The TCL 205 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost. However, despite similar price points, subtle differences in software and potential build quality can make one a better choice than the other for specific users. This comparison dissects their shared hardware and explores where each phone attempts to differentiate itself.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly cleaner software experience and potential for longer software support, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core edges out the TCL 205. However, the TCL 205 isn't a bad choice, especially if found at a significantly lower price point, as the core hardware is identical.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 08 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 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 | 170.3 g (6.00 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Gray, Atlantic Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | 4187D | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 110 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
TCL 205
- Potentially lower price point
- Identical core performance to A03 Core
- May offer more storage options (depending on variant)
- Likely more pre-installed bloatware
- Potentially less frequent software updates
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Cleaner software experience
- Samsung brand reputation
- Potentially better software update support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Identical core performance to TCL 205
- Similar camera limitations
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 205 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core utilize displays that prioritize cost savings over quality. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both feature LCD panels with resolutions likely around 720 x 1600 pixels. The 28nm Unisoc chipset will limit the ability to drive high refresh rates, so both are likely capped at 60Hz. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy and brightness are likely to be average, suitable for indoor use but potentially washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited by the hardware and image processing capabilities of the Unisoc chipset. While specifications are not fully available, it's reasonable to expect a primary camera sensor around 8-13 megapixels on each phone. Any additional cameras, such as macro or depth sensors, are likely to be low resolution (2MP) and offer limited practical benefit. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but will suffer in low light. Expect limited dynamic range and detail. The image processing style will likely differ between TCL and Samsung, potentially resulting in different color profiles and levels of sharpening.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, fabricated on a 28nm process. This chipset features an octa-core CPU configuration with four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A55) and four cores at 1.2 GHz (Cortex-A55). This architecture is designed for efficiency rather than raw power, making it suitable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. The shared chipset means performance will be virtually identical between the two phones. RAM capacity, which is not specified, will be a key determinant of multitasking capability; more RAM will allow for more apps to remain open in the background. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low power draw of the SC9863A.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is a critical factor for budget smartphones. While specific mAh ratings are unavailable, both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. Given the power efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A and the low-resolution displays, both phones should be capable of lasting a full day on a single charge with moderate usage. Charging wattage is likely to be low (5W-10W), resulting in relatively slow charging times. Expect a full 0-100% charge to take several hours.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 205 if you need a functional smartphone for the absolute lowest possible price and are comfortable with potentially more pre-installed bloatware. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a more streamlined Android experience, potentially benefit from Samsung's software update track record (even on this budget tier), and value brand recognition. Both are suitable for basic communication and light app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While both phones can run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, performance will be limited. Expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially when multitasking. These phones are best suited for basic app usage and are not ideal for demanding applications.
❓ Are these phones compatible with 5G networks?
No, both the TCL 205 and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are 4G LTE devices. They do not support 5G connectivity due to the limitations of the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and their target price point.
❓ How much storage do these phones typically come with, and can it be expanded?
These phones typically ship with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Both devices likely include a microSD card slot for storage expansion, allowing users to add up to 512GB or 1TB of additional storage.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
Both phones likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Software update support is limited on these budget devices, but Samsung generally provides slightly longer support than other brands in this segment.
