Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core and Xiaomi Redmi A1+ are two contenders vying for the title of best budget phone. But which one truly delivers the best experience for the price?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ edges out the A03 Core thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are entry-level devices, the Redmi A1+'s 12nm processor provides a smoother experience, especially for everyday tasks. Both offer decent value, but the Redmi A1+ is the slightly better pick.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 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, September 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, December 06 | Available. Released 2022, September 23 |
| 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 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 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) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | 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 | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Light Green, Light Blue, Black |
| Models | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M | 220733SFG |
| Price | £ 74.99 | € 78.30 / £ 72.30 / ₹ 6,670 |
| SAR | 0.30 W/kg (head) | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.91 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Decent build quality
- Reliable brand
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi A1+
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Modern design
- 10W Charging
- MIUI can be cluttered
- Basic camera
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature basic LCD displays, typically around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. The A03 Core might have slightly better color accuracy due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference is minimal at this price point. Expect adequate viewing angles and brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality on both devices is basic. The A03 Core likely has a slightly higher resolution main camera (typically 13MP vs. 13MP on the Redmi A1+), but image quality will be heavily dependent on software processing. Expect decent photos in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Both likely have a depth sensor for portrait mode.
Performance
This is where the Redmi A1+ has a clear advantage. The MediaTek Helio A22 (12nm) is more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the A03 Core. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Redmi A1+. The A03 Core's octa-core processor, while having more cores, is hampered by the older, less efficient manufacturing process.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Redmi A1+'s more efficient chipset contributes to slightly better battery endurance. The Redmi A1+ also includes 10W wired charging, a small but noticeable improvement over the A03 Core's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core? Users prioritizing a familiar Samsung interface and basic functionality. Who should buy the Xiaomi Redmi A1+? Those seeking slightly better performance and a more modern design within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Xiaomi Redmi A1+ is the better choice for light gaming due to its more efficient chipset and smoother performance.
❓ Which phone has a better camera?
While both cameras are basic, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core *might* offer slightly better image quality due to Samsung's image processing, but the difference is minimal.
