The Realme Narzo 10A and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price, but they take drastically different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance versus absolute affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a responsive experience beyond basic tasks, the Realme Narzo 10A is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset provides a significant performance uplift over the A01 Core’s MT6739, making it better suited for multitasking and light gaming. However, the A01 Core remains a viable option for those with extremely limited budgets and minimal smartphone demands.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/75 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, May 11. Released 2020, May 22 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75 x 9 mm (6.47 x 2.95 x 0.35 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769V/CB Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, Realme UI | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Triple | 12 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.8", 1.25µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR, panorama | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | So Blue, So White | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | RMX2020 | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Realme Narzo 10A
- Significantly faster processor (Helio G70)
- More efficient 12nm manufacturing process
- Reverse wired charging capability
- Better suited for gaming and multitasking
- Likely slightly higher price point
- May not have a significantly better camera
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Compact and lightweight design
- Acceptable for basic communication tasks
- Slow and outdated processor (MT6739)
- Poor performance for multitasking and gaming
- Less efficient 28nm manufacturing process
- Limited features and functionality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are not provided, the focus here is on the underlying processing power needed to drive a smooth visual experience. The Narzo 10A’s Helio G70 is better equipped to handle more demanding display tasks, potentially offering smoother scrolling and faster app loading times. The A01 Core’s MT6739, being a quad-core processor built on a 28nm process, will likely struggle with even moderate graphical loads.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the focus on budget components. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups. The Narzo 10A’s more powerful processor *could* enable slightly faster image processing, but the overall image quality will be heavily dependent on the sensor and lens quality, which are unknown. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is unlikely to significantly impact the user experience.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme Narzo 10A’s Mediatek Helio G70, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55), offers a substantial advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739 (quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The Helio G70’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness, while the additional cores and higher clock speeds improve multitasking capabilities. Furthermore, the Helio G70’s 12nm manufacturing process is more efficient than the MT6739’s 28nm process, leading to better thermal management and sustained performance.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature similar battery capacities, typical for this price range. However, the Narzo 10A’s 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the A01 Core, which likely has a slower charging rate. The Helio G70’s improved power efficiency, thanks to the 12nm process, could also translate to slightly longer battery life under moderate usage. The Narzo 10A also offers reverse wired charging, a feature absent on the A01 Core, allowing it to act as a power bank for other devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme Narzo 10A if you need a phone capable of handling more than just calls and texts – if you occasionally play mobile games, use social media frequently, or multitask between apps. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if you prioritize absolute affordability and only require a phone for basic communication and very light usage, such as occasional web browsing or messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme Narzo 10A handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Helio G70 in the Narzo 10A is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect some frame drops during intense action. The A01 Core’s MT6739 would struggle significantly with these titles.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core suitable for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp, makes calls, and browses the internet?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like WhatsApp, calls, and light web browsing. However, expect slow app loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps. It’s best suited for users with minimal smartphone requirements.
❓ Does the Realme Narzo 10A support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Realme Narzo 10A supports 10W wired charging. While not 'fast charging' in the modern sense, it's faster than the A01 Core's likely slower charging rate. A full charge from 0-100% will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
❓ What are the limitations of the Mediatek MT6739 processor in the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core?
The MT6739 is an older, entry-level processor built on a 28nm process. This results in lower performance, slower app loading times, and poor multitasking capabilities. It also consumes more power, potentially leading to shorter battery life compared to more modern chipsets.
