Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy Ace 3 and Ace Style LTE were popular budget options. But which one offers the better experience? We're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy Ace Style LTE generally wins due to its quad-core processor offering noticeably better performance. While the Ace 3 boasts impressive battery life, the Ace Style LTE's modern chipset and LTE capabilities make it the more compelling choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - all versions | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - S7270, S7272 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 3, 7, 8, 20 - S7275 | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2(14.4 - 3G)/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - S7275 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, June. Released 2013, July | 2014, September. Released 2014, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 121.2 x 62.7 x 9.8 mm (3G) / 121.2 x 62.7 x 10 mm (LTE) | 128.9 x 65.8 x 9.1 mm (5.07 x 2.59 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 115 g (3G) / 119.5 g (LTE) (4.06 oz) | 126 g (4.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~233 ppi density) | 480 x 800 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~217 ppi density) |
| Size | 4.0 inches, 45.5 cm2 (~59.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 4.3 inches, 52.6 cm2 (~62.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A9 (3G) / Dual-core 1.2 GHz Krait (LTE) | Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Broadcom BCM21664 (3G) / Qualcomm MSM8930 Snapdragon 400 (28 nm) (LTE) | Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Broadcom VideoCore IV (3G) / Adreno 305 (LTE) | Adreno 306 |
| OS | Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) | Android 4.4.4 (KitKat) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 1GB RAM (3G), 8GB 1GB RAM (LTE) | 8GB 1GB RAM |
| | eMMC 4.5 | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.6, AF | 5 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 1.3 MP |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.0, A2DP | 4.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (LTE model only) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 54 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 370 h (3G) | Up to 285 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h (3G) | Up to 11 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800/1500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1900 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White, Dark Red | White, Gray |
| Models | GT-S7272, GT-S7275, GT-S7275R, GT-S720, GT-S7270, GT-S7278, GT-S7270L | SM-G357FZ, SM-G357FZ |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 200 EUR |
| SAR | 0.67 W/kg (head) 0.45 W/kg (body) | 1.45 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.47 W/kg (head) 0.35 W/kg (body) | 0.64 W/kg (head) 0.67 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 34h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 879:1 (nominal) / 1.622:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 66dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 66dB
| - |
Samsung Galaxy Ace 3
- Excellent battery life
- Good sunlight display contrast
- Compact and lightweight
- Outdated processor
- Limited storage
- No LTE connectivity
Samsung Galaxy Ace Style LTE G357
- Faster quad-core processor
- LTE connectivity
- More modern Android experience
- Likely slightly better camera
- Shorter battery life than Ace 3
- Limited storage
- Display resolution details unavailable
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology, likely LCD. The Ace 3's contrast ratio is impressive, especially in sunlight (1.622:1), suggesting good outdoor visibility. However, the Ace Style LTE likely has a slightly higher resolution, contributing to a sharper image, though specific resolution details are unavailable. Overall, display quality is comparable, with a slight edge to the Ace Style LTE.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are limited for both devices. Both phones feature Photo/Video capabilities. Given the newer chipset in the Ace Style LTE, it's likely to offer slightly improved image processing and potentially better low-light performance, but the difference is likely marginal. Expect decent, but not exceptional, camera quality from both.
Performance
This is where the Ace Style LTE shines. Its quad-core Cortex-A53 processor significantly outperforms the Ace 3's dual-core options (Cortex-A9 or Krait). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more responsive user experience on the Ace Style LTE. The Snapdragon 410 chipset is also more modern and efficient.
Battery Life
The Ace 3 holds a significant advantage in battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 34 hours. The Ace Style LTE's battery capacity is likely smaller, resulting in shorter usage times. If battery longevity is your top priority, the Ace 3 is the clear winner.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 is a good option for users prioritizing maximum battery life and are comfortable with a slightly older processor. The Samsung Galaxy Ace Style LTE is ideal for those needing faster performance, LTE connectivity, and a more modern Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Ace Style LTE is significantly better for gaming due to its quad-core processor and more modern chipset.
❓ Does the Ace 3 support 4G LTE?
No, the Samsung Galaxy Ace 3 does not support 4G LTE. It is a 3G device.
❓ What is the storage capacity of these phones?
Both phones typically came with 4GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.