The Xiaomi Redmi 9C and Samsung Galaxy A03s represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device, but subtle differences in chipset and display technology can significantly impact the user experience. This comparison dissects these nuances to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03s edges out the Redmi 9C. While both share a similar price point and target audience, the A03s’ slightly faster charging (15W vs 10W) and measured 488 nits peak brightness provide a marginally better daily experience, despite the minimal CPU difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2020, June 30. Released 2020, August 12 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 77 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.03 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 |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 196 g (6.91 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10, MIUI 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm | 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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | M2006C3MG, M2006C3MT | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | About 80 EUR | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR | 0.73 W/kg (head) 0.52 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 0.78 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Xiaomi Redmi 9C
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar battery endurance to A03s
- Reliable MediaTek Helio G35 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Lack of published display brightness data
- Potentially lower build quality
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Faster 15W charging
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed (Helio P35)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar battery endurance to Redmi 9C
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits, a significant advantage over the Redmi 9C, which lacks published brightness data. Both displays share a 1718:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the higher brightness of the A03s translates to better visibility under direct sunlight, a crucial factor for outdoor use. The lack of information regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) for the Redmi 9C makes a direct comparison of viewing angles difficult, but the A03s’ brightness is a clear win.
Camera Comparison
Both the Redmi 9C and Galaxy A03s offer basic photo and video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are limited. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is challenging. It’s likely both phones rely on similar image processing techniques to enhance photos, but the A03s’ potential for slightly better dynamic range due to its brighter display could translate to more pleasing images in challenging lighting conditions. The prevalence of low-resolution auxiliary cameras (often 2MP) on both devices suggests these are primarily for feature parity rather than significant image quality improvements.
Performance
Both devices utilize MediaTek Helio chips built on a 12nm process, indicating similar power efficiency. However, the Samsung Galaxy A03s features the Helio P35, with a CPU clock speed of 2.35 GHz on its four performance cores, slightly exceeding the Redmi 9C’s Helio G35’s 2.3 GHz. While the difference is minimal, the P35’s slightly higher clock speed may result in marginally faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. Both phones are equipped with an octa-core CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53), suggesting similar performance in everyday tasks. Neither device is geared towards demanding gaming.
Battery Life
Both the Redmi 9C and Galaxy A03s achieve an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. However, the Galaxy A03s supports 15W wired charging, a noticeable improvement over the Redmi 9C’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed translates to a quicker 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and improving overall convenience. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging of the A03s provides a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 9C if you prioritize a potentially lower price and are comfortable with a slightly slower charging experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prefer a brighter display for outdoor visibility and appreciate the convenience of faster 15W charging, even if it means a potentially small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03s’ 15W charging significantly faster than the Redmi 9C’s 10W charging in real-world use?
Yes, while both phones have similar battery endurance, the 15W charging on the A03s will noticeably reduce charging times. Expect a faster top-up, especially when starting from a low battery percentage, offering more convenience for users who frequently need to recharge.
❓ Will I notice a performance difference between the Helio G35 in the Redmi 9C and the Helio P35 in the Galaxy A03s during everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
The performance difference will be minimal. Both chipsets are designed for basic smartphone functions. You likely won’t perceive a significant difference in speed when browsing the web, using social media apps, or sending messages. The A03s might show a slight edge in app loading times, but it won’t be dramatic.
❓ Are the cameras on either of these phones suitable for taking high-quality photos in low-light conditions?
Neither the Redmi 9C nor the Galaxy A03s excels in low-light photography. Both phones likely rely on software processing to improve image quality, but expect noise and a lack of detail in dimly lit environments. These cameras are best suited for well-lit outdoor shots.
