The BLU View 1 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 achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the better choice. Its newer Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the BLU View 1’s older MT6739. While both offer similar battery endurance, the A03s’s brighter display and brand recognition make it a more compelling overall package.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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 | 2019, November. Released 2019, November | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 142.2 x 71.1 x 10.1 mm (5.60 x 2.80 x 0.40 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 | 153 g (5.40 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 (~77.2% 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 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | 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 | 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 | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | - | $ 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 View 1
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Acceptable battery life
- Outdated chipset (MT6739)
- Likely lower display brightness
- Limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- More powerful chipset (Helio P35)
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Faster 15W charging
- Established brand reputation
- Slightly higher price
- Camera quality likely limited
- Still an entry-level device
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s boasts a significantly more usable display experience. While both share a 1718:1 contrast ratio, the A03s achieves a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, crucial for outdoor visibility. The BLU View 1’s display specifications are not provided, implying a lower brightness level. This difference is substantial for users who frequently use their phones in sunlight. The A03s’s larger screen size (implied by its market positioning) also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given their price points, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of detailed camera specifications suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A03s (a common inclusion in this segment) is unlikely to provide significant value due to its low resolution and limited image quality. Focusing on the main sensor performance is key, and the A03s likely has a slight edge due to its more modern chipset’s image signal processor.
Performance
The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A03s utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35 (MT6765), an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This contrasts sharply with the BLU View 1’s Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core processor fabricated on a less efficient 28nm node. The P35’s octa-core configuration (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a significant advantage in multi-tasking and demanding applications compared to the View 1’s 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The 12nm process also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both the BLU View 1 and Samsung Galaxy A03s achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the A03s benefits from 15W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment of the battery compared to the BLU View 1, which likely supports slower charging speeds. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient chipset in the A03s contributes to its overall endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the BLU View 1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance and long-term software support. It’s a functional device for basic tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize a smoother user experience, a brighter and more usable display, and the backing of a more established brand with a potentially longer software update lifecycle, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Galaxy A03s powerful enough for casual gaming?
The Helio P35 can handle casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without issue. However, demanding titles like PUBG Mobile will require significantly reduced graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. It's sufficient for light gaming, but not a dedicated gaming phone.
❓ 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 software support than the BLU View 1, which often receives limited updates.
❓ Does the BLU View 1 support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling on the BLU View 1 can vary depending on the carrier. It's crucial to check with your mobile provider to ensure compatibility before purchasing, as these features are essential for modern network connectivity.
❓ What type of storage does the Samsung Galaxy A03s use, and is it expandable?
The Samsung Galaxy A03s typically comes with eMMC storage, which is slower than UFS storage found in higher-end phones. However, it does feature a dedicated microSD card slot, allowing you to expand the storage capacity up to 1TB, providing flexibility for storing photos, videos, and apps.
