The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo Y03 and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent compelling options for users prioritizing affordability. However, they take different approaches: the vivo Y03 leans on a more powerful CPU core configuration, while the Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a more efficient chipset and a brighter display. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A05s emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, offers superior power efficiency and sustained performance compared to the vivo Y03’s Helio G85. The brighter display and faster charging further solidify its advantage, despite the Y03’s slightly more aggressive CPU core setup.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, March 13 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, March 13 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.7 x 8.4 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Black, Gem Green | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | V2332 | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | About 180 EUR | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
vivo Y03
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance for short bursts.
- May be more affordable depending on region.
- Likely includes a headphone jack (based on vivo’s typical offerings).
- Less efficient chipset (Helio G85) leads to shorter battery life.
- Slower charging speed (15W).
- Display likely inferior to the A05s in brightness and contrast.
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- More power-efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset.
- Brighter display (468 nits) for better outdoor visibility.
- Faster 25W wired charging.
- Longer battery life (11:32h active use).
- CPU core clock speeds are lower than the Y03.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Camera performance likely similar to the Y03.
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s features a significantly brighter display, reaching 468 nits compared to an unstated value for the vivo Y03. This brightness advantage translates to better visibility outdoors. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the A05s’ 1418:1 contrast ratio suggests a more vibrant image. The Y03’s display specifications are currently unknown, making a detailed comparison difficult, but it’s reasonable to assume it will be less impressive in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera analysis is hampered by limited information. Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Samsung Galaxy A05s likely includes a higher resolution main sensor, typical of Samsung’s A-series. Without specific sensor sizes or aperture details for either device, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It’s safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions, and the inclusion of 2MP macro lenses on both is largely a marketing tactic with limited practical benefit.
Performance
The chipset is where these phones diverge significantly. The Samsung Galaxy A05s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), known for its efficiency. Its octa-core CPU, with 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores, provides a balanced performance profile. The vivo Y03, however, employs the MediaTek Helio G85 (12nm). While the G85 features a higher clock speed on its two primary Cortex-A75 cores (2.0 GHz), the older 12nm process and less efficient core architecture will likely result in higher power consumption and potentially more thermal throttling under sustained load. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process offers a clear advantage in power efficiency, leading to longer battery life and cooler operation.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery performance, achieving an active use score of 11 hours and 32 minutes. While the vivo Y03’s battery capacity is unstated, the less efficient Helio G85 chipset suggests it will require more frequent charging. Furthermore, the A05s supports 25W wired charging, significantly faster than the Y03’s 15W charging, reducing downtime. This faster charging capability is a substantial advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y03 if you prioritize raw CPU performance for occasional, bursty tasks and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. This phone suits users who occasionally play demanding games or need quick app loading times. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value all-day battery life, a more pleasant viewing experience in bright conditions, and consistent performance throughout the day. This is the better option for everyday users, social media enthusiasts, and those who prioritize longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The 6nm process helps maintain stable performance for extended periods, avoiding the severe throttling that the Helio G85 in the Y03 might experience.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s compared to the Y03’s 15W charging?
The 25W charging on the Galaxy A05s will significantly reduce charging times. Expect a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours, while the Y03’s 15W charging will likely take over 3 hours. This difference is crucial for users who need to quickly replenish their battery.
❓ Is the Helio G85 in the vivo Y03 a good choice for multitasking?
The Helio G85 can handle basic multitasking, but its efficiency limitations mean it may struggle with numerous apps open simultaneously. The Snapdragon 680 in the A05s offers a smoother multitasking experience due to its more efficient architecture.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s support software updates for a long period?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its A-series devices compared to vivo’s Y-series. Expect at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches on the A05s, offering better long-term value.
