The Lava Bold N1 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Lava Bold N1 Pro emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the A03 Core’s older 28nm SC9863A, making everyday tasks smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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 | 2025, June 04 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, June 04 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.8 x 77.2 x 8.4 mm (6.53 x 3.04 x 0.33 in) | 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF | 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, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titanium Gold, Stealth Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | ₹ 6,799 | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Lava Bold N1 Pro
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Software updates may be less frequent
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially cleaner software experience (region dependent)
- Wider availability in some markets
- Less powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Less efficient 28nm fabrication process
- Slower performance in demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, details regarding resolution and brightness are missing. The A03 Core’s reliance on a less efficient chipset suggests it may struggle to maintain peak brightness for extended periods. The absence of information on PWM dimming rates makes it difficult to assess potential eye strain for sensitive users.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and underwhelming, on both devices. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The A03 Core often includes a 2MP macro camera, a feature that provides minimal practical benefit due to its low resolution. Image processing will likely be basic on both, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance photos. The Lava Bold N1 Pro’s slightly more powerful chipset *could* allow for marginally faster image processing times.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Bold N1 Pro’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) features a more sophisticated CPU configuration – 2x Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with 4x Cortex-A55 cores and 4x slower Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to significantly better multi-core performance for the Lava device. The 12nm fabrication process of the T606 also implies improved power efficiency and potentially less thermal throttling under sustained load. The A03 Core’s older 28nm process is inherently less efficient, impacting both performance and battery life.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s less efficient chipset will likely result in shorter battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Lava Bold N1 Pro. Both devices are limited to 10W charging, meaning slow charging speeds – expect several hours to reach a full charge from empty. The Lava’s more efficient processor may offset a potentially smaller battery, offering comparable real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Bold N1 Pro if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding tasks like light multitasking or occasional gaming, and appreciate a more modern chipset architecture. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize brand recognition, a potentially cleaner software experience (depending on region), and are primarily focused on extremely basic smartphone functions like calls, texts, and WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Galaxy A03 Core struggle with multiple apps open simultaneously?
Yes, the SC9863A’s older architecture and slower CPU cores will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdown when running multiple apps concurrently. It’s best suited for running one app at a time.
❓ Is the 10W charging on either phone sufficient for daily use?
10W charging is quite slow by modern standards. Expect to spend several hours fully charging either device. It’s best to charge overnight or during periods of inactivity.
❓ Does the Lava Bold N1 Pro support VoLTE and VoWiFi for improved call quality?
This depends on the carrier and region. Lava typically supports these features in regions where they are widely deployed, but it's crucial to verify compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core may run a slightly cleaner version of Android, potentially with fewer pre-installed apps, depending on the region. The Lava Bold N1 Pro’s software experience is less predictable and may include more bloatware.
