The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the Tecno Pop 7 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core edges out the Tecno Pop 7 thanks to its slightly more capable Unisoc chipset, offering a smoother overall experience. While both are budget options, the A03 Core's performance advantage makes it a more compelling choice for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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 | 2023, March 28 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| 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) | 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 | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% 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 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | 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 |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | BF6 | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | - | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 7
- Reliable brand
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging (10W)
- Less powerful chipset
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Slightly better performance
- Samsung brand recognition
- Potentially better display calibration
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- Limited features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a basic LCD display, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness and color accuracy. The Samsung might have slightly better color calibration due to Samsung's display expertise, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often limited in this price range. Both phones likely have a single rear camera around 13MP. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Samsung's image processing might give it a slight edge in some scenarios.
Performance
Here's where the Galaxy A03 Core has a clear advantage. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not a powerhouse, is generally more efficient and offers better performance than what we typically see in similarly priced Tecno phones. Expect smoother app loading and navigation on the A03 Core. The Pop 7 will likely feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar, around 5000mAh for both devices. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage. The charging speed is a significant drawback for both, with the Tecno Pop 7 limited to 10W wired charging.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 7 is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, reliable phone for basic communication and media consumption. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is better suited for those who need a bit more processing power for light gaming or multitasking.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core generally offers better performance due to its Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
❓ How long will the battery last on each phone?
Both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage, thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
