The Samsung Galaxy M02s is an entry-level smartphone that aims to deliver essential features at an affordable price point. Designed for users who prioritize battery life and basic functionality over high-end specs, this device fits comfortably in Samsung’s budget lineup. While it won’t compete with flagship models, it offers a reliable experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Let’s dive deeper into what this phone has to offer.

At first glance, the Galaxy M02s sports a simple yet functional design. The plastic body feels lightweight and durable, though it lacks the premium finish of more expensive models. The 6.5-inch HD+ display provides decent visuals for its price range, with colors that are vibrant enough for casual media consumption. However, don’t expect deep blacks or sharp contrast—this is an LCD panel, after all, and it shows its limitations under direct sunlight.

Under the hood, the phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 chipset, paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM depending on the variant. This setup handles day-to-day tasks reasonably well, though multitasking can feel sluggish at times. Apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook run without major hiccups, but heavier applications may struggle. Storage options include 32GB or 64GB, expandable via a dedicated microSD slot, which is a welcome feature for budget-conscious users.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy M02s is its massive 5,000mAh battery. For light users, this can easily translate into two days of usage, while moderate users will appreciate the all-day endurance. Unfortunately, the included 15W fast charger doesn’t fully leverage the battery’s potential, taking over two hours for a full charge. Still, the longevity is impressive for a phone in this segment.

The camera setup consists of a triple rear array: a 13MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. In good lighting, the main camera captures decent shots with acceptable detail, though dynamic range is limited. Low-light performance is predictably weak, with noticeable noise and soft edges. The 5MP front-facing camera handles video calls and occasional selfies adequately, but don’t expect flagship-level results.

On the software front, the phone runs Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI Core, a streamlined version of the company’s custom skin. While it lacks some features found in the full-fledged One UI, it’s clean and intuitive, with minimal bloatware. Samsung has committed to security updates, which is a plus, but don’t count on major Android version upgrades.

Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—standard fare for a budget device. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is slow but reliable, and face unlock is available as an alternative. The single bottom-firing speaker is underwhelming, so headphones are recommended for media playback.

In summary, the Samsung Galaxy M02s is a no-frills smartphone that delivers where it counts for its target audience. Its long battery life, expandable storage, and dependable performance make it a solid choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device. However, if you’re looking for better cameras, faster performance, or a more modern design, you might want to explore other options in a slightly higher price bracket.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) LCD, 60Hz refresh rate

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 450 (14nm)

RAM: 3GB / 4GB

Storage: 32GB / 64GB, expandable via microSD (up to 1TB)

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

Front Camera: 5MP

Battery: 5,000mAh, 15W fast charging

OS: Android 10, One UI Core

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS

Dimensions: 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm

Weight: 196g

Colors: Black, Blue, Red