The Honor Play10A and Samsung Galaxy M01 Core represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price, they differ significantly in their internal hardware. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact real-world performance and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a responsive experience beyond basic tasks, the Honor Play10A is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G81 chipset offers a substantial performance leap over the Galaxy M01 Core’s MT6739, making it better suited for multitasking, light gaming, and future software updates.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, October 23 | 2020, July 27. Released 2020, July 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 23 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167 x 77 x 7.9 mm (6.57 x 3.03 x 0.31 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 15, MagicOS 9 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5260 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Cyan | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | NLA-LX3 | SM-M013F, SM-M013F/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.86 W/kg (head) |
Honor Play10A
- Significantly faster processor for smoother multitasking.
- More efficient chipset for better battery life.
- Faster charging (15W) reduces downtime.
- May have a slightly higher price point.
- Software updates may be less frequent than Samsung.
Samsung Galaxy M01 Core
- Ultra-affordable price point.
- Familiar Samsung brand.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Very slow processor leads to lag and frustration.
- Inefficient chipset drains battery quickly.
- Limited future software support.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details on panel type and resolution are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in processing power to drive the display; the Helio G81 in the Play10A will handle UI animations and video playback more fluidly. The M01 Core’s older chipset may exhibit noticeable lag when scrolling or switching between apps, impacting the perceived smoothness of the display.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but the chipset difference indirectly impacts camera performance. The Helio G81 includes an ISP (Image Signal Processor) capable of faster image processing and better noise reduction compared to the MT6739. While both phones likely feature basic camera sensors, the Play10A will be able to capture and process images more quickly and with potentially better quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a more powerful ISP also allows for more advanced camera features, even if the sensor itself is similar.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Honor Play10A’s Mediatek Helio G81, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core CPU (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) offering a substantial advantage over the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a much older 28nm node. The G81’s Cortex-A75 cores provide significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and responsiveness. The 28nm process of the MT6739 results in lower efficiency, potentially leading to more heat and throttling under sustained load. This translates to a sluggish experience on the M01 Core when running multiple apps or demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both devices feature modest battery capacities (details missing, assumed to be around 4000-5000mAh). However, the Honor Play10A’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the likely slower charging capabilities of the M01 Core. The more efficient 12nm Helio G81 also contributes to better battery life, as it consumes less power during operation. While neither phone will offer all-day battery life with heavy usage, the Play10A will likely last longer on a single charge and recharge faster.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor Play10A if you need a phone capable of handling more than just calls and messaging – social media, streaming video, and even some casual gaming will be noticeably smoother. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core if your primary need is a very basic, ultra-affordable device for essential communication and you prioritize brand familiarity over performance. It's best suited for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Honor Play10A handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio G81 chipset in the Honor Play10A provides ample processing power for smooth operation of common social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. You should experience minimal lag when switching between these apps and other tasks.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M01 Core suitable for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
The Samsung Galaxy M01 Core’s MT6739 chipset is not well-suited for gaming. While you might be able to run PUBG Mobile at the lowest settings, expect significant frame rate drops and lag, making the experience unenjoyable. It's best to stick to simpler games on this device.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Honor Play10A with the 15W charger?
While a precise time is unavailable, the 15W charger should fully charge the Honor Play10A in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the likely charging time for the Galaxy M01 Core.
❓ Will the Galaxy M01 Core receive Android updates?
The Samsung Galaxy M01 Core is an entry-level device and is unlikely to receive major Android updates beyond its initial release. Software support will likely be limited to security patches for a short period.
