Samsung’s Galaxy Core models are the company’s entry-level line up. As such, the Galaxy A03 Core is an entry-level Android smartphone. I got my hands on it recently and took it through its paces briefly. I hope this review, in which we take the device for a hands-on experience, and share our first impressions, helps you get a detailed picture of what to expect from this model. Note that this is different from Samsung Galaxy A3 Core. Yes, the naming scheme is a bit confusing.
The Galaxy A03 Core was released in November 2021, just about 7 months ago, with Android 11 (Go Edition). Its replacement, Samsung Galaxy A04S Core, won’t arrive till around the same time this year, so if you want an affordable smartphone from Samsung, the A03 Core is where to start from. Let’s have a look at the key specs first.
Table of Contents
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core Specs
- Android 11 (Go Edition)
- 6.5″ 720 x 1600 pixels, PLS LCD screen
- 5 MP selfie camera in front
- 8 MP triple camera at the back
- Unisoc SC9863A
- 2 GB RAM
- 32 GB built-in storage
- Dedicated microSD card slot
- 5000 mAh battery.
What’s in the box?
In the box was the phone itself, a 3-pin wall charger, a relatively short USB cable, a warranty card, and a pamphlet.
First Impressions
The Galaxy A03 Core is available in only two colours – Blue and Black. This review unit is black. The frame is made of plastic , as is the rear cover/panel. That rear panel is beautiful, though. It has a nice textured, pattern, in contrast to the slippery smooth back we see on some other models.
At the bottom edge of the A03 Core is a single firing loudspeaker, a regular micro-USB port (sorry, no Type-C), and a port for a 3.5mm audio headset. There is no fingerprint reader on this device, sorry again. There is nothing along the top and left edges. The right edge houses the volume keys and the power button.
Switching from an older Samsung phone, in the case, Samsung Galaxy A10, was easy. I installed the Smart Switch app on both devices, initiated the transfer, and everything – all 5.7 GB in size – was moved over in under 30 minutes. What got moved? Videos, photos, documents, contacts, phone history, and SMS. Switching between phones should be as easy as this every time.
Full Evaluation
The phone has a good feel in the hand, and Samsung’s custom user interface (One UI) features nifty features and tools. It works well, too. While the true performance of a smartphone cannot be gauged in the first few hours of being setup, the phone ran smoothly while I had access to it. The Unisoc chipset doesn’t appear to be a horrible drag.
I dislike that there is no fingerprint scanner on a phone at this price point. Competing models from rival brands like Xiaomi and TECNO have a fingerprint reader. When you think of it, though, there is no fingerprint reader on the expensive, recent Apple iPhone flagships either. So, maybe this is not the unpardonable sin. Being an entry-level Android phone, there is no fast charging either.
How much is the Galaxy A03 Core? You will find it for between US $100 and $120 on the Amazon.com website or app. If looking in Europe, Amazon has it for €139. In the United Kingdom, it goes for £90. The selling price is ZAR 1,799 in South Africa. In Nigeria, it currently sells for ₦51,000. Canadian residents will part with C$160 to buy one, while it will cost our friends in India ₹7,775 (rupees).
What are the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core alternatives in the market? Depending on your country or region, have a look at Redmi 9A, Infinix Hot 12 Play, TECNO Pop 5 LTE, Nokia C21, and Realme C11.
Thank you for spending time with my Samsung Galaxy A03 Core unboxing and in-depth review. I hope you enjoyed it and find it informative. I shall be bringing more smartphone unboxing and review articles your way shortly.