’t expect any surprises beyond that.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch PLS IPS, HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels)

Chipset: MediaTek MT6739W

RAM: 2GB / 3GB

Storage: 32GB (expandable via microSD up to 1TB)

Rear Cameras: 13MP (main) + 2MP (depth)

Front Camera: 5MP

Battery: 5,000mAh (no fast charging)

OS: Android 10, One UI Core

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, micro-USB

Dimensions: 164 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm

Weight: 206g