The BLU G33 and Samsung Galaxy A03s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches. The G33 focuses on a newer processor architecture, while the A03s boasts a proven endurance rating and Samsung's brand recognition. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and a slightly brighter display, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the better choice. Its 122-hour endurance rating and 488 nits of brightness provide a more reliable experience, despite the older chipset. However, the BLU G33's newer Cortex-A55 cores offer a potential, though not guaranteed, performance edge.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 17, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, June | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, July | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 78.3 x 10.4 mm (6.28 x 3.08 x 0.41 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 |
| Weight | 215 g (7.58 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~171 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 101.1 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.0
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Burgundy, Earthy, Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | About 60 EUR | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
BLU G33
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Potentially better sustained performance
- Likely lower price point
- Unknown battery capacity and charging speed
- No published display brightness data
- Less established brand reputation
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Excellent 122-hour endurance rating
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Established brand and support
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Potentially slower sustained performance
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s features a display capable of reaching 488 nits of peak brightness, a significant advantage for outdoor use compared to the BLU G33, which lacks published brightness data. Both displays share a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color reproduction quality. However, the A03s’ higher brightness translates to a more usable experience in direct sunlight. The lack of detailed display specifications for the BLU G33 makes a comprehensive comparison difficult, but the A03s clearly wins in terms of measured brightness.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic camera modules. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A03s is unlikely to significantly enhance the photography experience. Without further information, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner; however, Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally offer more refined results, even with similar hardware.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A03s is equipped with the Mediatek Helio P35 (MT6765), an older 12nm chipset featuring a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and 1.8 GHz. The BLU G33 utilizes an octa-core processor with Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. While the A03s has higher clock speeds, the Cortex-A55 architecture in the G33 is more efficient and offers improved instructions per clock (IPC) compared to the older Cortex-A53. This means the G33 *could* offer better performance in sustained tasks, but the A03s’ higher clock speeds might provide a snappier experience in short bursts. Real-world performance will depend heavily on RAM and software optimization, both of which are unspecified.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A03s boasts an impressive endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating excellent battery life. This is coupled with 15W wired charging. The BLU G33’s battery capacity and charging speed are not specified. Given the G33’s newer, potentially more efficient processor, it might achieve comparable battery life, but without concrete data, the A03s’ proven endurance is a significant advantage. The 15W charging on the A03s provides a reasonable recharge time, while the G33’s charging speed remains unknown.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G33 if you need a phone with a more modern CPU architecture and are comfortable potentially sacrificing some battery life and display brightness. This phone is best for users who occasionally play light games or use moderately demanding apps. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize all-day battery life, a brighter screen for outdoor visibility, and the peace of mind that comes with a well-established brand. This is ideal for users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy A03s get noticeably hot during extended use?
The Helio P35 is a relatively low-power chipset, and while it can get warm during prolonged gaming or video recording, it's unlikely to experience significant overheating. The phone's plastic construction also helps dissipate heat. However, demanding tasks will likely result in some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A03s worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, lacking detail and sharpness. It can be fun to experiment with close-up shots, but don't expect professional-level results. The standard camera mode will likely produce better overall images.
❓ Will the BLU G33 be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The BLU G33 *should* be able to run PUBG Mobile, but likely at low graphics settings and frame rates. The Cortex-A55 cores are a step up from older architectures, but the 1.6 GHz clock speed is relatively modest. Expect some stuttering and lag, especially in intense firefights. The A03s will likely offer a similar gaming experience.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A03s with the 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A03s typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. While not the fastest charging speed available, it's adequate for overnight charging and provides a reasonable top-up time during the day.
