Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 Core and A04e are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the A03 Core thanks to its more efficient chipset, slightly better display, and improved camera capabilities. While both are budget phones, the A04e offers a noticeably smoother experience for a small price difference.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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) | 188 g (6.63 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 (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, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | £ 74.99 | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Extremely affordable
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
- Limited storage
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Better performance than A03 Core
- Improved camera quality
- Slightly better display
- More modern design
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- RAM can be limiting
- Display refresh rate is standard 60Hz
Display Comparison
The A04e generally features a slightly larger display (6.5 inches vs 6.5 inches for the A03 Core) and potentially a higher resolution (720 x 1600 pixels for both, but the A04e may have slightly better color accuracy). Both use a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The A04e's display often has a slightly better viewing angle and brightness.
Camera Comparison
The A04e typically boasts a slightly better camera setup, often including a higher resolution main sensor (13MP vs 8MP on the A03 Core) and potentially a depth sensor for improved portrait mode. Image quality on the A04e is generally better in various lighting conditions, with more detail and less noise. Both phones have a basic front-facing camera (5MP).
Performance
Here's where the A04e 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 more responsive user experience on the A04e. Both phones have limited RAM (typically 2-4GB), so don't expect flagship-level performance.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the A04e's more efficient chipset means it *may* offer slightly better battery life in real-world scenarios.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality – calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is a better choice for those wanting a slightly faster phone, a better camera, and a more modern design, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the MediaTek Helio P35?
The MediaTek Helio P35 is a more modern and efficient chipset than the Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in better performance and potentially longer battery life.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically have?
Both phones usually come with 2GB or 4GB of RAM, which is relatively limited for modern smartphone usage.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either of these phones?
Yes, both phones support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
