The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Energizer E24 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience and a more recognizable brand, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Energizer E24’s Spreadtrum SC6531E, despite both being entry-level options.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April. Released 2021, April | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 125.3 x 54 x 14.5 mm (4.93 x 2.13 x 0.57 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, Micro-SIM) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 105 g (3.70 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| | Flashlight | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~26.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC6531E | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | - | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | QVGA | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | QVGA | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1900 mAh battery | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, White, Green, Brown, Yellow | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 20 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Energizer E24
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- Functional for basic communication.
- May offer longer standby time due to simpler hardware.
- Significantly slower performance.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely inferior camera quality.
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance.
- Larger display for better media consumption.
- More recognizable brand and support network.
- Still limited by its budget chipset.
- Camera quality remains basic.
- May be slightly more expensive than the E24.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the Energizer E24’s panel, suggesting a basic LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on size (6.6 inches) rather than resolution or quality. Both will likely exhibit limited viewing angles and color accuracy. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution is standard for this price bracket, meaning media consumption will be a basic experience on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce for the Energizer E24’s camera setup, but it’s safe to assume it features a basic sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core features a primary camera, but details on its resolution and sensor size are not provided. Both devices likely include lower-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) for depth sensing or macro photography, which offer minimal practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable in ideal lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light.
Performance
This is where the most significant difference lies. The Energizer E24 is powered by the Spreadtrum SC6531E, a quad-core processor designed for extremely basic tasks. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, however, features the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip built on a 28nm process. This means four cores operate at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz, offering a substantial advantage in multitasking and app loading times. While neither chipset is capable of demanding gaming, the A03 Core will handle everyday tasks like browsing and social media with noticeably less lag. The 28nm process node of the Unisoc chip, while older, is more efficient than what is likely used in the E24, potentially leading to slightly better battery life under load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor in this segment. While the exact capacity of the Energizer E24’s battery is unknown, its less powerful chipset suggests it may offer comparable battery life to the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, which has a 5000mAh battery. However, the more efficient 28nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A in the A03 Core could translate to longer screen-on time, especially with moderate usage. Charging speeds are likely slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E24 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept significant performance limitations. It’s a functional device for basic communication. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a more responsive user interface, slightly better multitasking capabilities, and the peace of mind that comes with the Samsung brand, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Unisoc SC9863A is an entry-level chipset, it should handle apps like Facebook and WhatsApp reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, especially when multitasking, but it’s unlikely to be unusable. The E24’s Spreadtrum SC6531E will likely struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones good enough for casual snapshots?
Both cameras are adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect high-quality images. Low-light performance will be poor, and details will be limited. The 2MP auxiliary cameras are largely marketing features and offer minimal improvement in image quality.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core handle any mobile games?
The A03 Core can run some less demanding mobile games, but don't expect a smooth experience with graphically intensive titles. Games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games will be playable, but PUBG or Call of Duty will likely be laggy and require significant compromises in graphics settings.
❓ How long will the battery last on the Energizer E24 with typical use?
Due to the less powerful chipset, the Energizer E24 could potentially offer all-day battery life with light usage (calls, texts, occasional browsing). However, heavy usage will drain the battery quickly. Expect around 6-8 hours of screen-on time with moderate use.
