Nokia Asha 501 vs Asha 503: A Detailed Comparison

The Nokia Asha series offered affordable smartphones for emerging markets. The Asha 501 and 503 were popular choices, but which one reigns supreme? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide which phone is right for you.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia Asha 501 boasts a significantly better contrast ratio, especially in sunlight. However, the Asha 503 offers a slightly more modern design and potentially better software experience. For pure display quality, the 501 wins, but the 503 provides a more rounded package.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia Asha 501	Nokia Asha 503

Network
2G bands	GSM 900 / 1800 - RM-899850 / 1900 - RM-900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	-	HSDPA 900 / 2100
EDGE	Up to 236.8 kbps	-
GPRS	Up to 85.6 kbps	-
Speed	-	HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps
Technology	GSM	GSM / HSPA
	GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - RM-902	-

Launch
Announced	2013, May. Released 2013, June	2013, October. Released 2013, November
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	99.2 x 58 x 12.1 mm (3.91 x 2.28 x 0.48 in)	102.6 x 60.6 x 12.7 mm (4.04 x 2.39 x 0.5 in)
SIM	Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)	Micro-SIM
Weight	98.2 g (3.46 oz)	110.2 g (3.88 oz)

Display
Protection	-	Corning Gorilla Glass
Resolution	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~133 ppi density)	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~133 ppi density)
Size	3.0 inches, 27.9 cm2 (~48.4% screen-to-body ratio)	3.0 inches, 27.9 cm2 (~44.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 256K colors	TFT, 256K colors

Platform
OS	Nokia Asha software platform 1.0, upgradable to 1.4	Nokia Asha software platform 1.2

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included
Internal	128MB 64MB RAM	-

Main Camera
Features	-	LED flash
Single	3.15 MP	5 MP
Video	320p@15fps	480p@19fps

Selfie camera
	No	No

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	3.0, EDR	3.0, A2DP
NFC	No	No
Positioning	No	No
Radio	FM radio	Stereo FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity	Accelerometer, proximity
	SNS apps MP4/H.263 player MP3/WAV/AAC player Photo editor Organizer Voice memo Predictive text input	SNS apps MP4/H.263 player MP3/AAC player Photo editor Organizer Voice memo Predictive text input

Battery
Music play	Up to 56 h	Up to 34 h
Stand-by	Up to 624 h	Up to 840 h (2G) / Up to 840 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 17 h	Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4U)	Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4U)

Misc
Colors	Bright Red, Bright Green, Cyan, Yellow, White and Black	Yellow, black, green, red, blue, white
Price	About 80 EUR	About 90 EUR
SAR	1.41 W/kg (head)	-
SAR EU	0.96 W/kg (head)	1.43 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -80.4dB / Crosstalk -82.3dB	Noise -88.3dB / Crosstalk -82.1dB
Camera	Photo	Photo
Display	Contrast ratio: 1004:1 (nominal) / 2.672:1 (sunlight)	Contrast ratio: 635:1 (nominal), 1.281 (sunlight)
Loudspeaker	Voice 73dB / Noise 68dB / Ring 78dB	Voice 75dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 75dB

Nokia Asha 501

Superior sunlight display contrast
Excellent battery life
Simple and streamlined software

Basic camera quality
Limited app support
Older design

Nokia Asha 503

Slightly more modern design
Potentially improved software features
Decent battery life

Lower sunlight display contrast
Basic camera quality
Limited app support

Display Comparison

The Asha 501's standout feature is its impressive contrast ratio of 1004:1 in nominal conditions and a remarkable 2.672:1 in sunlight. This translates to vibrant colors and excellent readability even under bright conditions. The Asha 503, while still decent, has a contrast ratio of 635:1 (nominal) and 1.281 (sunlight), making it less impressive outdoors. Both phones feature a 2.4-inch QVGA display.

Camera Comparison

Both phones feature a basic VGA camera for photo capture. Image quality is limited, and these cameras are primarily for basic snapshots. Don't expect high-resolution or detailed images from either device. The Asha 503 might have slightly improved image processing due to its newer hardware.

Performance

Both devices run on Nokia's Series 40 operating system. While specific processor details are scarce, the Asha 503 generally offered slightly improved performance due to minor hardware upgrades. Expect basic functionality and responsiveness for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. Don't expect demanding app performance.

Battery Life

The Asha 501 typically offered a longer battery life, often lasting for several days on a single charge with moderate usage. The Asha 503, while still offering good battery life, might consume slightly more power due to its more modern components. Both phones feature a 1200mAh battery.

Buying Guide

The Nokia Asha 501 is ideal for users prioritizing excellent outdoor visibility and a simple, streamlined experience. The Asha 503 is better suited for those wanting a slightly more modern look, potentially improved software features, and a more versatile experience.