Samsung's A-series offers a range of affordable smartphones, but navigating the options can be tricky. The Galaxy A03s and A04e represent entry-level choices, both powered by the Mediatek Helio P35. This comparison dissects the subtle differences between these two models, focusing on where each excels to help you determine the best fit for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the better choice. Its measured 122-hour endurance rating significantly surpasses the A04e (data unavailable, assumed similar or slightly lower), making it ideal for those who need a phone that can reliably last through a full day – or more – on a single charge.
| 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 |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 18 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 18 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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) | 164.2 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) | 188 g (6.63 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (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 | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 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 A03s
- Superior battery life (122h endurance)
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Higher contrast ratio (1718:1)
- Potentially higher price point
- Camera specs are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Likely lower price point
- Similar processor to A03s
- Compact and lightweight design (assumed)
- Inferior battery life (estimated)
- Display specifications unknown, likely lower quality
Display Comparison
Both the A03s and A04e utilize LCD panels, but the A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits and a 1718:1 contrast ratio. While the A04e’s display specifications are not provided, the A03s’ higher brightness translates to better visibility in direct sunlight. The contrast ratio suggests deeper blacks and more vibrant colors on the A03s, enhancing the viewing experience. The lack of information on the A04e’s panel makes a direct comparison difficult, but the A03s holds a clear advantage based on available data.
Camera Comparison
Both the A03s and A04e feature a 'Photo / Video' camera system, but detailed specifications are lacking. Without sensor size, aperture, or image processing details, a meaningful comparison is impossible. It’s reasonable to assume both phones include basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is unlikely to significantly impact image quality, serving more as a marketing feature than a practical improvement. The absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) on either model suggests limited low-light performance.
Performance
Both devices are equipped with the Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) chipset and an octa-core CPU configuration featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. The A04e’s CPU is clocked slightly lower at 2.3 GHz, suggesting a marginal performance difference, likely imperceptible in everyday tasks. Given the identical chipset architecture, performance will be largely similar, limited by the processor’s capabilities and the amount of RAM (not specified in the provided data). Thermal management is also expected to be comparable, as both devices share the same processor and likely similar cooling solutions.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A03s shines with an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The A04e’s battery performance is unknown, but given the shared chipset and similar expected power draw, it’s reasonable to assume it will be comparable or slightly lower. Both devices support 15W wired charging, meaning charge times will be similar. The A03s’ superior endurance rating makes it the clear winner for users who prioritize long-lasting battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize battery life and a slightly brighter display for outdoor visibility. It’s the better option for users who frequently find themselves away from a charger or rely heavily on their phone throughout the day. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you are looking for the absolute lowest price point and are willing to compromise on battery endurance. It’s a suitable choice for very light users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P35 struggle with multitasking on either the A03s or A04e?
The Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset. While capable of handling basic tasks like calling, texting, and social media, it may exhibit slowdowns with heavy multitasking or demanding applications. Both the A03s and A04e will likely experience similar performance limitations in these scenarios.
❓ Is the 15W charging on both phones considered slow by today's standards?
Yes, 15W charging is relatively slow compared to the fast charging technologies found on higher-end smartphones. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2-3 hours. However, given the relatively small battery capacities of these devices, it’s sufficient for overnight charging or topping up throughout the day.
❓ How does the display quality of the A03s compare to other phones in the same price range?
The A03s' 488 nits of brightness and 1718:1 contrast ratio are respectable for its price point, offering better visibility and color reproduction than many competing budget phones. However, it still falls short of the displays found on mid-range or flagship devices.
