Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Motorola Moto E20 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are two contenders vying for the budget crown. But which one truly delivers the best experience for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Motorola Moto E20 edges out the Galaxy A03 Core thanks to its superior chipset and slightly better performance. While both are budget options, the E20 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more future-proof design. However, Samsung's brand recognition and software support are factors to consider.
| 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 | LTE | 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 | 2021, September 15 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 04 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.5 x 8.5 mm (6.49 x 2.97 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 | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.0% 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 (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 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| 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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Gray | Black, Blue |
| Models | XT2155, XT2155-1, XT2155-3, XT2155-6 | 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) |
Motorola Moto E20
- More powerful chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Triple camera setup with macro lens
- Clean Android experience
- Slow 10W charging
- Plastic build quality
- Limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially longer software support (though limited)
- Decent battery life
- Affordable price
- Weaker chipset
- Lower performance
- Dual camera setup
- Slower app loading times
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. However, the Moto E20 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly more advanced panel. Expect similar brightness levels and viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Moto E20 typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth) while the A03 Core has a dual camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions for both, but don't expect flagship-level results. The E20's additional macro lens offers slightly more versatility. Low-light performance will be subpar on both.
Performance
This is where the Moto E20 shines. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is significantly more powerful than the Galaxy A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the E20. The A03 Core will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are similar at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect around 15-20 hours of typical usage on either device.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto E20 is ideal for users prioritizing performance and a slightly more modern chipset within a tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is a good choice for those heavily invested in the Samsung ecosystem or who value brand recognition and potentially longer software support, even with slightly lower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Motorola Moto E20's more powerful chipset provides noticeably better gaming performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ How long will Samsung provide software updates for the Galaxy A03 Core?
Samsung typically provides limited software updates for its entry-level devices. Expect at least one major Android update and a few security patches, but don't expect long-term support.
