Samsung's entry-level smartphone lineup often presents a confusing array of choices. The Galaxy M02 and A03 Core represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget segment. The M02, an older model, has seen price drops, while the A03 Core offers a newer chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which provides the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor delivers a noticeable performance uplift over the M02’s quad-core Mediatek MT6739W, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading, despite both phones sharing a 28nm process.
| 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 | 2021, February 02 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, February 09 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 211 g (7.44 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 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10, One UI 2.0 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 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 | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, Red | Black, Blue |
| Models | SM-M022F, SM-M022F/DS, SM-M022G, SM-M022G/DS | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 80 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.65 W/kg (head) 1.71 W/kg (body) | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M02
- Octa-core processor offers better performance
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A55)
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- Unisoc chipset may have limited software support
- Likely similar display quality to the M02
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- May be readily available in some markets
- Quad-core processor feels sluggish in comparison
- Older CPU architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable, but given the target market, expect basic viewing experiences. Bezels are likely substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional usability.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but these phones likely feature basic sensors focused on capturing passable images in good lighting conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit due to the low resolution. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality. Expect better results from the A03 Core simply due to the more capable processor handling image processing tasks.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), while the M02 uses the Mediatek MT6739W, a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53. The A03 Core’s architecture, utilizing Cortex-A55 cores, is more efficient than the older A53 cores in the M02. This translates to better multi-tasking and smoother performance in everyday apps. While both are built on a 28nm process, the increased core count and newer architecture give the A03 Core a significant advantage. The A03 Core will handle app switching and light gaming noticeably better.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified in the provided data. However, given the budget nature of these phones, expect capacities around 4000-5000 mAh. Charging wattage is also unknown. The A03 Core’s more efficient processor *could* translate to slightly better battery life, but real-world usage will depend heavily on individual habits. Without knowing charging speeds, it’s difficult to assess 0-100% charge times, but expect several hours for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M02 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even for moderately demanding apps, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and potential future software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Galaxy A03 Core handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the A03 Core’s octa-core processor and Cortex-A55 cores are well-suited for running social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The M02 will run these apps, but you may experience slower loading times and occasional stuttering.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset reliable? Are software updates guaranteed?
Unisoc chipsets have improved in recent years, but generally don't have the same level of software support as MediaTek or Qualcomm. Samsung's update commitment for the A03 Core is likely limited to security patches, and major Android version updates are unlikely. The M02 is also likely to have limited future software support.
❓ Can the Galaxy A03 Core handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Galaxy A03 Core should handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers without issue. However, more demanding games may require lower graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The M02 will struggle with even these simpler games, potentially experiencing significant frame drops.
