Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 and A03 Core are both contenders, but they cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one is the right fit for your budget and usage.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A03 edges out the A03 Core thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A03 offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the preferable choice for most users.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 26 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 21 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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 | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 211 g (7.44 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue |
| Models | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Better Performance
- Slightly Better Display
- Larger RAM options available
- Slightly Higher Price
- No Fast Charging
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Lower Price
- Long Battery Life
- Lightweight Design
- Slower Performance
- Basic Camera
- Less RAM
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. However, the A03 might have slightly better color accuracy due to its slightly more advanced panel, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing both side-by-side. Resolution is identical, so visual clarity is comparable.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A03's slightly more powerful processor *might* allow for marginally better image processing, but the difference is likely minimal.
Performance
This is where the A03 shines. The Unisoc T606 chipset in the A03 is significantly faster than the SC9863A in the A03 Core. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A03. The A03 Core will feel noticeably slower, especially when handling multiple apps or demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both phones typically come with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day for most users. Neither phone supports fast charging.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is ideal for users who want a bit more performance for basic multitasking, social media, and light gaming. The A03 Core is a great option for those prioritizing the absolute lowest price and primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and very basic apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the A03 and A03 Core?
The main difference is the chipset. The A03 has a Unisoc T606, offering better performance, while the A03 Core uses a slower Unisoc SC9863A to keep the price lower.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. The A03 Core will struggle with even basic games.
