The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Cubot Note 8 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with significant differences in chipset architecture that impact real-world performance. This comparison will dissect those differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multitasking and a smoother overall experience, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor, utilizing Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Cubot Note 8’s quad-core MT6739WW, despite both being manufactured on a 28nm process.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 19, 20 | 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 | 2022 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 138 x 65 x 10.8 mm (5.43 x 2.56 x 0.43 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 | 143 g (5.04 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 442 x 960 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~192 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 74.1 cm2 (~82.7% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739WW (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3100 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | - | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Note 8
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May include features not found on the A03 Core (depending on regional variants)
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user interface
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Faster octa-core processor
- More efficient Cortex-A55 architecture
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- Samsung brand recognition and software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Camera quality likely similar to Cubot Note 8
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but given the target market, expect basic viewing experiences. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional readability. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details regarding sensor size and lens apertures are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A03 Core is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will likely be basic on both, prioritizing speed over quality. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), offering a substantial advantage over the Cubot Note 8’s quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53. The Cortex-A55 architecture is more efficient and delivers better performance per clock cycle than the older Cortex-A53. While both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, the increased core count and architectural improvements of the Unisoc chip translate to smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. The A03 Core will handle more demanding apps with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given the low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but likely falls in the 5W-10W range, resulting in relatively slow charging times. The A03 Core’s more efficient processor may contribute to slightly longer battery life, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 8 if you need a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and are comfortable with potentially slower performance. It's a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and running multiple apps simultaneously. The A03 Core offers a better balance of performance and usability within this ultra-budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the A03 Core is an entry-level device, the octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. Expect acceptable performance for basic usage, but avoid running too many apps simultaneously.
❓ Is the Cubot Note 8 suitable for playing mobile games?
The Cubot Note 8’s quad-core MT6739WW processor is not well-suited for gaming. While simple games may be playable at low settings, more demanding titles will likely experience significant lag and stuttering. The A03 Core offers a slightly better gaming experience, but still isn't ideal.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core support software updates?
Samsung typically provides limited software updates for its entry-level devices. While you can expect security patches for a period, major Android version updates are unlikely. The Cubot Note 8's update support is even less certain.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both devices almost certainly use a Micro-USB port for charging, a common feature in this price range. Expect slower charging speeds compared to devices with USB-C.
