The Tecno Pop 5X and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic, reliable device. Both rely on Unisoc chipsets to deliver functionality at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in core count and architecture dictate real-world performance. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, despite sharing the same 28nm process as the Tecno, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Pop 5X’s quad-core setup, making everyday tasks smoother and more efficient.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 27 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 27 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 166 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.33 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 | 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 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Triple | 8 MP
Auxiliary lenses | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cosmic Shine, Crystal Blue, Dazzle Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 70 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5X
- Likely the most affordable option
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Significantly slower performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor camera quality
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient processor
- Slightly higher price point
- Still limited camera performance
- Basic display quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both target 720p or lower. The lack of information suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality, focusing instead on cost reduction. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Details are scarce, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture suggests neither phone excels in low-light photography. Any marketing around 'macro' cameras on these devices should be viewed with skepticism, as 2MP sensors typically deliver limited detail. Image processing will likely be minimal, relying heavily on software optimization to enhance image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A features an octa-core CPU configuration – four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Pop 5X’s Unisoc SC9832E, which utilizes a quad-core CPU clocked at 1.4 GHz. The A03 Core’s octa-core design allows for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. While both are built on a 28nm process, the architectural advantage of the A03 Core is significant. The Cortex-A55 cores, even at lower clock speeds, are more efficient than the cores found in the SC9832E. This translates to a more fluid user experience, especially when switching between apps.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their target market, both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging wattage is also unknown, but fast charging is unlikely. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but the more efficient processor in the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core may contribute to slightly longer runtimes, even with a similar battery capacity. The A03 Core’s ability to handle tasks more efficiently reduces the strain on the battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5X if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to calls, texts, and very light app use. It’s a functional device for those with minimal smartphone requirements. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you want a more responsive experience, even for basic tasks, and anticipate using multiple apps or occasionally browsing the web. The extra cores provide a tangible benefit for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While not a powerhouse, the octa-core processor in the A03 Core should handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag when multitasking, but it’s generally sufficient for basic social media use. The Tecno Pop 5X will likely exhibit more noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset designed for efficiency, not high performance. Overheating is unlikely during typical usage scenarios like calls, texts, or light browsing. However, extended gaming or demanding tasks could lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly.
❓ Can either of these phones run multiple apps simultaneously without significant lag?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is better equipped for multitasking due to its octa-core processor. While it won't offer a seamless experience like higher-end phones, it can handle switching between a few apps without excessive lag. The Tecno Pop 5X will struggle significantly with even moderate multitasking.
