Looking for a reliable budget phone that won't break the bank? The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) and the Samsung Galaxy A03s are both contenders, offering impressive features at affordable prices. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G Power (2021) edges out the Galaxy A03s thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better performance. While the A03s boasts a fantastic endurance rating, the Moto G Power's Snapdragon 662 provides a smoother overall experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, January 08 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 14 | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 75.9 x 9.5 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 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 |
| Weight | 206.5 g (7.30 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| 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 (~83.8% 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 (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.7, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Flash Gray, Polar Silver | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | About 60 EUR | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 122h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | 1718:1 contrast ratio, 488 nits max brightness (measured) |
| Loudspeaker | - | -27.4 LUFS (Good) |
| Performance | - | AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Motorola Moto G Power (2021)
- Better Performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Versatile Camera System
- Larger Battery Capacity
- Generally Smoother User Experience
- Display brightness may be lower
- Charging speed is slow (15W)
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Exceptional Battery Life (122h endurance)
- Vibrant Display (488 nits)
- Affordable Price
- Weaker Processor (Helio P35)
- Less Consistent Camera Performance
- Slower Performance for Demanding Tasks
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays with a high contrast ratio (1718:1). The Galaxy A03s has a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, which is slightly brighter than what's typically expected from the Moto G Power (2021). However, the Moto G Power often has a slightly more color-accurate display. Resolution is likely similar, around 720p HD+.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is a mixed bag. The Moto G Power (2021) typically has a more versatile camera system with multiple lenses, often including a macro lens. The Galaxy A03s's camera is decent for its price range, but image quality may not be as consistent in various lighting conditions. Both phones record video at 1080p.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, which generally outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A03s's MediaTek Helio P35. The Snapdragon 662 offers better CPU and GPU performance, resulting in smoother app loading and a more responsive user experience. The A03s is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A03s shines in this category. It boasts an exceptional endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating incredible battery life. The Moto G Power (2021) also has a large battery, but its performance and display usage will impact its longevity, likely falling short of the A03s's endurance.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is ideal for users prioritizing battery life and a bit more processing power for light gaming or multitasking. The Samsung Galaxy A03s is a great choice for those who value exceptional battery endurance and a vibrant display, primarily for media consumption and basic usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 662 chipset.
❓ How long will the Samsung Galaxy A03s's battery last?
The Galaxy A03s is known for its exceptional battery life, potentially lasting for several days with moderate usage.
❓ Does the Moto G Power (2021) have expandable storage?
Yes, the Moto G Power (2021) typically includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage.
❓ What is the resolution of the displays on these phones?
Both phones typically feature a 720p HD+ resolution display.
