Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 and A12 are popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison breaks down their key features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A12 generally wins due to its superior performance, brighter display, and faster charging. While the A03 is cheaper, the A12's overall package provides a better user experience for a slight price increase. It's a worthwhile upgrade.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 26 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 21 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% 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 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 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, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Most affordable option
- Decent battery life
- Lightweight design
- Lower performance
- Dim display
- Basic camera
- Slower charging
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Better performance
- Brighter display
- More versatile camera
- Faster charging
- More features
- Slightly more expensive
- Larger size
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A12 boasts a significantly brighter display (472 nits vs A03's likely lower brightness) and a slightly better contrast ratio (though both are nominal at 1363:1). The A12's display is generally more pleasant to use, especially outdoors. Both feature similar resolution and panel type (likely LCD).
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the A12 generally has a more versatile camera system with likely more lenses and potentially better image processing. The A03's camera is adequate for casual snapshots but lacks the features and quality of the A12. Specific camera specs are missing, but the A12 is expected to perform better.
Performance
The Galaxy A12's Mediatek Helio P35 chipset offers a noticeable performance advantage over the A03's Unisoc T606. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the A12. The A03 is adequate for basic tasks but struggles with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the A12 achieving an endurance rating of 123h. The A03 likely offers similar endurance, though specific testing data is unavailable. The A12's 15W wired charging is also faster than the A03's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize affordability above all else and don't need high performance. The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a better choice for those seeking a more well-rounded experience with improved performance, a brighter screen, and faster charging, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 worth buying?
The A03 is a good option if you're on a very tight budget and only need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing. However, the A12 offers significantly better value for a small price increase.
❓ Which Samsung phone has better battery life?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with the A12 achieving an endurance rating of 123h. The A03 likely offers similar endurance.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 handle gaming?
The A12 can handle light gaming, but demanding games may experience lag or reduced graphics settings. The A03 is not recommended for gaming.
