The TCL 20B and Samsung Galaxy A03s represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, competing fiercely for budget-conscious buyers. Both devices aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price, but significant differences in chipset and display technology create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is the better choice. While both phones share a similar endurance rating, the A03s’ Helio P35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the TCL 20B’s Helio P22, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. The brighter display also enhances usability.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | 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, September 30 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 30 | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 74.7 x 8 mm (6.48 x 2.94 x 0.31 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 |
| Weight | 178 g (6.28 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~83.4% 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 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, TCL UI | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| 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 | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Violet | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | 6159K | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | About 320 EUR | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 20B
- Slightly faster 18W charging
- Potentially lower price (depending on retailer)
- Basic smartphone functionality
- Weaker Helio P22 processor
- Likely lower display brightness
- Limited performance for multitasking
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- More powerful Helio P35 processor
- Brighter 488 nit display
- Smoother user experience
- Slower 15W charging
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera system
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, significantly improving outdoor visibility compared to the TCL 20B, which lacks published brightness data. Both displays share a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color reproduction quality. However, the A03s’ higher brightness makes it the clear winner for users who frequently use their phones in sunlight. The lack of detailed display specifications for the TCL 20B suggests a lower-quality panel overall.
Camera Comparison
Both the TCL 20B and Samsung Galaxy A03s feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or image processing. Given the price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on basic camera modules. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A03s is unlikely to provide significant photographic value, and the primary sensor’s performance will be the deciding factor. Without detailed specifications, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner, but Samsung’s generally more refined image processing algorithms may give it a slight edge.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A03s’ Mediatek Helio P35 chipset is the key differentiator here. Its octa-core configuration, featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz, provides a substantial performance advantage over the TCL 20B’s Helio P22, which utilizes eight Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A03s. While neither chipset is designed for demanding gaming, the P35 will handle casual games more effectively. Both phones utilize a 12nm process, suggesting similar power efficiency, but the A03s’ faster cores will draw more power under load.
Battery Life
Both devices achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Samsung Galaxy A03s charges at 15W, while the TCL 20B supports 18W wired charging. While the TCL 20B has a slight advantage in charging speed, the difference is unlikely to be substantial. The similar endurance ratings suggest that both phones can comfortably last a full day on a single charge with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 20B if you prioritize a slightly faster charging speed (18W vs 15W) and are willing to accept a performance compromise. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you value a smoother user experience, a brighter display for outdoor visibility, and a more capable processor for handling multiple apps and light multitasking. Both are suitable for basic communication and media consumption, but the A03s offers a more refined experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03s struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P35 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for running common social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp without significant lag. However, running multiple apps simultaneously may cause slowdowns. The TCL 20B's Helio P22 will likely exhibit more noticeable performance issues with these apps.
❓ Is the camera on either of these phones good enough for casual snapshots?
Both phones are capable of taking acceptable photos in good lighting conditions. However, don't expect high levels of detail or dynamic range. The 2MP macro camera on the A03s is largely a marketing gimmick and won't produce high-quality close-up shots. Both cameras will struggle in low-light environments.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on the Samsung Galaxy A03s?
PUBG Mobile is playable on the Samsung Galaxy A03s, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant frame drops and lag, especially during intense action. The TCL 20B will struggle even more with this game. These phones are not designed for demanding gaming.
❓ How long will the battery last if I'm constantly streaming videos?
With continuous video streaming, both the TCL 20B and Samsung Galaxy A03s will likely deplete their batteries in around 5-7 hours. The endurance rating of 122 hours is based on mixed usage, not constant video playback. Expect significantly shorter battery life with heavy use.
