The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The BLU G53 and Samsung Galaxy A03s represent two popular choices, but cater to slightly different priorities. The G53 aims for a performance edge with a newer CPU architecture, while the A03s focuses on proven reliability and a respectable battery life. This comparison dissects their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the BLU G53 offers a more compelling experience. Its newer Cortex-A75 core provides a noticeable performance boost over the Galaxy A03s' Helio P35, making it better suited for multitasking and app responsiveness. While the A03s boasts a similar endurance rating, the G53's performance advantage outweighs the marginal battery difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28, 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 | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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 | 8 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 | 5.0, 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 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pearl, Black, Green, Violet, White | 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 100 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 G53
- More powerful CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Potentially better multitasking performance
- Likely more efficient CPU
- Battery capacity unknown
- Display brightness data unavailable
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Measured 488 nits peak brightness
- Established brand reputation
- 122-hour endurance rating
- Less powerful CPU (Helio P35)
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- 12nm process less efficient
Display Comparison
Both the BLU G53 and Samsung Galaxy A03s feature displays with a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar image quality in terms of black levels. However, the Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, which is likely to provide better visibility outdoors compared to the G53, for which brightness data is unavailable. The nominal contrast ratio suggests both displays are using similar panel technology, likely IPS LCD, and neither is expected to offer exceptional color accuracy or viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer basic photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. It's safe to assume both rely on budget sensors and image processing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes a direct comparison difficult. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A03s is unlikely to provide significant photographic value, as these sensors typically lack the resolution and quality to produce detailed macro shots. The G53's camera performance will likely be more dependent on software optimization than hardware prowess, given the limited information available.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A03s utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process, featuring eight Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.35 GHz. The BLU G53, conversely, employs a quad-core CPU with a single high-performance 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 core and three efficiency-focused 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the A03s has more cores, the A75 architecture in the G53 is significantly more powerful per core than the A53, resulting in superior single-core performance and a more responsive overall experience. The G53's CPU architecture is a generation newer, offering better efficiency and performance. The A03s' 12nm process is less efficient than more modern nodes, potentially leading to more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A03s has an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating a solid battery life for basic usage. It supports 15W wired charging. The BLU G53's battery capacity is unknown, but given its focus on performance, it may prioritize a smaller battery to keep the device lightweight. However, the more efficient CPU architecture of the G53 could offset a smaller battery capacity, potentially delivering comparable real-world battery life. The 15W charging on the A03s is standard for this price range, and the G53's charging speed is currently unknown.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU G53 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience and frequently use apps or light multitasking. It's ideal for users who want the most performance for their money. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you value brand recognition, a slightly brighter display, and a long-established software ecosystem, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. It's a solid choice for basic communication and minimal app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Galaxy A03s struggle with demanding apps?
Yes, the Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset. While capable of handling basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, it will likely exhibit lag and slowdowns when running multiple apps simultaneously or playing graphically intensive games. The BLU G53's Cortex-A75 core offers a significant performance advantage in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A03s slow compared to other phones?
15W charging is fairly standard for phones in this price range. While it's not as fast as the 25W or 33W charging found on more expensive devices, it will still fully charge the phone overnight. The BLU G53's charging speed is currently unknown, but it's unlikely to be significantly faster.
❓ How does the BLU G53's CPU architecture impact real-world performance?
The BLU G53's Cortex-A75 core is based on a newer architecture than the Cortex-A53 cores found in the Galaxy A03s' Helio P35. This translates to faster single-core performance, which is crucial for app responsiveness and smooth multitasking. You'll notice a difference in how quickly apps launch and how smoothly you can switch between them.
