The Nokia 230 (2024) represents a resurgence of the classic feature phone, while the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is a stripped-down Android smartphone. This comparison isn't about raw power; it's about understanding which device best serves the needs of users prioritizing affordability, simplicity, and essential functionality. We'll dissect the core differences in chipset architecture and real-world usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a reliable, long-lasting device primarily for calls and texts, the Nokia 230 (2024) is the clear winner. Its focus on core functionality and potentially superior battery life (given the simpler OS) outweighs the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core's smartphone capabilities, which are hampered by a less efficient chipset.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, April 11 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, April 26 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Aluminum back cover | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 124.6 x 53.4 x 10.9 mm (4.91 x 2.10 x 0.43 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 | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~36.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc 6531F | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | - | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16MB 8MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | No | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 70 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 230 (2024)
- Exceptional battery life
- Durable and reliable
- Simple and easy to use
- Limited functionality
- Basic camera
- No smartphone features
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Smartphone features (Android OS)
- Larger display
- Access to apps
- Poor performance
- Limited battery life
- Slow charging
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Nokia 230 (2024) likely features a basic LCD panel, typical of feature phones, prioritizing visibility over color accuracy. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core also utilizes an LCD, but its larger size (6.6 inches) and resolution (720 x 1600) offer a slightly more immersive, though still basic, viewing experience. Neither manufacturer specifies peak brightness or color gamut coverage, suggesting both displays are geared towards functional use rather than media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is not a strength for either device. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core features a single 8MP rear camera, adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting. The Nokia 230 (2024) likely includes a VGA or 2MP camera, suitable only for the most basic image capture. Image processing will be minimal on both, and low-light performance will be poor. Focusing on camera quality with either device is unrealistic; they are designed for communication, not photography.
Performance
The performance disparity is significant. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) is an octa-core processor, featuring a cluster of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture allows for some degree of multitasking, but the 28nm process node is relatively inefficient. Conversely, the Nokia 230 (2024) utilizes the Unisoc 6531F, a far simpler chipset designed for basic phone functions. While lacking the multi-core capabilities of the SC9863A, the 6531F’s lower power draw translates to potentially longer battery life. The A03 Core will handle basic Android tasks, but expect lag with multiple apps or demanding websites. The Nokia 230 will excel at calls and texts, with minimal performance concerns.
Battery Life
Battery life is where the Nokia 230 (2024) has a distinct advantage. While the A03 Core has a 5000mAh battery, the power-hungry Unisoc SC9863A and Android OS will drain it relatively quickly. The Nokia 230 (2024), with its simpler chipset and feature phone OS, will likely offer days, if not weeks, of standby time and significantly longer talk time. The A03 Core’s charging wattage is unspecified, suggesting a slow charging experience. The Nokia 230’s charging speed is also likely slow, but the smaller battery capacity means reaching a full charge will take less time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 230 (2024) if you need a durable, exceptionally long-lasting phone for basic communication, and value simplicity above all else. It's ideal for those seeking a secondary device or a phone for emergency use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you absolutely require smartphone features like WhatsApp, basic web browsing, and access to Android apps, understanding that performance will be limited and battery life will be a compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with WhatsApp or Facebook?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A processor is relatively weak, and running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook on the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core will likely result in noticeable lag and slow loading times, especially with multiple chats or media content. It's functional, but not a smooth experience.
❓ How long can I expect the Nokia 230 (2024) to hold a charge on a single charge with typical use?
With typical use (primarily calls and texts), the Nokia 230 (2024) can realistically hold a charge for several days, potentially even a week or more. The efficient Unisoc 6531F chipset and feature phone OS minimize power consumption, making it ideal for users who don't want to worry about daily charging.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core suitable for playing mobile games?
No, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is not suitable for playing most modern mobile games. The Unisoc SC9863A processor lacks the graphical power to run demanding games smoothly, and you'll likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag. Simple, older games might be playable at low settings.
