The Nokia 3 V and Samsung Galaxy A03s represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to processing power and display quality. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03s emerges as the slightly better choice. Its octa-core Helio P35 processor provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia 3 V’s quad-core Snapdragon 429, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. While both offer similar battery endurance, the A03s’ faster 15W charging is a welcome addition.
| 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, 4, 5, 8, 13 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 20. Released 2019, August 23 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 161.2 x 76.2 x 9.1 mm (6.35 x 3.00 x 0.36 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 | 188.6 g (6.67 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 504 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, Android One | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | 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 140 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) |
Nokia 3 V
- Clean Android experience
- Potential for longer software support (Nokia's reputation)
- Lower price point (potentially)
- Slower processor (Snapdragon 429)
- Slower charging (10W)
- Likely lower display brightness
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Faster processor (Helio P35)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Samsung's image processing
- Potentially more bloatware
- Software update support may be shorter
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia 3 V and Samsung Galaxy A03s feature displays with a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar image quality in terms of blacks and whites. However, the Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, significantly brighter than what we’d expect from the Nokia 3 V based on its market positioning. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors under direct sunlight. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A03s’ superior brightness gives it a clear advantage for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications in the provided data. Given their price points, we can assume both rely on basic camera sensors. The A03s likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering more vibrant and detailed photos. However, without sensor size or aperture information, a definitive comparison is impossible. It’s safe to assume neither phone will excel in low-light photography, and the ubiquitous 2MP macro lenses found on phones in this segment are largely marketing gimmicks.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A03s utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, an octa-core processor with a combination of Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the Nokia 3 V’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 429, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz, also using Cortex-A53 cores. The A03s’ eight cores provide a substantial advantage in multi-threaded tasks, resulting in smoother app switching and faster loading times. While both are entry-level chips, the Helio P35 offers a more fluid user experience. The Snapdragon 429 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Nokia 3 V and Samsung Galaxy A03s achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Galaxy A03s supports 15W wired charging, while the Nokia 3 V is limited to 10W. This means the A03s can replenish its battery significantly faster, reducing downtime. While both will likely last a full day on a single charge for moderate users, the A03s’ faster charging is a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 3 V if you prioritize a clean Android experience and a brand known for software support, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you need a phone that can handle multitasking and light gaming more effectively, and if faster charging is a priority. The A03s is better suited for users who frequently use social media or stream videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Galaxy A03s get noticeably hot during extended use, like gaming?
The Helio P35 is a relatively efficient chip, and while it will generate heat during prolonged gaming sessions, it's unlikely to experience severe overheating. The phone's plastic construction will help dissipate heat, but performance may throttle slightly after extended periods of intense use. The Snapdragon 429 in the Nokia 3 V will likely throttle sooner due to its lower processing capabilities.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using for close-up shots?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones produce images with limited detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect soft, noisy images that are unlikely to be impressive. The main camera on either phone will likely produce better results even when zoomed in.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A03s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
The Galaxy A03s can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll need to lower the graphics settings to achieve a playable frame rate. Expect to play at low or medium settings with a balanced frame rate. The Nokia 3 V will struggle to provide a smooth experience even at the lowest settings.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more frequent Android security updates?
Nokia has built a reputation for providing timely Android updates, even on its budget devices. While Samsung has improved its update cadence, the Galaxy A03s may receive updates less frequently than the Nokia 3 V. However, this is not a guarantee, and update schedules can vary.
