Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 Core and A03 are both contenders, offering budget-friendly options. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A03 edges out the A03 Core thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset and improved performance. While both are budget phones, the A03 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and slightly better camera capabilities, justifying its slightly higher price.
| 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, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Available. Released 2022, January 21 |
| 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) | 164.2 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 | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 196 g (6.91 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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/2.0, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G |
| Price | £ 74.99 | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Extremely affordable
- Large display
- Long battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Slightly more features
- Higher price than A03 Core
- Still a budget phone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. However, the A03's slightly better color reproduction and potentially brighter panel (though specifics are hard to confirm) give it a marginal advantage. Resolution is identical.
Camera Comparison
The A03 generally has a slightly better camera setup. While both typically feature a 13MP main camera, the A03 often includes a depth sensor for improved portrait mode. The A03 Core's camera is adequate for basic snapshots, but the A03 captures more detail and better dynamic range.
Performance
This is where the A03 shines. The Unisoc T606 chipset (12nm) is a substantial upgrade over the A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The A03's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in performance, making apps launch faster and multitasking smoother. The A03 Core will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the A03's more efficient chipset may result in slightly better real-world battery performance, especially under load.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media use. The Samsung Galaxy A03 is a better choice for those needing a more responsive phone for multitasking, occasional gaming, and slightly better photo quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core worth buying?
If your budget is extremely tight and you only need basic smartphone functionality, the A03 Core can be a viable option. However, be prepared for slower performance.
❓ What's the difference between the A03 and A03 Core?
The primary difference is the chipset. The A03 has a significantly more powerful Unisoc T606, resulting in better performance compared to the A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A.
❓ Which phone has better RAM and storage options?
The A03 typically offers more RAM and storage configurations than the A03 Core, providing more flexibility for users.
