The Nokia C2 2nd Edition and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices run Android Go Edition, a streamlined version of Android designed for low-RAM devices. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core emerges as the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core processor, making everyday tasks smoother. While neither phone excels, the A03 Core offers a tangible performance advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 19 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 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 | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% 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 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Black, Blue |
| Models | TA-1468, TA-1454 | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 240 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Potentially lower price point
- Familiar Nokia brand
- Android Go Edition for optimized performance
- Significantly weaker processor
- Likely lower-resolution display
- Limited camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Potentially better multitasking
- Dual-camera setup (though limited)
- 28nm chipset is less power efficient
- Display quality is likely basic
- Still limited by overall system resources
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s panel, but given its price point, it’s likely a low-resolution LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core also features an LCD, but its resolution is likely 720x1600. The A03 Core’s 28nm Unisoc chipset will likely draw more power to drive the display, potentially impacting battery life. Both displays will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness, making outdoor visibility challenging.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s camera are scarce, but it’s likely a single, low-resolution sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core typically features a dual-camera setup, but the primary sensor is likely a modest 8MP unit. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing filler and offer minimal practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable only in ideal lighting conditions, and low-light performance will be poor on both.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core 1.5 GHz processor is a basic configuration, suitable only for the most rudimentary tasks. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip featuring a cluster of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture allows for better handling of multitasking and more demanding applications, even if they are still limited by the overall system resources. The 28nm fabrication process of the Unisoc chip, while older, is a necessity to keep costs down.
Battery Life
Battery life is a critical consideration in this segment. While specific battery capacities are not provided, both phones likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s more power-efficient chipset *could* offset the higher power draw of its octa-core processor, but the 28nm process will still be a drain. Charging speeds are likely slow on both devices, with neither supporting fast charging technologies. Expect several hours to fully charge from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 2nd Edition if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and prioritize a familiar Nokia brand experience. It's suitable for very basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a more fluid user experience, even for simple tasks, and value the benefits of an octa-core processor for slightly improved multitasking and app loading times.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the A03 Core won't deliver a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, but it's significantly better equipped than the Nokia C2 2nd Edition for these common tasks. Android Go Edition also helps by optimizing these apps for lower-end hardware.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core worth using?
Realistically, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones typically produce blurry and low-detail images. The image quality is often inferior to simply digitally zooming in with the main camera. It's primarily a marketing feature and shouldn't be a deciding factor in your purchase.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle very basic 2D games, but don't expect to play demanding titles like PUBG or Call of Duty. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition will struggle even with simpler games. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core might be able to run some less intensive 3D games at low settings, but frame rates will likely be inconsistent.
