Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A01 Core and A03 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is the clear winner. While the A01 Core is a basic option, the A03's more powerful processor, improved display, and slightly better camera make it a more compelling choice for most users, despite a potentially similar price point.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 | 2021, November 26 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, January 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | Yes |
| 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 | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G |
| Price | About 150 EUR | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 |
| SAR EU | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Extremely affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Low-resolution display
- Outdated chipset
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Larger display
- More modern chipset
- Often includes more RAM/storage
- Slightly more expensive than A01 Core
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A03 boasts a larger 6.5-inch display compared to the A01 Core's 6.2-inch screen. Both feature HD+ resolution, but the A03's slightly larger size and potentially improved panel (often with better color reproduction) offer a more immersive viewing experience. The A03 also often includes a more durable display coating.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer basic camera setups, the A03 generally has a slightly more versatile camera system. The A01 Core typically features a single rear camera, while the A03 often includes a dual-camera setup with a main lens and a depth sensor for improved portrait mode. Image quality on the A03 is generally better, especially in low light.
Performance
This is where the A03 shines. Its Unisoc T606 chipset with an octa-core processor (including Cortex-A75 cores) significantly outperforms the A01 Core's Mediatek MT6739 quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better overall responsiveness on the A03. The A01 Core can feel sluggish with even moderate usage.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent all-day battery life. However, the A03's more efficient processor can potentially squeeze out slightly longer usage times, especially under load.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core? Those needing the absolute cheapest Samsung option for basic calling, texting, and light app usage. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A03? Anyone wanting a smoother experience, better performance for multitasking, and a slightly improved camera without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core good for gaming?
No, the A01 Core's processor is not powerful enough for demanding games. It can handle very basic games, but performance will be limited.
❓ How much RAM do the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core and A03 typically have?
The A01 Core usually comes with 1GB or 2GB of RAM, while the A03 typically offers 2GB, 3GB, or 4GB of RAM, making a significant difference in multitasking capabilities.
❓ Which phone has more storage?
The A03 generally offers more storage options, often starting at 32GB and going up to 64GB or 128GB, compared to the A01 Core's typically 32GB or 64GB.
