Samsung Galaxy A03 vs A03s: A Detailed Comparison

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.
Phones Images

🏆 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.

PHONES
Phone Names Samsung Galaxy A03 Samsung Galaxy A03s
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 411, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U
Launch
Announced2021, November 262021, August 18
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, January 21Available. Released 2021, August 18
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions164.2 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-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight196 g (6.91 oz)196 g (6.91 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypePLS LCDPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57 MP1PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens-
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.2
Triple-13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP, f/2.25 MP, f/2.2
VideoYes1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging-15W wired
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlack, Blue, RedBlack, Blue, White
ModelsSM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035GSM-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 EU0.20 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.