The TCL 503 and Samsung Galaxy A01 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users for whom affordability is the sole priority. Both devices aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct performance characteristics. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if slow, smartphone for basic tasks, the TCL 503 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the quad-core Mediatek MT6739 in the A01 Core, making everyday use slightly smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - T442M | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - T442M | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, February 26 | 2020, July 21. Released 2020, August 06 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185.5 g (6.56 oz) | 150 g (5.29 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1480 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio (~311 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.3 inches, 71.3 cm2 (~74.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 350 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | PowerVR GE8100 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP (upscaled to 13 MP), f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.2, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP (upscaled to 8 MP), f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | T442M, T442A, T442J | SM-A013F, SM-A013F/DS, SM-A013G, SM-A013G/DS, SM-A013M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
TCL 503
- Octa-core processor offers better performance
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially better multitasking capabilities
- Still a very basic smartphone
- Camera quality will be limited
Samsung Galaxy A01 Core
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially simpler software experience
- May offer slightly longer battery life under minimal use
- Quad-core processor struggles with multitasking
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited app support
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels, typical of this price bracket. Without specific display specs, we can infer that color accuracy and brightness will be limited on both. The TCL 503's larger processor may allow for slightly more efficient display rendering, but the difference will be minimal. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their respective form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be extremely limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The marketing materials for these phones often highlight megapixel counts, but sensor size and image processing are far more critical. Expect washed-out colors, poor low-light performance, and limited detail on both. Any 'macro' or 'depth' sensors are likely to be of very low resolution and offer minimal benefit. Focusing on the primary sensor, the TCL 503’s more powerful processor may allow for slightly faster image processing, but the overall quality will remain low.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The TCL 503’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU comprised of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core’s Mediatek MT6739, which utilizes a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. While both are built on a 28nm process, the octa-core architecture of the TCL 503 provides a significant advantage in multi-tasking and handling more demanding applications. The Cortex-A55 cores, while still entry-level, are more efficient than the older Cortex-A53 cores found in the A01 Core. This translates to a smoother, albeit still slow, user experience on the TCL 503. The A01 Core will struggle with even moderate multitasking.
Battery Life
Both devices likely feature modest battery capacities, sufficient for a day of light use. The TCL 503’s 10W wired charging is standard for this segment. The A01 Core’s charging speed is likely similar. Given the less demanding processor, the A01 Core *might* achieve slightly longer battery life under very light usage, but the TCL 503’s more efficient processor could offset this. Neither device will offer fast charging capabilities.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 503 if you need a device capable of handling multiple apps, even if slowly, and appreciate a slightly more responsive user experience. It's best suited for users who occasionally browse the web, use social media, or make video calls. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core if your needs are extremely basic – primarily making calls and sending texts – and you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially simpler software experience, understanding that performance will be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the TCL 503 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the TCL 503 is more capable than the A01 Core, it will still struggle with resource-intensive apps. Facebook and WhatsApp will likely function, but expect slow loading times and occasional lag. It's best to limit the number of apps running simultaneously.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core a good choice for a first smartphone for a senior citizen?
The A01 Core's simplicity might appeal to a senior citizen, but its limited performance could be frustrating. The smaller screen and slow response times may make it difficult to use. A slightly more expensive device with a better processor would likely provide a more positive experience.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
No. Neither the TCL 503 nor the Samsung Galaxy A01 Core have the processing power or graphics capabilities to run PUBG Mobile at playable frame rates. Even at the lowest settings, the experience would be severely laggy and unenjoyable.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
The Samsung Galaxy A01 Core likely shipped with Android 10 (Go Edition), while the TCL 503 likely shipped with Android 11 (Go Edition). Both utilize the 'Go Edition' of Android, a lightweight version designed for devices with limited resources. Updates beyond these initial versions are unlikely.
