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Samsung Galaxy A03 Core vs. A03s: A Detailed Comparison

The Samsung Galaxy A series offers excellent value, and the A03 Core and A03s are prime examples of affordable smartphones. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
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A03 Core vs A03s: Which Samsung Budget Phone Wins?

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A03s is the clear winner. While the A03 Core is the absolute budget champion, the A03s boasts a significantly more powerful chipset, better display brightness, and faster charging, making it a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A03 Core Samsung Galaxy A03s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U
Launch
Announced2021, November 152021, August 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, December 06Available. Released 2021, August 18
Body
BuildPlastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight211 g (7.44 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCDPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
GPUIMG8322PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single8 MP, f/2.0, AF5 MP, f/2.2
Triple-13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.2
Video-1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP5.0, A2DP
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, BlueBlack, Blue, White
ModelsSM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032MSM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL
Price£ 74.99$ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800
SAR0.30 W/kg (head)-
SAR EU0.24 W/kg (head)     1.39 W/kg (body)0.36 W/kg (head)     1.09 W/kg (body)
Tests
Battery life- Endurance rating 122h
Camera- Photo / Video
Display- Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal)
Loudspeaker- -27.4 LUFS (Good)
Performance- AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9) GeekBench: 889 (v5.1) GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy A03 Core

  • Extremely affordable
  • Long battery life
  • Simple and easy to use
  • Slow performance
  • Low brightness display
  • Basic camera
  • Slow charging

Samsung Galaxy A03s

  • Better performance
  • Brighter display
  • Faster charging
  • Slightly better camera
  • More expensive than A03 Core
  • Still a budget phone with limitations

Display Comparison

The A03s has a noticeable advantage with its measured 488 nits max brightness compared to the A03 Core's unspecified brightness. Both offer a 1718:1 contrast ratio, indicating good blacks, but the A03s' brightness will make it more usable outdoors. The A03s likely has a slightly better panel overall.

Camera Comparison

While both phones are described simply as 'Photo / Video', the A03s generally has a slightly better camera system due to the more powerful processor and potentially better image processing algorithms. Expect slightly better image quality and faster processing on the A03s.

Performance

The A03s' MediaTek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Helio P35 offers a faster CPU and GPU, resulting in smoother multitasking, app loading, and gaming. The A03 Core will feel sluggish by comparison.

Battery Life

Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 122h, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the A03s' 15W wired charging is a notable advantage over the A03 Core's likely slower charging speed (often 5-7W). This means the A03s will charge faster.

Buying Guide

The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users on the tightest budget who primarily need a phone for basic calling, texting, and occasional app usage. The Samsung Galaxy A03s is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, a brighter display, and a slightly better camera, without breaking the bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc and MediaTek chipsets?
The MediaTek Helio P35 is a more powerful and efficient chipset compared to the Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in better performance and smoother operation.
❓ Can I play games on either of these phones?
While both can handle basic games, the A03s will provide a significantly better gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset and GPU.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both phones will receive updates from Samsung, but the A03s, being slightly newer, may receive updates for a longer period.