Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 and A14 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A14 is the clear winner. While the A03 is a budget option, the A14's superior processor, improved camera, and larger battery provide a significantly better user experience, justifying its slightly higher price point. 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 26 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 21 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| 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) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Very affordable
- Decent display for the price
- Lightweight design
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
- Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Longer battery life
- Larger display
- 90Hz refresh rate (often)
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone (not flagship performance)
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A14 boasts a larger 6.6-inch display compared to the A03's 6.5-inch screen. Both feature an LCD panel, but the A14 generally offers better color accuracy and brightness. The A14 also often includes a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience.
Camera Comparison
The A14 generally has a more versatile and capable camera system. While both offer multiple lenses, the A14 typically features a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing, resulting in better photos and videos, especially in low light. The A03's camera is adequate for basic snapshots.
Performance
The A14's Mediatek Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) chipset significantly outperforms the A03's Unisoc T606. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the A14. The A03 can feel sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Galaxy A14 typically has a larger battery capacity (5000mAh) than the A03, providing longer battery life. The A14 also supports 15W fast charging, while the A03 may have slower charging speeds.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who primarily need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Galaxy A14 is a better choice for those who want a smoother performance, a better camera, and longer battery life for everyday tasks and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy A03 good for gaming?
The Galaxy A03 is not ideal for demanding games. It can handle basic games, but you'll likely experience lag and low frame rates.
❓ How much storage do the Galaxy A03 and A14 offer?
Both phones typically come in various storage configurations, but the A14 often offers more options and expandable storage via microSD card.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally provides good software support for its Galaxy devices. Both phones will receive updates, but the A14, being a newer model, is likely to receive updates for a longer period.
