The BLU Studio X10+ and Samsung Galaxy A03s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches. This comparison dissects their specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A03s emerges as the better choice. While the BLU Studio X10+ is cheaper, the A03s’ more modern Mediatek Helio P35 chipset provides a significantly smoother user experience and better app compatibility, justifying the slight price premium.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, February 09. Released 2021, February 09 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 146 x 72.3 x 9 mm (5.75 x 2.85 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 | 167 g (5.89 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~195 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~74.0% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 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 2550 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Green, Red | 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 50 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 Studio X10+
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life (122h endurance)
- Functional for basic communication
- Outdated Cortex-A7 processor
- Limited app compatibility
- Poor performance for multitasking
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- More powerful Helio P35 chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Better software support from Samsung
- Slightly higher price
- Still an entry-level device
- Camera quality is modest
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, a substantial advantage over the BLU Studio X10+, for which brightness data is unavailable. Both displays share a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar black levels and color depth. However, the A03s’ higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments. The lack of detailed display specifications for the BLU Studio X10+ suggests a lower-quality panel overall, likely impacting color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price point, image quality will be modest on both. The absence of sensor size or aperture information makes a direct comparison impossible. However, the A03s benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which generally produce more pleasing results than those found on lesser-known brands like BLU. It’s safe to assume any macro camera on either device (if present) will be of limited utility due to its low resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The BLU Studio X10+ utilizes a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor, an older architecture known for its limited processing power. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is powered by the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, an Octa-core processor (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) built on a more efficient 12nm process. This means the A03s will handle multitasking, app loading, and even light gaming significantly better. The A53 cores in the Helio P35 are a generation ahead of the A7 cores, offering improved performance per clock cycle.
Battery Life
Both the BLU Studio X10+ and Samsung Galaxy A03s achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. The A03s supports 15W wired charging, which, while not fast, is a notable advantage over the BLU Studio X10+, where charging speed is unspecified and likely slower. The comparable endurance ratings suggest similar battery capacities, but the A03s’ faster charging allows for quicker top-ups when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU Studio X10+ if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance and software updates. It’s suitable for basic communication – calls and texts – and very light app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, better app support, and a brand with a more established software update track record, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03s struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P35 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for running apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The BLU Studio X10+ with its older processor will likely struggle more with these apps.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A03s considered fast charging?
15W charging isn't considered 'fast' by today's standards, but it's a significant improvement over the likely slower charging speeds of the BLU Studio X10+. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. It's sufficient for overnight charging and topping up throughout the day.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Samsung Galaxy A03s?
PUBG Mobile is playable on the Samsung Galaxy A03s, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to the lowest possible levels to achieve a playable frame rate. Don't expect a smooth or visually impressive experience. The BLU Studio X10+ is unlikely to run PUBG Mobile at all.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Samsung Galaxy A03s?
Samsung typically provides at least one major Android update and several years of security patches for its A-series devices. While the A03s is an entry-level model, it's likely to receive updates for at least two years, offering better long-term security and feature support than the BLU Studio X10+.
