The Alcatel 1 (2021) and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target users prioritizing affordability above all else, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the superior choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the Alcatel 1 (2021)'s quad-core Mediatek MT6739, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading, despite both being built on the same 28nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 25 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 22 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.6 x 65.7 x 9.8 mm (5.42 x 2.59 x 0.39 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 134 g (4.73 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Glass | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~71.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.28 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 8GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP, f/2.8 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Volcano Black, AI Aqua | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 60 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
alcatel 1 (2021)
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be more readily available in certain regions
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Faster octa-core processor
- More responsive user experience
- Improved multitasking performance
- More efficient processor architecture
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited camera capabilities
- Likely slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p or lower, and brightness will be adequate for indoor use but struggle in direct sunlight. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic functionality.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading at this price point. Image quality will heavily rely on software processing, and neither device is likely to excel in low-light conditions. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing features and offer minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Alcatel 1 (2021)’s Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 1.28 GHz. While both are built on a 28nm process, the A03 Core’s higher core count and newer Cortex-A55 architecture translate to significantly improved multi-tasking and app responsiveness. The A55 cores are more efficient than the A53, potentially offering slightly better battery life under load. The A03 Core will handle basic social media and web browsing with noticeably less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Unisoc SC9863A’s more efficient Cortex-A55 cores in the A03 Core *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but usage patterns will be the dominant factor. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting both will charge relatively slowly via Micro-USB – a common omission in this segment.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 (2021) if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are only planning to use the phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a more responsive experience, even for simple tasks, and anticipate using multiple apps or occasionally playing less demanding games. The A03 Core’s extra cores offer a tangible benefit for everyday usability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the A03 Core’s octa-core processor should handle Facebook and WhatsApp without significant issues. Expect some loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps, but it’s generally sufficient for basic social media use. The Alcatel 1 (2021) will likely exhibit more noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A processor known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power processor designed for entry-level smartphones. Overheating is unlikely to be a major concern, even during extended use. The 28nm process isn't the most efficient, but the chip's low clock speeds and core count keep thermal output manageable. The Alcatel 1 (2021)'s MT6739 is similarly unlikely to overheat due to its lower performance.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Playing PUBG Mobile on either device is not recommended. While technically possible at the lowest settings, the experience will be severely hampered by the processors and limited RAM. Expect extremely low frame rates and frequent stuttering. These phones are not designed for gaming.
