The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel A95 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, particularly in their core processing power. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the itel A95 is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset provides a substantial performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding apps. While the A03 Core benefits from Samsung’s brand recognition, the A95 delivers more bang for your buck.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 17 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~265 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 106.9 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.6, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1440p@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Calx Titanium, Black, Green | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | ₹ 10,265 | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | 1.12 W/kg (head) 0.79 W/kg (body) | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
itel A95
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- More efficient 6nm process
- Faster 18W charging
- Better suited for multitasking and gaming
- Less established brand reputation
- Potential for less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially simpler software experience
- Lower power consumption at idle
- Wider availability in some regions
- Significantly slower processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Outdated 28nm process
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are not provided, but given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels. The A03 Core, typical of Samsung’s entry-level devices, may offer slightly better color calibration, but this is speculative. The real differentiator will be the responsiveness of the software, which is heavily influenced by the processor (discussed below).
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices featuring basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The A03 Core may benefit from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially offering slightly more refined images, but the A95’s more powerful processor could allow for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely inconsequential; image quality will be limited.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant difference. The itel A95’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a modern 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A, fabricated on a dated 28nm node. The Dimensity 6300’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz alongside six efficiency cores, provides a significant advantage in both single-core and multi-core performance. The A03 Core’s SC9863A, with its four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz, is geared towards basic tasks. The 6nm process of the Dimensity 6300 also translates to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. This means the A95 will maintain higher performance levels for longer periods.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, the Unisoc SC9863A’s lower power consumption could give the A03 Core a slight edge in standby time. However, the Dimensity 6300’s efficiency gains at higher workloads, combined with the A95’s 18W wired charging, provide a more balanced approach. The 18W charging on the A95 will significantly reduce charging times compared to the likely slower charging speeds of the A03 Core.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A95 if you need a smartphone capable of handling more than basic tasks, such as social media, light gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously. Its superior processor will provide a smoother, more enjoyable user experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize brand familiarity and a potentially simpler software experience, and your usage is limited to essential communication and very light app usage. The A03 Core is best suited for first-time smartphone users or those with minimal demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the A03 Core can run these apps, the Unisoc SC9863A’s limited processing power may result in noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially when multitasking or using the apps’ more demanding features. The itel A95’s Dimensity 6300 will provide a much smoother experience.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the itel A95 a significant advantage over the Galaxy A03 Core?
Yes, 18W charging is considerably faster than the likely 10W or 15W charging on the A03 Core. This translates to a much quicker top-up, reducing downtime and making the A95 more convenient for users who need to recharge frequently.
❓ Does the itel A95’s processor allow for any playable gaming?
The Dimensity 6300 is capable of handling light to moderate gaming. While it won’t run demanding titles at maximum settings, it can comfortably play popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile at lower settings with acceptable frame rates. The A03 Core would struggle with these games.
