Both the Samsung Galaxy M01 and A01 Core represent Samsung’s entry into the ultra-budget smartphone market. While visually similar, a significant divergence exists under the hood, specifically in their chipsets. This comparison dissects the Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 in the M01 against the MediaTek MT6739 in the A01 Core, revealing which device offers a more compelling user experience despite their shared low price point.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Samsung Galaxy M01 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 439 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, delivers noticeably smoother performance and better multitasking capabilities compared to the A01 Core’s older, less powerful Mediatek MT6739.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, June 02. Released 2020, June 02 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.5 x 70.9 x 9.8 mm (5.81 x 2.79 x 0.39 in) | 141.7 x 67.5 x 8.6 mm (5.58 x 2.66 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 81.6 cm2 (~78.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 505 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-M015G, SM-M015F, SM-M015G/DS, SM-M015F/DS | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M01
- More powerful Snapdragon 439 chipset
- More efficient 12nm fabrication process
- Octa-core CPU for better multitasking
- Potentially better camera image processing
- May be slightly more expensive than the A01 Core
- Still an entry-level device with limited features
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and easy to use
- Acceptable for users with minimal smartphone needs
- Less powerful Mediatek MT6739 chipset
- Less efficient 28nm fabrication process
- Quad-core CPU struggles with multitasking
- Potentially slower performance and shorter battery life
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a particularly impressive display. Both likely feature similar LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1520. However, display quality isn't the key differentiator here. The focus is on the internal hardware driving the UI, and the M01's chipset will have a greater impact on perceived smoothness of animations and scrolling.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, with the A01 Core potentially having a slightly simpler configuration. Given the context data, detailed camera analysis is limited. However, the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) plays a crucial role in image processing. The Snapdragon 439’s ISP is likely more advanced than the MT6739’s, potentially leading to better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of a more capable ISP in the M01 could also improve the performance of any included camera features.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M01’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 439 (12nm) features an octa-core CPU configuration – four cores clocked at 1.95 GHz and four at 1.45 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s MediaTek MT6739 (28nm), a quad-core processor clocked at 1.5 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 439 is significantly more efficient than the 28nm process of the MT6739, resulting in lower power consumption and potentially less thermal throttling. The octa-core configuration also provides a substantial advantage in multitasking and handling more demanding applications. While both utilize Cortex-A53 cores, the sheer number and clock speed advantage of the SDM439 translate to a more responsive user experience.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities aren't provided, the more efficient Snapdragon 439 in the M01 will likely result in better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A01 Core. The 12nm process reduces power draw, allowing the M01 to operate longer on a single charge. The A01 Core’s 28nm MT6739 will consume more power, impacting overall battery endurance. Charging speeds are also likely similar, given the budget nature of both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01 if you need a phone capable of handling basic multitasking, light gaming, and benefit from a more modern chipset architecture. This is ideal for users who want a phone that won't feel sluggish after a few months of use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if your primary needs are extremely basic – calls, texts, and occasional light browsing – and you prioritize absolute lowest cost above all else. It's a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek MT6739 in the A01 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the A01 Core can run these apps, the MT6739's limited processing power may result in noticeable lag and slower loading times, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The Snapdragon 439 in the M01 will provide a significantly smoother experience.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M01 a good choice for playing mobile games?
The M01 is suitable for very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, demanding games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag. The MT6739 in the A01 Core is even less capable of handling mobile games.
❓ How much of a difference will the 12nm vs 28nm process make in real-world usage?
The 12nm process of the Snapdragon 439 is considerably more efficient. This translates to less heat generation, reduced power consumption, and ultimately, longer battery life and sustained performance. The 28nm MT6739 will run hotter and drain the battery faster, especially under load.
❓ If I only need a phone for calls and texts, is the A01 Core sufficient?
Yes, for basic communication tasks like calls and texts, the A01 Core is perfectly adequate. However, if you anticipate using any apps or features beyond the most essential, the M01 offers a more future-proof and enjoyable experience.
