Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 and A03s are both contenders in the budget segment, but they offer different features and performance. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which one best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A03s is the clear winner. While both are budget phones, the A03s boasts a more powerful chipset, better display brightness, and generally improved performance, making it a more well-rounded and enjoyable experience 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 26 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 21 | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| 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 |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 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 (~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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| 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, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR EU | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Very affordable
- Decent basic functionality
- Large battery (122h endurance)
- Lower performance chipset
- Likely lower display brightness
- Less capable camera
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Better performance chipset (Helio P35)
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Likely better camera
- Large battery (122h endurance)
- 15W wired charging
- Slightly more expensive than A03
- Still a budget phone with limitations
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A03s has a noticeable advantage with a measured 488 nits max brightness compared to the A03's likely lower brightness (specs not provided). Both offer a 1718:1 contrast ratio, indicating good blacks, but the A03s' brightness will make it more usable outdoors. Both likely feature similar resolution and panel type (likely IPS LCD).
Camera Comparison
While both are listed as 'Photo / Video', the A03s likely has a slightly more advanced camera system. Expect slightly better image quality and potentially more features on the A03s. Specific megapixel counts are not provided, but the A03s generally had a more capable camera setup.
Performance
The A03s' MediaTek Helio P35 chipset is a step up from the A03's Unisoc T606. The Helio P35's Cortex-A53 cores generally offer better efficiency and performance for everyday tasks. The A03's Cortex-A75 cores *could* offer slightly better single-core performance, but the overall experience will be smoother on the A03s.
Battery Life
Both phones boast an impressive endurance rating of 122h, suggesting excellent battery life. Real-world usage will vary, but both should easily last a full day, and potentially longer.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A03? Those on the absolute tightest budget who prioritize basic functionality and a very low price point. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s? Anyone seeking a slightly better experience with improved performance, a brighter display, and a more capable camera, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Galaxy A03 and A03s?
The A03s has a more powerful chipset (Helio P35 vs. Unisoc T606), a brighter display, and likely a slightly better camera. The A03 is the more budget-friendly option.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have an endurance rating of 122h, suggesting very similar battery life.