The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the Honor X5 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Honor X5 takes a slight edge due to its more powerful chipset and generally better performance. While both are budget options, the X5 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks. The A03 Core's strength lies in the Samsung brand and potentially slightly better software support, but performance is a noticeable step down.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 | 2023, January 24 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 14 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio G25 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunrise Orange, Ocean Blue, Midnight Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | VNA-LX2, VNA-LX3 | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Honor X5
- More powerful chipset
- Larger display
- Generally smoother performance
- Slightly better gaming experience
- Potentially less refined software
- Camera quality is basic
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Trusted Samsung brand
- Potentially better software support
- Reliable basic smartphone
- Weaker chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
The Honor X5 boasts a larger 6.5-inch display compared to the A03 Core's 6.5-inch display. Both likely feature HD+ resolution, but the Honor X5 may offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. Expect similar brightness levels on both.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature basic camera setups, likely with a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be a challenge on both devices. The Samsung might have slightly better image processing due to Samsung's software optimization, but the difference won't be dramatic.
Performance
Here's where the Honor X5 pulls ahead. The Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, while still entry-level, is generally more powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A found in the A03 Core. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the Honor X5. Gaming performance will also be noticeably better on the X5.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world performance, and Samsung's software might offer slightly better power management.
Buying Guide
The Honor X5 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a slightly larger display for media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is a good choice for those heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem and seeking a reliable, basic smartphone with a trusted brand name, even if it means sacrificing some speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Honor X5 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core likely has better software support and longer update cycles due to Samsung's established track record.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Honor X5 nor the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
