The recently released Galaxy A03 is an entry-level smartphone that has a similar name and design to the Galaxy A03 Core. With the same HD+ display, the two phones differ mainly in the number of sensors in the rear camera – two in the A03 and one in the A03 Core. The operating system profile is also different: while the former runs Android 11 Go, the latter comes with traditional Android 11. Check out the similarities and differences between the basic phones below.
Galaxy A03 vs Galaxy A03 Core
| Galaxy A03 | Galaxy A03 Core | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | February 2022 | December 2021 |
| Current price | from $145 | from $101 |
| Screen | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
| screen resolution | 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+) | 1600 x 720 pixels (HD+) |
| Processor | Octa-core up to 1.6 GHz | Octa-core up to 1.6 GHz |
| RAM | 4 GB | 2 GB |
| Storage | 64 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory card | micro SD | micro SD |
| Main camera | 48 MP main and 2 MP depth sensor | 8 MP main |
| Selfie camera | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Operating system | Android 11 | Android 11 Go |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh | 5,000 mAh |
| Dimensions and weight | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm; 196 grams | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm; 211 grams |
| Colors | black, blue and red | black or blue |
Screen and design
The screens of the two devices are identical, with simpler profiles and lower definition levels, especially when compared to mid-range phones. They are 6.5 inches of an LCD with an HD+ resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and 60 Hz refresh.
The two phones apply the same industrial design in which the screen with more pronounced edges denotes the lower cost profile of both. In the finish, the materials are a mix of plastic and glass – with no confirmation regarding Samsung’s use of some kind of Gorilla Glass. Clumsy and accident-prone users should also be careful: neither is certified against dust and liquids.
Cameras
Unlike the screen, there are big differences when it comes to the camera. Between the two, the Galaxy A03 is more complete, with a two-sensor system at the rear. The Core, on the other hand, has more modest aspirations and features only one main camera.
Photoset of the Galaxy A03:
- 48 megapixels main with a focal aperture at f/1.8
- 2 MP depth sensor and f/2.4
Unlike mid-range and more expensive handsets, the A03 has a simpler camera system. While the main camera has the most open lens, which is ideal for most clicks, the depth sensor acts in capturing distance measurements between objects in the scene. By helping the camera app find the background of the photo, the sensor provides data for application in portrait mode blur effects, for example.
Although simple, the A03 is still more complete than the Galaxy A03 Core, assembled with just an 8 MP camera. The sensor comes with autofocus and an f/2.0 lens. On the front panel, meanwhile, both phones feature a selfie camera with 5 MP resolution each and f/2.2.
Performance
Samsung’s two entry-level smartphones are built around Unisoc’s entry-level processors. The chips intended for the A03 are octa-core with speeds of up to 1.6 GHz, the same as announced for the version used in the Core. Since there are differences between the core partitions – the Core model has fewer 1.6 GHz cores – the A03 may have a bit of a performance advantage.
Another data that could signal the advantage of the A03 in day-to-day life is the RAM. The device comes with 3 GB and 4 GB in the version sold in the market, while the Core variant is more economical and brings only 2 GB.
The RAM of the phone has a decisive impact on the user experience. More memory allows the operating system to keep more apps in a resting state, waiting for their return, without losing information. The economic profile of the two phones also shows up in the data storage. While the A03 version adds 64 GB and allows the addition of a microSD-type memory card, the A03 Core stalls at a tight 32 GB – also with expansion via microSD card up to 1 TB.
Battery
One beneficial effect of the simpler hardware in screen and processor is that the two A03s should consume less battery power. With a capacity of 5,000 mAh, both phones are an option for those looking for devices with greater autonomy: Samsung talks about a one-day duration away from the socket on a full charge (the Core model, with simpler Android, can even go further).
Another positive point for both Galaxy phones is that, unlike what happens with other Samsung models that cost up to ten times more, there is a battery charger included right in the box – although the charging and data sync cable is still micro-USB type and not USB-C, which is already the most common.
Operating system
Both devices come out of the box with Android 11, but there is one key difference: the Core model offers the Go version of Google’s system: simpler, this option is lighter and suitable for devices with more modest specifications, as is the case of the A03 Core equipped with an HD+ screen, 2 GB of RAM, and an entry-level processor.
While Android Go follows its update regime due to Google’s more direct control over the platform, the A03’s conventional Android 11 has more involvement from Samsung: the system features the manufacturer’s typical interface customizations and the model is part of the policies to guarantee at least three years of OS updates for the smartphone.
Additional Features
There isn’t much to highlight in terms of additional features on the two smartphones: the two Galaxy are more notable for what they don’t have: a clear absence is the lack of any kind of biometrics on both, forcing the user to use patterns, passwords or PINs as a way to protect their data.
Both models also lack the latest networks, such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6. There is also no NFC, indicating that those wishing to make nearby payments with their cell phones will have to look for another model. The Bluetooth is 5.0, a version still common in more expensive intermediate smartphones. The consumer will also find the traditional P2 headphone output on the bottom edge of both models.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy A03 Core is the simpler of the two devices and this is reflected in the price. At the moment, the phone starts at $101 on Amazon.
The newer A03, on the other hand, still oscillates at prices closer to the launch value, the entry-level smartphone already appears on Amazon for $145.
- Buy Galaxy A03
- Buy Galaxy A03 Core
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.