The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y21G and Samsung Galaxy A03s aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches: the Y21G prioritizes processing power with a newer chipset, while the A03s focuses on a balanced experience with a respectable display and endurance. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo Y21G emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G70 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the A03s’ Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both phones share identical battery endurance ratings, the Y21G’s faster 18W charging provides a quicker top-up.
| 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, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 07 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 07 | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 |
| Weight | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G70 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 2EEMC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| 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 Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | V2152 | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | About 170 EUR | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
vivo Y21G
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 18W charging
- More responsive user experience
- Camera specs are unknown and potentially basic
- May be slightly more expensive than the A03s
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Potentially lower price point
- Samsung brand recognition
- Significantly slower processor
- Slower 15W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y21G and Samsung Galaxy A03s feature displays with a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, offering a noticeably brighter viewing experience, especially outdoors. While both use a nominal contrast ratio, the real-world impact of the A03s’ higher brightness is significant for visibility in sunlight. Details regarding panel technology (IPS vs. TFT) are missing, but given the price point, both likely utilize IPS panels for acceptable viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but specifics are lacking. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the market segment suggests both will rely on relatively basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A03s is likely a marketing feature with limited real-world utility. Image processing will likely differ, with Samsung typically favoring more saturated colors and vivo aiming for a more natural look. Without sample images, it’s impossible to assess which phone delivers superior image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The vivo Y21G’s Mediatek Helio G70, built on a 12nm process, features an octa-core configuration with two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.7 GHz. This architecture prioritizes performance. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy A03s utilizes the older Mediatek Helio P35 (also 12nm) with four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. While the P35 has a higher clock speed on some cores, the A75 cores in the G70 offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness. This translates to a smoother experience with the Y21G, particularly when multitasking or launching demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the vivo Y21G and Samsung Galaxy A03s achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Y21G supports 18W wired charging, while the A03s is limited to 15W. This means the Y21G will recharge faster, reducing downtime. While the difference isn’t massive, the 18W charging offers a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21G if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, running multiple apps simultaneously, or simply prefer a snappier overall experience. It’s ideal for users who prioritize performance within a tight budget. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize a slightly brighter display and are content with basic smartphone functionality – primarily calls, texts, and light social media use. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone owners or those seeking maximum simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Galaxy A03s struggle with modern mobile games?
Yes, the Helio P35 is a relatively weak chipset. While it can handle basic games, demanding titles like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile will likely require significant graphics settings reductions and may still experience lag or stuttering. The Y21G’s Helio G70 is much better suited for gaming.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the vivo Y21G a significant improvement over the 15W on the A03s?
While not a massive leap, the 18W charging on the Y21G will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a roughly 15-20% faster 0-100% charge compared to the A03s, which is beneficial for users who frequently need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ How much RAM do these phones typically come with, and will that impact performance?
Both phones are commonly found with 3GB or 4GB of RAM. 4GB is preferable, especially for the A03s with its weaker processor, as it will help mitigate slowdowns when multitasking. The Y21G can handle 3GB adequately due to its more powerful chipset.
❓ Are software updates guaranteed for either of these devices?
Software update support is limited on phones in this price range. Samsung generally offers slightly better software support than vivo, but don't expect major Android version updates beyond the initial release. Security patches may be infrequent.
