The Alcatel 1 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 will dissect those differences, focusing on real-world performance implications.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing basic smartphone functionality, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core processor, utilizing Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Alcatel 1’s aging quad-core MT6739, despite both being fabricated on a 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, July. Released 2018, July | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 |
|---|
| 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 8.1 Oreo (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 | Black, Blue, Gold, Pink | Black, Blue |
| Models | 5033X, 5033J, 5033T, 5033D, 5033G, 5033M, 5033X_EEA, 5033F, 5033E, 5033D_EEA, 5033Q, 5033O, 5033G_EEA, 5033EP, 5033XR, 5033F_EEA, 5033S, 5033D_RU | 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
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Potentially more compact form factor
- Significantly slower performance
- Outdated processor architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Faster octa-core processor
- More responsive user interface
- Better multitasking performance
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited camera capabilities
- May include bloatware
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. The lack of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies is expected. The focus here is on functionality, not visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The A03 Core *may* have a slight advantage due to potentially better image signal processing (ISP) within the Unisoc chipset, but don't expect flagship-level results. Focusing on the primary sensor is key; any secondary sensors (like 2MP macro lenses) are unlikely to provide meaningful image quality.
Performance
This is where the A03 Core pulls ahead. The Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) is a significant upgrade over the Alcatel 1’s Mediatek MT6739 quad-core (1.28 GHz Cortex-A53). While both are 28nm chips, the Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient and delivers better performance per clock cycle. The A03 Core will handle app switching and basic multitasking with considerably less lag. The Alcatel 1 will struggle with even moderate workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely slow. The A03 Core’s more efficient processor *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the difference will likely be marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Alcatel 1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to tolerate significant performance limitations for basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize a more responsive user interface, even for light multitasking, and want a device that feels less sluggish during everyday use. The A03 Core offers a better long-term experience for a minimal price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the A03 Core won't deliver a blazing-fast experience, its octa-core processor should handle Facebook and WhatsApp reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, but it's significantly better equipped than the Alcatel 1 for these common applications.
❓ Is the Alcatel 1 suitable for a first-time smartphone user or someone unfamiliar with Android?
The Alcatel 1's simplicity could be appealing to a first-time user, but its sluggish performance might lead to frustration. The limited processing power makes learning the Android interface more challenging due to slow response times.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
Neither phone is suitable for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile. The processors lack the graphical power and RAM to provide a playable experience. Simple, less demanding games might be possible at the lowest settings.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for reasonably fast data speeds where available. The Alcatel 1 also supports 4G LTE.
