The Infinix Smart 9 HD and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which phone offers the better experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and overall performance, the Infinix Smart 9 HD emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio chipset, with its higher clock speeds, provides a noticeable advantage over the Unisoc SC9863A in the Galaxy A03 Core, making everyday tasks smoother and more enjoyable.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 38, 41, 40, 66 | 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 | 2024, November | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, December | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.7 x 77.1 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.04 x 0.33 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 8x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), XOS 14 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Metallic Black, Neo Titanium, Mint Green, Coral Gold | Black, Blue |
| Models | X6532C | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | - | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Smart 9 HD
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Reverse wired charging for emergency power
- Potentially better value for money
- Slower 10W charging
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Strong brand reputation and support
- Potentially more optimized software experience
- Likely good battery life
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited performance for multitasking
- 2MP macro camera is largely ineffective
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided. The focus here is on usability, and the lack of detailed display specs suggests both prioritize cost savings over visual fidelity. Expect adequate, but not impressive, viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – basic. Both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement. However, given the price point, expect limited detail and dynamic range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A03 Core is largely a marketing gimmick; its usefulness is minimal. The Helio's image signal processor (ISP) may offer slightly better processing capabilities, but the overall image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 9 HD’s Mediatek Helio, with its octa-core CPU clocked at 2.2 GHz, significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A. The Unisoc chip features a split core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), indicating a focus on power efficiency over sustained performance. The Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio, while older architecture, benefit from the higher clock speed, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking. This translates to a more fluid user experience on the Infinix, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, common for budget devices. The Infinix Smart 9 HD’s 10W charging is slow, but the inclusion of reverse wired charging is a unique feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices. The Galaxy A03 Core’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely similar. Battery life will be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use on both devices. The efficiency of the Unisoc chip *could* translate to slightly longer standby times, but the difference will be marginal.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 9 HD if you need a phone that feels reasonably responsive for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. Its faster processor will handle multiple apps with less lag. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially more streamlined software experience, accepting a trade-off in raw processing power. It's a safer bet for those completely new to smartphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the A03 Core can run these apps, the Unisoc SC9863A's lower processing power means you may experience noticeable lag when switching between apps or loading media. The Infinix Smart 9 HD's Helio chipset will handle these tasks more smoothly.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Infinix Smart 9 HD painfully slow?
Yes, 10W charging is slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take several hours. However, the inclusion of reverse wired charging offers a unique benefit, allowing you to top up other devices in an emergency.
❓ Does either phone support widevine L1 for HD streaming on Netflix or Prime Video?
It's highly unlikely that either phone supports Widevine L1 certification given their price point. Expect streaming services to be limited to standard definition (SD) quality.
❓ Which phone is better for playing casual games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Infinix Smart 9 HD will provide a more consistent gaming experience due to its faster processor. While neither phone is suitable for demanding games, the Helio chipset will handle casual titles with less stuttering.
