The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the ZTE Blade L9 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core takes the crown. Its superior chipset, octa-core processor, and slightly better overall features provide a smoother experience than the ZTE Blade L9's quad-core setup. While both are budget options, the A03 Core offers more performance for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 10 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 10 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 137.5 x 67.5 x 10 mm (5.41 x 2.66 x 0.39 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 | 143 g (5.04 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 (~69.5% 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 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP (up-scaled to 8 MP) | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP (up-scaled to 5 MP) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Blue |
| Models | - | 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 L9
- Extremely Affordable
- Compact and Lightweight
- Basic Functionality
- Weak Performance
- Limited Storage
- Basic Camera
- Outdated Chipset
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Better Performance (Octa-Core)
- Samsung Brand Reliability
- Slightly Better Camera
- More Efficient Chipset
- Still a Budget Phone (Limited Features)
- Basic Display
- May Lack Advanced Features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature relatively basic displays, likely LCD panels with standard resolutions. The Galaxy A03 Core might have a slightly larger screen size and potentially better color accuracy, but both will be adequate for everyday use. Expect viewing angles and brightness to be average.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A03 Core likely has a slightly better camera setup, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. While neither phone is a photography powerhouse, the A03 Core should produce marginally better photos, especially in well-lit conditions. Both will likely offer basic features like HDR and portrait mode.
Performance
This is where the Galaxy A03 Core shines. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the Blade L9's Unisoc SC7731e and quad-core CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a generally more responsive user experience on the A03 Core. The Blade L9 will likely struggle with more demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Galaxy A03 Core's more efficient chipset might translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The ZTE Blade L9 is best suited for users who prioritize affordability above all else and need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light app usage. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for those seeking a more responsive experience, slightly better camera capabilities, and the reliability of the Samsung brand, even within a budget.
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 L9 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core worth the extra cost?
Yes, the slight price difference is justified by the improved performance and the added benefit of the Samsung brand's reputation for reliability and software support.
