The Samsung Galaxy A03s and A12 represent Samsung's commitment to providing affordable smartphones. Both devices target the entry-level market, but subtle differences in display quality and overall endurance may sway potential buyers. This comparison dissects these phones to determine which offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03s edges out the A12 due to its slightly brighter display. While battery life is nearly identical, the A03s’ 488 nits provides a more usable experience in direct sunlight, making it the better choice for outdoor use.
| 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, August 18 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 18 | Discontinued |
| 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 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 |
| 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 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 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 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 |
| 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 | - |
| 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 | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 122h
| Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Slightly brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Higher contrast ratio for potentially more vibrant colors
- Generally more affordable
- Identical performance to the A12
- Camera specifications are unknown
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Slightly higher contrast ratio (though minimal difference)
- Identical performance to the A03s
- Generally available
- Dimmer display compared to the A03s
- Marginally more expensive
Display Comparison
Both the A03s and A12 feature displays with a measured maximum brightness around 480 nits, but the A03s achieves 488 nits compared to the A12’s 472 nits. This 16-nit difference, while seemingly small, translates to a more visible screen in bright outdoor conditions. Contrast ratios differ more noticeably, with the A03s boasting 1718:1 versus the A12’s 1363:1. This suggests deeper blacks and potentially more vibrant colors on the A03s, though the impact will be subtle to the average user. Neither device specifies panel technology, suggesting standard LCDs, and neither offers high refresh rates, focusing on power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, lacking specific details about sensor size, resolution, or features. Given their price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic camera setups. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, as image quality will be limited. Without further specifications, it’s impossible to definitively say which phone has the better camera; image processing algorithms will likely be the differentiating factor, and user reviews would be necessary for a true assessment.
Performance
Both the Galaxy A03s and A12 are powered by the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, utilizing the same octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This means performance will be virtually identical in day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio P35 is relatively mature, but it’s not a powerhouse, and both phones will struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking. RAM configurations are not specified, but will likely be the limiting factor in multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Battery endurance is remarkably similar between the two devices, with the A03s achieving 122 hours and the A12 reaching 123 hours in our testing. Both support 15W wired charging, meaning charge times will be comparable. The slight difference in endurance is negligible and won’t be noticeable in real-world usage. Both phones prioritize battery life over fast charging, catering to users who need a device that can last a full day on a single charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize a slightly brighter screen for better outdoor visibility and are looking for the most affordable option. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 if you prefer a marginally higher contrast ratio, though the difference is minimal, and are willing to spend a little more. Both phones are ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P35 struggle with popular games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset and will likely struggle to run demanding games like PUBG or Call of Duty at high settings. You may experience significant frame rate drops and lag, even on low settings. These phones are better suited for casual gaming and less graphically intensive titles.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones often produce images with limited detail and poor dynamic range. While they can be fun to experiment with, don't expect professional-quality macro photography. The primary camera will deliver far superior results in most scenarios.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the A03s or A12 with the 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. While not the fastest charging available, it's adequate for overnight charging and ensures the phone is ready to go in the morning.
