We compare these two popular phones to help you decide which one fits your needs and budget better.
Note: Highlighted specifications show differences between the two devices.
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The Samsung Galaxy A02 is a budget-friendly smartphone that fails to deliver on its promises. Despite having a quad-core Mediatek processor and 3GB of RAM, the phone's performance is sluggish, making everyday tasks like web browsing and app usage frustrating experiences. The phone's camera, display, and battery life are average at best, but it's the poor performance that really stands out as a major issue. Even simple tasks like loading apps or browsing the web become long-winded processes, making it feel like a chore to use the phone. What's even more puzzling is that when you do finally manage to get into a game, it runs surprisingly smoothly. It's a strange paradox where the phone can handle demanding games but struggles with everyday tasks. This inconsistency makes no sense and only adds to the overall frustration of using this device. In terms of specifications, the phone has a 4-year-old quad-core Mediatek processor and either 2 or 3GB of RAM, which is not impressive compared to other devices in its price range. The Geekbench scores are also underwhelming, putting it at the bottom of the list among recent phones. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A02 feels like a phone that's been left behind by time and technology. Even considering its low price point, it's hard to recommend this device when there are better options available for the same or slightly higher cost. The a02s and a12, both more expensive than the A02 but still budget-friendly, offer far superior performance, cameras, and features. Unless Samsung releases some significant software updates in the near future, it's best to avoid the Galaxy A02 altogether. Instead, consider one of its better siblings or other devices from different manufacturers that can provide a much smoother and more enjoyable user experience.
The Samsung A03 Core is the most budget-friendly option among the three variants, but its limitations are evident. It features a single 8MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a minimalist camera app with limited features. In contrast, the regular A03 and A03s offer more impressive camera capabilities, including dual or triple lens setups, respectively. The latter two also come with additional features like portrait mode, night mode, and hyperlapse. While the A03 Core's selfie lens produced natural-looking results, its rear camera struggled to capture detailed images. When it comes to battery life, all three devices offer similar performance, lasting around two days under normal usage. However, the A03 Core with Android Go and limited app selection may provide slightly better battery efficiency. The regular A03 and A03s share a similar design, with the latter featuring a USB-C port, whereas the former retains the micro-USB port. The A03s also boasts an additional fingerprint sensor. In terms of specifications, the regular A03 outperforms the A03s in almost every aspect, except for its charging standard. Ultimately, the Samsung A03 Core is suitable for those on a tight budget who want a basic smartphone experience. However, for $50-100 more, users can upgrade to the regular A03 or A03s, which offer significantly better cameras and overall performance. The decision ultimately comes down to individual needs and preferences. The Samsung A03 series has become increasingly confusing due to its varied specifications and regional availability. As a result, potential buyers may find it challenging to make an informed decision.
Read our detailed reviews to understand which device is better for your specific needs and budget.
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