The Tecno Pop 6 Go and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their capabilities, focusing on where the Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc chipset provides a tangible advantage, and where the Pop 6 Go might offer a compelling alternative based on price and availability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not powerful, offers a more capable CPU than what is typically found in the Pop 6 Go’s segment, resulting in improved app loading times and multitasking. However, the Tecno Pop 6 Go may win on price alone.
| 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, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, May 25 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 25 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 78.8 x 10.9 mm (6.31 x 3.10 x 0.43 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 | - | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.5% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice-crystal Blue, Starfall Grey, Iris Purple, Gradation Sky Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | BE6j | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 6 Go
- Potentially lower price point
- Likely large battery capacity (estimated)
- Android Go Edition may offer smoother experience on limited hardware
- Unknown chipset performance
- Likely lower display quality
- Limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- More powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Samsung brand recognition
- 5000mAh battery for all-day use
- Basic camera system
- Slow charging speeds
- Limited RAM and storage
Display Comparison
Specific display details for the Tecno Pop 6 Go are unavailable, but given its market positioning, it likely features a lower resolution panel than the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. The A03 Core’s display, while basic, benefits from Samsung’s color science, offering potentially more accurate and vibrant visuals. The absence of information regarding the Pop 6 Go’s panel type (IPS vs. TFT) suggests a cost-cutting measure, likely resulting in narrower viewing angles. The A03 Core’s display is likely 6.6 inches, a common size for this segment, while the Pop 6 Go’s size is unknown, but likely similar.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core likely features a single 8MP main camera, sufficient for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. The Tecno Pop 6 Go’s camera specifications are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume a similar or slightly lower resolution. Both devices likely include a basic front-facing camera for video calls. The A03 Core’s image processing, while not advanced, benefits from Samsung’s software optimizations, potentially resulting in more pleasing images. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A03 Core is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset, built on a 28nm process, is the key differentiator here. Its octa-core configuration, split between 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, provides a noticeable performance boost over the typically slower processors found in devices like the Tecno Pop 6 Go. While not suitable for demanding games, the A03 Core handles basic apps and web browsing with greater fluidity. The Pop 6 Go likely utilizes a MediaTek or Unisoc entry-level chipset, but without specific details, a direct comparison is difficult. The A03 Core’s architecture, while older (28nm), is more efficient than many alternatives in this price bracket, offering a better balance between performance and battery life.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a strong point for both devices, given their low-power chipsets and basic displays. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core packs a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day usage for light users. The Tecno Pop 6 Go’s battery capacity is unknown, but likely falls in the 4000-5000mAh range. Charging speeds are expected to be slow on both devices, likely around 10W, resulting in several hours to fully charge from 0-100%. The A03 Core’s slightly more efficient chipset may translate to marginally longer battery life in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 6 Go if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance. It’s ideal as a temporary phone or for users with extremely limited needs. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core if you value a slightly more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition and software support, even if limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc SC9863A in the Galaxy A03 Core struggle with multitasking?
While not a powerhouse, the Unisoc SC9863A handles basic multitasking – switching between apps like messaging, web browsing, and music – reasonably well. However, running multiple demanding apps simultaneously will likely result in slowdowns. It's designed for light to moderate usage.
❓ Is the Android Go Edition on the Tecno Pop 6 Go a significant benefit?
Android Go Edition is specifically designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. It uses lighter versions of Google apps and optimizes the operating system for smoother performance on lower-end hardware. This can make a noticeable difference in usability on the Tecno Pop 6 Go, but it won't overcome the limitations of a very basic chipset.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Galaxy A03 Core can *run* PUBG Mobile, but only at the lowest graphics settings and frame rates. Expect significant lag and a less-than-ideal gaming experience. It's not designed for serious gaming.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the Tecno Pop 6 Go and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are expected to use a Micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. This is a common standard for devices in this price range, though it's slower and less convenient than USB-C.
