Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core and Xiaomi Redmi 9A are two popular contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Redmi 9A edges out the A03 Core thanks to its slightly more powerful processor, faster charging, and generally better overall performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi 9A provides a more polished experience for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 15 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, July 07 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Carbon Gray (Midnight Black), Sky Blue (Sea Blue), Ocean Green (Nature Green) |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | M2006C3LG, M2006C3LI, M2006C3LC, M2004C3L |
| Price | £ 74.99 | € 64.30 / $ 56.50 / £ 95.56 |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Trusted Samsung brand
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Weak processor
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Lower screen quality compared to Redmi 9A
Xiaomi Redmi 9A
- Better performance
- Faster charging (10W)
- Improved camera quality
- More features
- Xiaomi brand may be less familiar to some
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. However, the Redmi 9A's display might appear slightly more vibrant due to potentially better color calibration, though both are adequate for the price point. Expect similar resolution and brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
The Redmi 9A typically features a 13MP main camera, often accompanied by a depth sensor, while the A03 Core usually has a 5MP main camera. Image quality on the Redmi 9A is generally superior, with better detail and dynamic range, especially in well-lit conditions. Both phones struggle in low light.
Performance
The Redmi 9A's MediaTek Helio G25 chipset (12nm) offers a noticeable performance advantage over the A03 Core's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The G25's higher clock speeds and more efficient manufacturing process translate to smoother multitasking and slightly faster app loading times. Gaming performance will be better on the Redmi 9A.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi 9A's 10W wired charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the A03 Core's likely slower charging speed (often around 5W or less).
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users prioritizing a trusted brand and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi 9A is a better choice for those seeking a bit more performance, faster charging, and a slightly more feature-rich experience, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both offer excellent battery life thanks to their 5000mAh batteries. Expect a full day of use on either device.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
The Redmi 9A is better suited for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The A03 Core can handle basic games, but performance will be limited.
❓ Which phone has more storage?
Both typically offer configurations with 32GB or 64GB of storage, expandable via microSD card. Check the specific model you're purchasing.
