The BLU Studio X10L and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and responsiveness, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while built on a 28nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the BLU Studio X10L’s quad-core Cortex-A53, making everyday tasks smoother.
| 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 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 17, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August. Released 2020, August | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 142.9 x 73.1 x 9.9 mm (5.63 x 2.88 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 |
| Weight | 152 g (5.36 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~65.9% 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 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Blue, Red, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 50 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
BLU Studio X10L
- Potentially lower price point
- Basic functionality for essential tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Outdated processor architecture
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely slower performance
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- More responsive user experience
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are unavailable for the BLU Studio X10L, suggesting a basic LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on affordability rather than visual fidelity. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO on either device confirms their entry-level positioning. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within their respective budgets.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, leaning towards basic functionality. Details regarding sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable for both, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. The A03 Core's image processing capabilities, while not flagship-level, will likely benefit from the more powerful chipset, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality and faster processing times. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The BLU Studio X10L utilizes a quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. This architecture, while proven, is aging and less efficient than newer designs. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core boasts the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor featuring four 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and four 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A55 architecture represents a significant improvement in performance and efficiency over the A53. While the SC9863A is fabricated on a 28nm process (less efficient than modern nodes), the sheer number of cores provides a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling demanding applications. The A03 Core will likely exhibit smoother performance when switching between apps and running multiple processes concurrently.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for the BLU Studio X10L. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core features a 5000mAh battery, a substantial size for a budget device. However, the Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process isn’t the most power-efficient. Charging wattage is also likely to be low on both devices, meaning full charges will take a considerable amount of time. The A03 Core’s larger battery capacity will likely translate to longer battery life, despite the less efficient chipset, offering a full day of moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10L if you need a basic, functional smartphone for calls, texts, and very light app usage, and are extremely budget-constrained. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a device capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously, streaming video without significant lag, and offering a more responsive user experience, even if it means spending slightly more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a powerhouse, its octa-core configuration and Cortex-A55 architecture are sufficient to run apps like TikTok and Facebook smoothly for most users. Expect some loading times and occasional stutters with heavy multitasking, but the overall experience should be acceptable.
❓ Is the BLU Studio X10L a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the BLU Studio X10L is a viable option for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication. Its quad-core processor is adequate for calls and texts, and its lower price point makes it an attractive choice for those on a very tight budget. However, be prepared for slower performance with any other tasks.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core handle light gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core can handle some light gaming, but don't expect a high-performance experience. Simple 2D games and less demanding 3D titles should be playable at lower settings. More graphically intensive games will likely experience significant lag and frame drops.
