The itel A60 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 CPU core count and architecture dictate real-world performance. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, while still entry-level, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and app loading compared to the itel A60’s quad-core setup. While both phones are limited, the A03 Core offers a more usable daily driver experience.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | 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 | 2022 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | - | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 or 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 |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 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 | microUSB, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue, Vert Menthe, Sapphire Black | 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 A60
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic tasks
- Slow performance due to quad-core processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Basic camera system
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Faster octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially improved camera quality
- Slightly higher price
- Still limited by entry-level hardware
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
Neither the itel A60 nor the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are expected to deliver a premium display experience. Both likely utilize LCD panels, and detailed specifications like brightness and color gamut are unavailable. However, the focus should be on usability, and the A03 Core’s larger screen real estate (typically around 6.6 inches vs the A60’s 6.6 inches) will be more comfortable for media consumption. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Both are likely to feature a primary camera alongside a depth sensor, and potentially a macro lens. However, the resolution and sensor size are critical. While specific details are missing, the A03 Core is likely to have a slightly better primary sensor. The 2MP macro cameras found on both are largely marketing filler and produce images of limited quality. Image processing will be minimal on both, relying heavily on software optimization, where Samsung typically has an edge.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A60’s Unisoc SC9832E features a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor with a heterogeneous configuration: four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture provides a significant advantage for multitasking and handling more demanding applications. The A03 Core’s higher clock speeds and additional cores translate to faster app launch times and smoother scrolling, even if both phones are limited by shared 28nm fabrication process. The A60 will struggle with even moderate multitasking.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, sufficient for a full day of light use. The itel A60 supports 10W wired charging. The A03 Core’s charging speed is also likely 10W. Given the limited processing power and display demands, battery life will be comparable, with both phones prioritizing longevity over fast charging. The A03 Core’s slightly more efficient processor may offer a marginal improvement in standby time.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A60 if your primary need is a very basic phone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and you are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you want a slightly more responsive experience for social media, web browsing, and occasional light gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the A03 Core is an entry-level device, its octa-core processor should handle WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps, but it should be usable for basic social media interaction. The itel A60 will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset and is not prone to significant overheating. However, extended gaming sessions or running multiple demanding apps simultaneously may cause the phone to warm up. Thermal throttling is likely to occur, reducing performance to prevent overheating.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core will provide a smoother experience due to its more powerful processor. More demanding games will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe lag.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging?
Neither the itel A60 nor the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core support fast charging. Both are limited to 10W wired charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
