Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The ZTE Blade A3 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core edges out the ZTE Blade A3 Plus thanks to its more modern octa-core processor and generally better software support. While both are budget options, the A03 Core provides a smoother experience and potentially longer software updates.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 66 | 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, January | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137 x 68 x 10.5 mm (5.39 x 2.68 x 0.41 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 211 g (7.44 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~215 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 64.5 cm2 (~69.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2050 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Blue |
| Models | Z3353CA | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 70 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A3 Plus
- Larger screen (potentially)
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Outdated chipset
- Potentially slower performance
- Limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- More modern processor
- Smoother performance
- Samsung brand reliability
- Potentially longer software support
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large displays, likely around 6.5 inches, but the A03 Core might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology. Resolution is likely to be HD+ on both, so don't expect stunning visuals, but adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar – both will probably have a primary rear camera around 13MP. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Samsung often has slightly better image processing algorithms, potentially giving the A03 Core a slight edge in photo quality, especially in low light. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
Here's where the A03 Core shines. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor offers a significant performance advantage over the ZTE's quad-core Mediatek MT6739W. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a generally more responsive user experience on the A03 Core.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a large 5000mAh battery, suggesting all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the A03 Core's more efficient processor could translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A3 Plus is a good option for users prioritizing a larger screen and basic functionality on an extremely tight budget. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for those seeking a slightly more responsive device with a more modern chipset and the reliability of the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful octa-core processor. The ZTE Blade A3 Plus will struggle with even basic games.
❓ How long will the software updates be for each phone?
Samsung generally provides longer software update support than ZTE, especially for budget devices. Expect more timely security patches and potentially Android version updates on the Galaxy A03 Core.
