Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 Core and A04 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the A03 Core thanks to its more efficient chipset, slightly better display, and improved camera capabilities. While both are budget phones, the A04 offers a more polished and performant experience overall, 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 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| 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) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 211 g (7.44 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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 (~81.3% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, 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, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | £ 74.99 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Extremely affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Low-resolution display
- Outdated chipset
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Better performance than A03 Core
- Improved camera quality
- Slightly better display
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive than A03 Core
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Display could be brighter
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, but the A04 generally has a slightly higher resolution (typically 720 x 1600 pixels) and potentially better color accuracy. The A03 Core's display is adequate but may appear less vibrant. Viewing angles are likely similar on both.
Camera Comparison
The A04 typically boasts a slightly better camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (like a depth sensor). While neither phone excels in photography, the A04 generally captures more detailed and vibrant images, especially in good lighting conditions. The A03 Core's camera is functional but limited.
Performance
This is where the A04 shines. The MediaTek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the A03 Core. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the A04. The A03 Core can feel sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the A04's more efficient chipset may result in slightly better battery endurance, especially during demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users who prioritize the absolute lowest price and basic functionality – calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a better choice for those who want a smoother experience, a slightly better camera, and a more modern design, even on a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core good for gaming?
No, the A03 Core's chipset is not powerful enough for demanding games. It can handle very basic games, but expect low frame rates and lag.
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
RAM configurations vary by region, but the Samsung Galaxy A04 generally offers more RAM options (up to 4GB) compared to the A03 Core (typically 2GB).
❓ What is the storage capacity of each phone?
Both phones typically offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.
❓ Which phone has a better design?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 generally has a more modern and refined design compared to the A03 Core.
