The mobile landscape is diverse, catering to vastly different needs. We're pitting the Nokia 105 4G, a modern feature phone prioritizing connectivity and longevity, against the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, an entry-level smartphone offering basic app functionality. This comparison isn't about raw power, but about understanding which device best serves a user's core requirements.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing reliable call functionality, exceptional battery life, and 4G connectivity without the distractions of a smartphone, the Nokia 105 4G is the clear winner. However, if basic app access and a larger display are essential, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core provides a minimal smartphone experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - KSA, EG, SSA, Rest of APAC | 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 |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, June 15 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, July 15 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 121 x 50 x 14.5 mm (4.76 x 1.97 x 0.57 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 80.2 g (2.82 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| | Flashlight | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~16.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 65K colors | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | - | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 48MB 128MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | MP3 player
Readout assist | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1020 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue |
| Models | TA-1393, TA-1385, TA-1381, TA-1378, TA-1375 | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 40 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | 1.32 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 1.32 W/kg (head) 1.78 W/kg (body) | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 105 4G
- Exceptional battery life (days/weeks)
- Reliable call quality
- Compact and durable design
- Limited functionality (no apps)
- Small, low-resolution display
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Access to Android apps (WhatsApp, YouTube)
- Larger display for content viewing
- Basic camera functionality
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Limited processing power
- Lower build quality compared to Nokia
Display Comparison
The Nokia 105 4G, typical of feature phones, likely features a small, low-resolution display focused on readability rather than immersive viewing. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core boasts a larger display, though its resolution is likely modest. The A03 Core’s larger screen is beneficial for viewing app content, but the Nokia 105 4G’s smaller screen contributes to its significantly improved battery life. Details regarding panel technology (TFT vs IPS) and brightness are unavailable for the Nokia 105 4G, but the A03 Core’s display is likely optimized for indoor use rather than direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are drastically different. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core likely includes a basic camera setup, but the focus is on functionality rather than image quality. The Nokia 105 4G may include a very low-resolution camera, primarily for basic snapshots. Given the target market, image processing on the A03 Core is likely minimal, prioritizing speed over detail. The A03 Core’s camera is a functional addition, while the Nokia 105 4G’s camera is a secondary feature.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset, a 28nm processor with an octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), provides a baseline level of performance for basic tasks. This architecture allows for multi-tasking of simple apps, but will struggle with demanding applications. The Nokia 105 4G, lacking a modern application processor, relies on its firmware for core functionality. This results in a far simpler, more efficient system, but one incapable of running Android apps. The A03 Core’s processor is geared towards handling a limited app ecosystem, while the Nokia 105 4G prioritizes call quality and standby time.
Battery Life
The Nokia 105 4G excels in battery life due to its low-power components and simple operating system. It’s reasonable to expect days, even weeks, of standby time and hours of talk time on a single charge. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, with its more power-hungry processor and larger display, will offer significantly less battery life, likely requiring daily charging with moderate use. While the A03 Core’s mAh capacity is unknown, the efficiency of the Nokia 105 4G’s design is a major advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 105 4G if you need a dependable secondary phone, a device for emergency communication, or a long-lasting phone for travel where smartphone features aren't critical. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer having access to apps like WhatsApp and YouTube, even if it means sacrificing battery life and performance. This is a choice between focused utility and limited smartphone capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core capable of running popular games?
The Unisoc SC9863A is an entry-level chipset. While it can handle very basic games, it will struggle with graphically demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. Expect low frame rates and significant lag even on minimal settings.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp on the Nokia 105 4G?
No, the Nokia 105 4G does not support Android applications like WhatsApp. It is a feature phone designed for calls and texts, with limited internet browsing capabilities.
❓ How long will the Nokia 105 4G last on a single charge with typical use?
The Nokia 105 4G can easily last for several days, even weeks, on a single charge with typical use. Its low-power components and efficient design prioritize standby time and talk time.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core support 4G VoLTE for clear call quality?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core supports 4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which provides improved call quality and faster connection times compared to older 2G/3G networks. This is a key benefit for users in areas with strong 4G coverage.
