The Tecno Pop 5c and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a secondary device for essential tasks. Both prioritize affordability, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which phone delivers a better user experience, even within this constrained price bracket.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, built on a more efficient 28nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 5c’s quad-core chip, making everyday tasks smoother. However, the Pop 5c may appeal to those seeking the absolute lowest price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 12 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 12 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 145.2 x 74.1 x 9.9 mm (5.72 x 2.92 x 0.39 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 | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Unspecified | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Dark Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 60 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5c
- Likely the lowest price point available.
- Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor.
- Significantly slower performance.
- Outdated processor architecture.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- More efficient processor architecture.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Potentially better software support.
- Slightly higher price point.
- May not offer significantly better camera performance.
- Still limited by overall hardware constraints.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels, though specific resolutions aren't provided. The A03 Core benefits from the more modern Unisoc SC9863A chipset, which *may* allow for slightly better image processing and color reproduction. However, given the target market, expect both displays to prioritize visibility over color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their compact form factors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both are likely to feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The A03 Core *may* benefit from slightly better image signal processing (ISP) capabilities within the SC9863A chipset, but image quality will largely depend on sensor size and lens aperture – details not provided. Expect both cameras to struggle in low-light conditions. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors present on either device should be considered marketing features rather than significant photographic tools.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Tecno Pop 5c’s Unisoc SC7731e, with its quad-core Cortex-A7 configuration, is a decidedly entry-level processor. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core setup, combining four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration, coupled with the 28nm manufacturing process, provides a substantial advantage in multi-tasking and app loading times. The A55 cores are also more efficient than the older A7 architecture, potentially leading to better battery life under load. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the A03 Core will handle casual games more smoothly.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial consideration for budget smartphones. While specific battery capacities aren't provided, both devices likely prioritize maximizing runtime. The more efficient Unisoc SC9863A in the A03 Core could translate to longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Pop 5c. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with neither expected to support fast charging technologies. Expect a several-hour charge time from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5c if you need a functional smartphone for the bare minimum – calls, texts, and very light app usage – and your budget is extremely limited. It’s a viable option for a first phone for a child or as an emergency backup. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you prefer a more responsive experience, even for basic tasks, and anticipate using multiple apps or occasionally browsing the web. The A03 Core’s more powerful processor and potentially better software optimization offer a more future-proof experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the A03 Core won't offer a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor should handle Facebook and Instagram reasonably well. Expect some occasional slowdowns when multitasking or loading image-heavy content, but it's significantly more capable than the Tecno Pop 5c in this regard.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5c suitable for video streaming services like YouTube?
The Tecno Pop 5c can technically stream YouTube videos, but the experience will likely be hampered by its slower processor and potentially lower screen resolution. Expect buffering and lag, especially with higher-resolution content. The A03 Core offers a smoother streaming experience.
❓ Does the Unisoc SC9863A chip in the A03 Core overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chip and is unlikely to overheat significantly during typical use. While it may get warm during extended gaming sessions, it shouldn't reach critical temperatures that cause performance throttling. The 28nm process helps with thermal management.
❓ Are either of these phones likely to receive major Android updates?
Given their ultra-budget nature, neither the Tecno Pop 5c nor the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are likely to receive significant Android version updates. They may receive security patches for a limited time, but don't expect to see them upgraded to the latest Android releases.
