The itel A50C and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both rely on Unisoc chipsets to deliver functionality at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in their silicon and overall design mean one offers a better experience for most users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the itel A50C emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc T603 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a more modern architecture and potentially better sustained performance than the older Unisoc SC9863A found in the Galaxy A03 Core, making it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| 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 | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 12 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 12 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 9.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.37 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192.6 g (6.81 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 540 x 1208 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~202 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 (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, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue, Sapphire Black, Misty Aqua | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | 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) |
itel A50C
- More modern Unisoc T603 chipset offers better performance.
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency.
- Likely smoother multitasking experience.
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung.
- Camera performance is likely similar to the A03 Core.
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Strong brand recognition and Samsung ecosystem.
- Potentially lower price point.
- May include a depth sensor for portrait mode effects.
- Older and less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Likely slower app loading times and multitasking.
- Higher power consumption and potential for thermal throttling.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1600, typical for this price bracket. However, specifics like peak brightness and color gamut coverage are unavailable. The A03 Core’s 28nm chipset suggests it may have less power available for driving a brighter display. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details are scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera around 8-13MP. The A03 Core may include a depth sensor, but these are often of limited practical use. Image processing will be minimal on both. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but significant noise and lack of detail in low light. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; the image signal processor (ISP) within the chipset plays a crucial role, and the T603 likely offers a more capable ISP than the SC9863A.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A50C utilizes the Unisoc T603, an octa-core processor built on a more modern process node (likely 12nm). The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core employs the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). While both are octa-core, the SC9863A’s architecture is older, splitting its cores into two clusters: 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This suggests a focus on power efficiency over raw performance. The T603’s unified octa-core configuration, combined with a potentially more efficient manufacturing process, should translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The A03 Core’s 28nm process will likely result in higher power consumption and potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor in this segment. While specific capacities are not provided, both devices will likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The A03 Core’s less efficient chipset (28nm) will likely consume more power, potentially offsetting any capacity advantage. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both, likely limited to 10W or 15W. The T603’s efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, despite potentially having a similar capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A50C if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience and potentially better app performance for the price. It's ideal for users who need a functional smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if brand recognition and access to Samsung’s ecosystem are paramount, or if you find it significantly cheaper than the itel A50C. However, be prepared for potentially slower performance and longer loading times.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Samsung A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The SC9863A is a very entry-level chipset. While it *can* run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect slower loading times, occasional lag, and potential issues with multitasking. The itel A50C’s T603 will provide a noticeably smoother experience with these apps.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core a good choice for playing mobile games?
The Galaxy A03 Core is not well-suited for gaming. The SC9863A’s GPU is very limited, and the chipset is prone to thermal throttling. Even basic games will likely run at low settings with significant frame rate drops. The itel A50C offers a marginal improvement, but neither phone is a gaming device.
❓ Does either phone support fast charging?
Neither the itel A50C nor the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are expected to support fast charging. Both will likely be limited to 10W or 15W charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
❓ Which phone is better for someone completely new to smartphones?
Both phones are simple to use, making them suitable for first-time smartphone users. However, the itel A50C’s slightly smoother performance might be less frustrating for someone unfamiliar with the inherent delays of a very low-end device. Samsung’s brand familiarity could also be a plus for some.
