In the ultra-budget smartphone segment, differentiation can be scarce. The itel Vision 3 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core present a particularly interesting case: both devices are powered by the exact same Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This comparison dives deep to uncover whether the Samsung branding and potential software optimizations justify any price premium, or if the itel Vision 3 offers a superior value proposition.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing absolute affordability, the itel Vision 3 is the better choice. Both phones deliver identical performance due to the shared Unisoc SC9863A chipset, but the itel typically comes in at a lower price point, making it the more sensible option for basic smartphone 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, 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | 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 Vision 3
- Potentially lower price point
- 18W fast charging support
- Identical performance to Samsung A03 Core
- Less brand recognition
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Stronger brand reputation
- Potential for more polished software experience
- Identical performance to itel Vision 3
- Likely higher price
- Charging speed unknown, potentially slower
Display Comparison
Both the itel Vision 3 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core lack detailed display specifications in the provided data. However, given their price point, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. Expect similar color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of higher refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO is standard for this segment. Differences, if any, will likely be in peak brightness and color calibration, which require hands-on testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without sensor size or aperture information, it's impossible to assess image quality differences. The Unisoc SC9863A's ISP capabilities are limited, so expect similar image processing characteristics – adequate in good lighting, but struggling in low-light conditions. Any marketing around 'AI' camera features should be viewed skeptically, as the chipset's processing power is constrained. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is expected.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm chipset featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A55) and four at 1.2 GHz (Cortex-A55). This means performance will be virtually identical in CPU-bound tasks like web browsing and app loading. The GPU performance will also be the same. Thermal management will likely be similar, as the 28nm process isn't known for exceptional efficiency. The real-world impact is that neither phone is suited for demanding games or heavy multitasking; they are designed for basic smartphone functionality. RAM capacity, not provided, will be a key factor in multitasking smoothness.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both devices likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price bracket. The itel Vision 3 supports 18W wired charging, while the A03 Core's charging speed is unknown. Faster charging, like the 18W on the itel, translates to quicker top-ups, reducing downtime. However, the actual charging speed will also depend on the included charger and the phone's power management implementation.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Vision 3 if you need a functional, no-frills smartphone for essential tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing, and are highly price-sensitive. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer the Samsung brand ecosystem, potentially benefit from slightly more refined software updates (though not guaranteed), and are willing to pay a small premium for the perceived brand value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will I notice a difference in gaming performance between the itel Vision 3 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core?
No, you won't. Both phones utilize the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and share the same CPU and GPU. Expect similar frame rates and graphical fidelity in games, and neither phone is well-suited for demanding titles. Lowering graphics settings will be necessary for a playable experience.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core receive more frequent software updates than the itel Vision 3?
Historically, Samsung provides more consistent software updates than itel, but this isn't guaranteed for the A03 Core, a very low-end device. While Samsung may offer security patches for a longer period, major Android version updates are unlikely for either phone. Don't purchase either device expecting long-term software support.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating?
The Unisoc SC9863A, being a 28nm chip, isn't particularly power-efficient. While it's unlikely to overheat dramatically during normal use, prolonged gaming or heavy multitasking could lead to noticeable throttling to manage temperatures. Neither phone has advanced cooling solutions.
