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 ZTE Blade A52 and the Samsung Galaxy A03. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A03 takes the crown. While both are budget options, the A03's superior chipset (Unisoc T606) provides noticeably better performance and efficiency compared to the A52's older SC9863A. The Samsung also benefits from the brand recognition and generally better software support.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 10 | 2021, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 10 | Available. Released 2022, January 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.5 x 9.4 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.37 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 | 214 g (7.55 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 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~78.8% 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Silk Gold, Crystal Blue | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | - | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G |
| Price | About 90 EUR | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
ZTE Blade A52
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Outdated chipset
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Better performance
- More efficient chipset
- Samsung brand reliability
- Slightly better camera
- Still a budget phone
- HD+ display
- Basic features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar displays – typically a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD. However, Samsung often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness, though the difference is minimal at this price range. Expect adequate viewing angles and sharpness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally comparable, with both phones featuring a dual-camera setup (typically a main lens and a depth sensor). However, Samsung's image processing algorithms are generally superior, resulting in slightly better photos, especially in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are basic on both devices.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A03 shines. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, offers a significant performance boost over the ZTE Blade A52's 28nm SC9863A. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A03. The A52 will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Galaxy A03's more efficient chipset should translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade A52 is a decent choice for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy A03 is ideal for those needing a smoother experience, slightly better performance for everyday tasks, and the reliability of the Samsung brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. The ZTE Blade A52 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A03 get software updates more frequently?
Yes, Samsung generally provides more consistent and longer-term software updates compared to ZTE, especially for budget devices.
❓ Are the displays of both phones any good?
Both have HD+ displays which are adequate for everyday use. Don't expect vibrant colors or high resolution, but they are functional.
