The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the itel Color Pro and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent two distinct approaches. The itel prioritizes processing power with a modern Mediatek Dimensity chipset, while the Samsung opts for a more conservative Unisoc solution. This comparison dissects the trade-offs between performance, efficiency, and overall user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the itel Color Pro is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6080 chipset delivers substantially better performance than the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A. However, the A03 Core may offer slightly better battery life due to its less power-hungry processor.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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 | 2024, July 17 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 8.4 mm thickness | 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 |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 6080 (6 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13, itel OS 13 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | River Blue, Lavender Fantasy | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
itel Color Pro
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- More efficient 6nm chipset potentially reducing throttling
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Likely better image processing due to the Dimensity 6080 ISP
- Potentially shorter battery life compared to the A03 Core
- May be slightly more expensive than the A03 Core
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Potentially longer battery life due to the efficient Unisoc chipset
- Likely lower price point
- Samsung brand recognition
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Significantly slower processor leading to lag and stutter
- Less efficient 28nm chipset
- Limited gaming capabilities
- Potentially slower charging speeds
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels. The A03 Core, typical of Samsung’s entry-level devices, likely has a 6.6-inch display, while the itel Color Pro’s size is unknown. The key difference will be in color accuracy and brightness, where Samsung typically holds an advantage, but without specific data, it’s difficult to quantify. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, analysis is limited. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The A03 Core often includes a 2MP macro camera, which is generally of limited utility. The itel Color Pro’s camera performance will likely benefit from the Dimensity 6080’s improved image signal processor (ISP), enabling faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. However, sensor size and lens aperture are crucial factors not provided, making a definitive judgment impossible.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The itel Color Pro’s Mediatek Dimensity 6080, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 6080’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz, provides a noticeable boost in CPU performance for demanding tasks. The A03 Core’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz and another four at 1.2GHz are geared towards efficiency, not speed. This translates to smoother app launches, faster web browsing, and a more responsive overall experience on the itel. The 6nm process also implies better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads.
Battery Life
The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process inherently consumes more power than the Dimensity 6080’s 6nm process. While the itel Color Pro features 18W wired charging, the A03 Core’s charging speed is unknown but likely similar or slower. The A03 Core may achieve longer screen-on time due to its less powerful processor, but the itel’s faster charging could offset this difference for many users. The actual battery capacity of both devices is unknown, but the efficiency of the chipset will be a major determining factor in real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Color Pro if you need a smartphone capable of handling multitasking, streaming, and light gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who value a smooth user experience and aren’t afraid to charge their phone more frequently. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize absolute battery longevity and primarily use your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing. It’s a good choice for users on a very tight budget who don’t demand high performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel Color Pro be able to run popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Mediatek Dimensity 6080 is capable of running PUBG Mobile, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. Expect some frame drops during intense action sequences. The A03 Core would struggle significantly with PUBG Mobile, likely offering an unplayable experience.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A, due to its 28nm process, can generate more heat than modern chipsets. While it's unlikely to cause critical overheating, prolonged use of demanding apps may result in noticeable throttling and reduced performance. The itel Color Pro's Dimensity 6080, with its 6nm process, is better equipped to handle heat.
❓ How much RAM does each phone have, and will that impact multitasking?
The RAM capacity of both devices is not specified. However, the itel Color Pro's more powerful processor will manage RAM more efficiently, allowing for smoother multitasking even with a similar RAM configuration to the A03 Core. The A03 Core may struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Does the itel Color Pro support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The itel Color Pro supports 18W wired charging. While not exceptionally fast, it's significantly quicker than the likely charging speed of the A03 Core. A full charge from 0-100% is estimated to take around 2-3 hours, depending on usage during charging.
