The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 305 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. Let's dive in to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core edges out the TCL 305 thanks to its octa-core processor and slightly more modern chipset. While both are budget options, the A03 Core offers a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a more future-proof design, despite both having limited features.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 211 g (7.44 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 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (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, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | 6102D, 5164D | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 200 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
TCL 305
- Familiar Android experience
- Decent battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Limited camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Octa-core processor for better performance
- Samsung's brand reputation
- Slightly more modern chipset
- Basic display quality
- Slow charging
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature basic LCD displays, likely around 6.5 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The A03 Core might have a slightly better panel due to Samsung's generally good display technology, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – both will feature a basic main camera (likely 13MP or less) and a front-facing camera for selfies. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but don't expect stellar results. Samsung's image processing might give it a slight edge.
Performance
This is where the A03 Core has a clear advantage. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers more cores and a potentially more efficient architecture than the TCL 305's quad-core Mediatek Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading and multitasking on the A03 Core.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W on both devices, so expect slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The TCL 305 is a good choice for users prioritizing a familiar Android experience and basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is better suited for those needing a bit more processing power for light multitasking and a slightly more modern platform, even within the budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is slightly better for light gaming due to its octa-core processor, but neither phone is designed for demanding games.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both phones typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. Storage options may vary by region.
