The Lava Z3 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible cost, but they take drastically different approaches under the hood. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and longevity.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a responsive experience, the Lava Z3 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s older, 28nm Unisoc SC9863A, despite the clock speed differences. While both phones are entry-level, the Z3 offers a more future-proof platform.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 26 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.48 x 2.98 x 0.35 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 | - | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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 | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Cyan | Black, Blue |
| Models | LZG403 25 | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 90 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Lava Z3
- More powerful and efficient Mediatek Helio G35 chipset
- Likely better multitasking and app responsiveness
- Potentially better gaming performance
- Camera specs are unknown, potentially lower resolution than A03 Core
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Lower price point (typically)
- Samsung brand recognition and support
- Potentially slightly better camera resolution (5MP main sensor)
- Less powerful and efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Struggles with multitasking and demanding apps
- Shorter battery life due to inefficient chipset
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs TFT) and resolution are not provided, but both will likely target a basic 720p resolution. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power needed to drive the display, where the Z3’s chipset has an advantage. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget nature. Color accuracy will be basic on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both will rely on low-resolution primary sensors. The A03 Core is known to have a 5MP main camera, while the Z3's camera specs are not available. Image processing will be minimal on both, and low-light performance will be poor. Any additional cameras (likely 2MP macro/depth sensors) on either device are unlikely to provide significant value. The Z3’s more capable chipset *could* translate to slightly faster image processing, but the sensor itself will be the limiting factor.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Lava Z3’s Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) utilizes a more modern architecture – Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3GHz and 1.8GHz – compared to the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio G35 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the SC9863A, resulting in better thermal management and potentially sustained performance. While the A03 Core has eight cores, the older architecture and larger process node mean it will likely struggle with multitasking and demanding apps. The Z3’s GPU will also offer a better gaming experience, even if limited to low settings.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range. The Unisoc SC9863A’s less efficient 28nm process will likely result in shorter battery life on the A03 Core, despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both will likely support slow charging speeds. The Z3’s more efficient chipset will allow it to extract more usage from a given battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Z3 if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks with reasonable speed, and potentially some light gaming. Its more modern chipset offers better responsiveness for social media, browsing, and app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if your primary concern is absolute minimal cost and you only need a phone for basic calling, texting, and extremely light app usage. The A03 Core prioritizes affordability above all else, sacrificing performance in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Z3 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Lava Z3’s Mediatek Helio G35 chipset is sufficient to run most popular social media apps without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for browsing feeds and posting updates.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset, but its 28nm process is less efficient than modern alternatives. While it’s unlikely to overheat dramatically, it may experience thermal throttling during extended periods of demanding tasks, leading to reduced performance. The Lava Z3’s 12nm chipset is less prone to this issue.
❓ Can I expect to play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
Playing PUBG Mobile on either phone will require significant compromises. Both chipsets are entry-level and will struggle with the game’s demanding graphics. The Lava Z3 will offer a slightly better experience, but you’ll likely need to play at the lowest settings and accept low frame rates. The A03 Core will likely be unplayable at acceptable settings.
