The Lava Play Ultra and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent opposite ends of the budget smartphone spectrum. The A03 Core aims for ultimate affordability, while the Lava Play Ultra attempts to deliver significantly more performance for a modest price increase. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Lava Play Ultra is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A. While the A03 Core is cheaper, the Play Ultra’s capabilities justify the price difference for all but the most basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 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 | 2025, August 21 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 25 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.4 x 7.8 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
5 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 83 min | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Slate, Arctic Frost | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | ₹ 12,999 | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Lava Play Ultra
- Significantly faster processor and GPU
- More efficient 4nm chipset for better battery life
- Faster 33W charging
- Likely better camera image processing
- Higher price point
- Potentially larger physical size
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Lower price
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Lightweight and compact design (likely)
- Acceptable for basic tasks
- Slow processor and limited performance
- Inefficient 28nm chipset
- Slow charging speeds (likely)
- Poor gaming performance
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the A03 Core’s positioning, it likely features a basic LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate. The Lava Play Ultra, aiming for a higher tier, may include a higher resolution display and potentially a smoother refresh rate. The difference in display quality will likely be noticeable in color accuracy and viewing angles, favoring the Lava Play Ultra. Bezels are also likely to be thinner on the Lava Play Ultra, contributing to a more modern aesthetic.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. However, the Unisoc SC9863A typically pairs with basic camera sensors. The Lava Play Ultra, with its more powerful chipset, likely supports more advanced image processing algorithms and potentially a higher-resolution main sensor. While both phones likely include multiple rear cameras, the A03 Core’s secondary sensors (often 2MP macro/depth) offer limited practical value. The Lava Play Ultra’s image processing capabilities will likely result in better dynamic range and low-light performance.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Lava Play Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300, built on a 4nm process, is a significant upgrade over the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 7300’s octa-core configuration (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly faster processing speeds and improved multi-tasking capabilities compared to the A03 Core’s (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). The 4nm fabrication process also translates to better thermal efficiency, meaning the Lava Play Ultra will likely experience less throttling during sustained workloads. This benefits gamers and users who frequently use resource-intensive applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Lava Play Ultra’s 33W wired charging (100% in 83 minutes) is a significant advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Galaxy A03 Core. While a larger battery capacity on the A03 Core could offset the slower charging, the Dimensity 7300’s superior power efficiency means the Lava Play Ultra will likely deliver comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a smaller battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Play Ultra if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and benefit from 5G connectivity. It’s ideal for users who want a device that won’t feel outdated quickly. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone owners or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Play Ultra be able to run demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Mediatek Dimensity 7300 is capable of running these games, but you’ll likely need to adjust graphics settings to medium or low for a smooth experience. The A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A will struggle significantly with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core a good option for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp and makes occasional calls?
Yes, the Galaxy A03 Core is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like WhatsApp, calls, and texting. Its limited processing power won’t be a hindrance for these everyday activities. However, it’s not a good choice if you anticipate needing more from your smartphone.
❓ Does the Lava Play Ultra support 5G connectivity, and will I see a noticeable speed improvement over 4G?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 supports 5G connectivity. If you have 5G coverage in your area, you’ll experience significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G, resulting in quicker loading times for websites, apps, and streaming content.
