The HTC A103 and Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) represent different eras of budget smartphone design. The A103, a more recent release, aims to provide basic functionality at an extremely low price point. The A5 (2016), while older, was a mid-range staple known for its solid build and respectable performance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value in today's market.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing battery life and a more refined experience, the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) is the better choice. Its 91-hour endurance rating and potentially faster 18W charging outweigh the A103’s newer chipset, given the A103’s limited 10W charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / UMTS / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | UMTS 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July | 2015, December. Released 2015, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 244 x 162.6 x 8.5 mm (9.61 x 6.40 x 0.33 in) | 144.8 x 71 x 7.3 mm (5.70 x 2.80 x 0.29 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 155 g (5.47 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~424 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.2 inches, 74.5 cm2 (~72.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) - China only |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761B Helio A22 (12 nm) | Exynos 7580 Octa (28 nm)Qualcomm MSM8939 Snapdragon 615 (28 nm) - China only |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T720MP2Adreno 405 - China only |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 7.0 (Nougat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.0 or eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP, (macro)
2 MP, (depth)
2 MP |
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/1.9, 24mm (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | - | ANT+
Samsung Pay |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Music play | - | Up to 75 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 16 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 2900 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Black, White, Gold, Pink |
| Models | - | SM-A5100, SM-A510F, SM-A510M, SM-A510Y, SM-A510FD, SM-A5108, SM-A510S, SM-A510K, SM-A510L, SM-A510 |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 0.47 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -93.4dB / Crosstalk -53.0dB |
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 91h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 3.789 (sunlight)3.789 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 66dB
|
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 833Basemark X: 4947 |
HTC A103
- More modern chipset architecture (12nm)
- Potentially lower price point
- May receive more frequent security updates (depending on HTC's support)
- Slower 10W charging
- Limited performance compared to the A5 (2016)
- Missing detailed display specifications
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)
- Excellent 91-hour endurance rating
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Older device, potentially limited software support
- Larger 28nm chipset process
- May show its age in demanding applications
Display Comparison
Both devices share an 'Infinite' (nominal) contrast ratio and a sunlight contrast ratio of 3.789, suggesting similar outdoor visibility. However, detailed display specs like resolution and panel type are missing for the A103. The A5 (2016) likely benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering better color accuracy and viewing angles, despite the shared contrast ratio figures. The lack of detailed A103 display information makes a definitive comparison difficult, but the A5’s brand reputation suggests a superior visual experience.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or features like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). The A5 (2016) likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more refined photos. Without detailed camera specs for the A103, it’s difficult to assess its photographic capabilities, but given its price point, it’s unlikely to compete with the A5 (2016) in image quality.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) offers a more complex CPU configuration, with options for either an Exynos 7580 octa-core or a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 (China only), both built on a 28nm process. These chips feature a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at different speeds (1.2GHz & 1.5GHz), offering potentially better multi-tasking than the HTC A103’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. While the A103’s Helio A22 is built on a more efficient 12nm process, the A5’s octa-core design and higher clock speeds likely translate to smoother performance in demanding applications. The A103’s newer architecture doesn’t necessarily guarantee a better user experience given the core count difference.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) boasts an impressive endurance rating of 91 hours, indicating excellent battery life. It also supports 18W wired charging, allowing for faster replenishment. The HTC A103, with only 10W charging, will take significantly longer to charge, even if its battery capacity were comparable (which is unknown). The A5’s faster charging and proven endurance make it the clear winner in this category, offering a more convenient and reliable power experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A103 if you need a functional, extremely affordable smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage, and are willing to accept slower performance and charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) if you prefer a more balanced experience with longer battery life, potentially faster charging, and a more established software ecosystem, even if it means using an older device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7580 in the Galaxy A5 (2016) overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 7580 isn't a high-end gaming chip, it's generally well-behaved in terms of thermal throttling. The 28nm process isn't the most efficient, but the A5 (2016) has adequate thermal design for moderate gaming. Expect some performance reduction after extended play, but it shouldn't become unusable.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) actually useful?
The 2MP macro camera on the A5 (2016) is a marketing feature more than a genuinely useful tool. Its low resolution and lack of dedicated optics result in images that are often soft and lack detail. It's best to rely on the main camera for close-up shots.
❓ Can the HTC A103 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The HTC A103’s Mediatek Helio A22 is a very entry-level chipset. While PUBG Mobile *may* run, expect very low graphics settings and potentially choppy frame rates. It’s not designed for demanding games and will likely struggle to provide a smooth gaming experience.
❓ How long will software support last for the Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016)?
The Samsung Galaxy A5 (2016) is an older device and has likely reached the end of its official software support lifecycle. While it may still function with the last available Android version, it won't receive further security updates, posing a potential security risk.
