The Energizer U680S and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the extreme end of the smartphone market, targeting users with minimal budgets. Surprisingly, both devices share the exact same core hardware: the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This comparison aims to dissect where any meaningful differences lie beyond branding and software implementation, helping you determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core likely offers a slightly better experience due to Samsung’s more refined software and established brand reputation for support. However, the Energizer U680S may present a better value proposition if available at a significantly lower price point, as the core performance is identical.
| 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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40, 41 | 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 | 2021, June 29. Released 2021, Q3 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
2 MP
VGA | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 7000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 120 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Energizer U680S
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical core performance to A03 Core
- May offer unique Energizer branding/features
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Unknown long-term support
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Established Samsung brand reliability
- Potentially better software support
- More refined user interface
- Likely higher price than U680S
- Identical core performance to U680S
- May include pre-installed bloatware
Display Comparison
Both the Energizer U680S and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core utilize displays that are likely in the 6.5-inch range, typical for this price bracket. Given the shared chipset and target market, it’s highly probable both employ similar LCD panels with resolutions around 720 x 1600. Without specific brightness or color gamut data, it’s safe to assume neither display will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. The user experience will likely be similar, focusing on basic readability rather than immersive visuals.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. While specifications aren't detailed, budget phones in this segment often include a primary sensor paired with several low-resolution auxiliary lenses (often 2MP). Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing, and the Unisoc SC9863A’s ISP is unlikely to deliver exceptional results. Expect acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light. Differences in image processing algorithms between Energizer and Samsung could lead to slightly different color profiles or sharpening levels, but the core sensor limitations will be the primary constraint.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration is geared towards basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light app usage. The identical CPU and chipset mean performance will be virtually indistinguishable between the two phones. RAM capacity, which is not specified, will be a key factor; more RAM will improve multitasking, but both are likely to be limited. Thermal management will also be similar, as the 28nm process isn't known for efficiency, and neither phone is likely to have advanced cooling solutions.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the shared chipset and target market, both are likely to feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The 28nm Unisoc SC9863A isn’t particularly power-efficient, so battery life will be moderate, likely lasting a full day with light to moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but it’s unlikely to be fast charging; expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer U680S if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are comfortable with a less-known brand. You'll be getting the same core performance as the A03 Core for potentially less money. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you value brand reliability, a more polished software experience, and potentially better long-term software support, even if it means paying a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A is capable of running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features. It's designed for light usage, so heavy app users may experience performance limitations.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core compared to the Energizer U680S?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices than lesser-known brands like Energizer. The A03 Core is likely to receive at least one major Android update and several security patches, while the U680S’s update schedule is uncertain and potentially shorter.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones suitable for taking clear photos of documents?
While both phones have cameras, their image quality is limited. Document scanning will be possible in good lighting conditions, but expect some distortion and lack of sharpness. Dedicated document scanning apps may improve results.
