Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 Core and A02 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A02 generally edges out the A03 Core thanks to its more versatile processor, potentially better camera capabilities, and wider RAM/storage options. However, the A03 Core might be slightly more appealing if you prioritize absolute affordability and basic functionality.
| 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 | 2021, November 15 | 2021, January 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Available. Released 2021, January 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164 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 | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI Core 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | SM-A022F, SM-A022F/DS, SM-A022M, SM-A022M/DS, SM-A022G, SM-A022G/DS |
| Price | £ 74.99 | € 97.46 |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 32GB 2GB RAM | - | $ 149.99 |
| 32GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 129.99 |
| 64GB 3GB RAM | - | $ 199.99 |
| RENEWED | - | £ 113.00 |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Extremely affordable
- Basic functionality
- Large battery (likely 5000mAh)
- Low performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
- Unisoc chipset is less optimized
Samsung Galaxy A02
- Better performance (MT6739W)
- More RAM/Storage options
- Potentially better camera
- More established chipset
- Slightly more expensive
- Basic display
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a basic LCD display, likely around 6.2 inches with a standard resolution (720 x 1560). Expect similar viewing experiences – adequate for everyday use but not exceptional. The A02 might have slightly better color accuracy due to potentially better panel calibration, but this is speculative.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A02 likely has a more versatile camera setup, potentially including a depth sensor alongside the main camera. While both phones will produce acceptable photos in good lighting, the A02 is expected to offer slightly better image quality and more features. The A03 Core's camera is likely a single, basic sensor.
Performance
The Galaxy A02's MediaTek MT6739W, while a quad-core processor, generally outperforms the A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A. The A02's processor is a bit more established and optimized. The A03 Core's octa-core configuration doesn't necessarily translate to better performance due to the lower-tier Cortex-A55 cores. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the A02.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting similar battery life. Expect all-day usage with moderate use on either device. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns and software optimization.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage. The Galaxy A02 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more responsive experience, a better camera, and more storage options, especially if you can find a configuration with 3GB of RAM.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A02 is the better choice for light gaming due to its more capable processor. However, neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity.
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both phones likely launched with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-powered devices. Updates may vary.
