Samsung Galaxy A03s

amazon Samsung Galaxy A03s reviews

This year’s holiday season, Samsung gives users a deal that can be called a bargain with the Galaxy A03s. I haven’t used mid-range smartphones for a long time, and today when I returned to the Galaxy A03s, it did not disappoint me.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Samsung Galaxy A03s presents a design that is typical of budget smartphones, with a focus on simplicity and practicality. The phone features a plastic back and frame, which contributes to its lightweight build. While the materials used are not premium, the matte finish on the back gives it a pleasant feel and helps reduce fingerprint smudges.

The device is available in three color options: Black, Blue, and White. The minimalist design is accentuated by the vertical camera module on the top left corner of the back panel, which houses the triple camera setup and the LED flash. The Samsung logo is subtly placed towards the bottom of the back panel, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look.

The front of the Galaxy A03s is dominated by the 6.5-inch display, with relatively thick bezels, especially at the bottom. The top of the screen features a waterdrop-style notch that houses the front-facing camera. The bezels are not the thinnest, but they are acceptable for a device in this price range.

One of the standout features of the Galaxy A03s is its inclusion of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is integrated into the power button. This placement is convenient and allows for quick and easy access to the device. Additionally, the phone retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio solutions.

Overall, the design of the Samsung Galaxy A03s is functional and straightforward. While it may not turn heads with its appearance, it is built to be durable and practical for everyday use.

6.5-inch large screen – meet all needs

The first thing I want to talk about here is the screen, a large 6.5-inch screen. Galaxy A03s is still equipped with an Infinity-V screen with HD + resolution and IPS panel.

Galaxy A03s will be a suitable choice for those who like to watch movies with a large screen. Of course, you will have to trade off display quality, the Galaxy A03s screen will not be too sharp, and the color reproduction is also acceptable.

In addition to entertainment needs, the large screen on Galaxy A03s will also be suitable for students studying online during this holiday season.

A sufficient configuration

I was disappointed when I started using the Galaxy A03s because you will only have an Helio P35 chip (Mediatek 6765) with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal memory. But then, I reshaped it, I’m using a machine with a price of only $150, so I shouldn’t ask too much.

I joked with you that, in the days of using Galaxy A03s, I have learned to live slower and love more. Performance on the Galaxy A03s can be said to be at an acceptable level. Normal tasks are still quite stable; you can also fight light games like Arena of valor Mobile at medium graphics.

In addition, the Galaxy A03s has a rather fast point that makes me impressed, which is the integrated fingerprint sensor and the power button on the right edge. One-touch fingerprint works almost instantly, without much delay.

The strength of the Galaxy A03s comes from the 5,000mAh battery. With only the HD + resolution screen, Galaxy A03s with a huge battery offers quite an impressive usage time. It took almost two days to start “remembering” to charge the battery.

The Galaxy A03s has also been “updated” by Samsung with a type-C charging port in line with the current trend.

Camera – versatile, enough to use

On the Galaxy A03s, you will still have a cluster of 3 rear cameras with a resolution of 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF; 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro); 2 MP, f/2.4, (depth). This camera cluster is neatly placed in a rectangular frame and only emerges slightly on the back.

Galaxy A03s still gives you basic photos to capture moments in life. Again, I repeat that you should not ask too much on a machine with just over $150.

As for the front camera on the Galaxy A03s, you have a resolution of 5Mp, meeting the needs of video calls when needed.

Software and User Experience

The Samsung Galaxy A03s runs on One UI Core 3.1, which is a streamlined version of Samsung’s One UI based on Android 11. One UI Core is designed to be lighter and more efficient, making it well-suited for budget devices like the A03s.

One UI Core retains many of the features and design elements of the full One UI experience, including a clean and intuitive interface, customizable home screens, and access to Samsung’s suite of apps and services. Users familiar with Samsung’s ecosystem will feel right at home with One UI Core, as it offers a similar experience to what is found on higher-end Samsung devices.

That being said, One UI Core lacks some of the more advanced features found in the full version of One UI. For example, it does not include Samsung DeX, Knox security, or some of the more advanced multitasking features. However, these omissions are unlikely to be a dealbreaker for most users in the target demographic, as the core functionality remains intact.

The software experience on the Galaxy A03s is generally smooth, but there are occasional stutters and slowdowns, especially when running multiple apps or switching between tasks. This is likely due to the modest hardware specifications, and while it is not a major issue for basic use, it is something to be aware of if you plan to push the device to its limits.

One advantage of Samsung’s software is the regular security updates, which help keep the device protected against potential threats. However, major Android updates may be less frequent, and it is uncertain how many years of software support the Galaxy A03s will receive.

Battery Life

One of the strongest aspects of the Samsung Galaxy A03s is its battery life. The device is equipped with a sizable 5000mAh battery, which is more than capable of powering the phone through a full day of use and beyond.

With moderate usage, including activities like browsing the web, watching videos, using social media, and making calls, the Galaxy A03s can easily last up to two days on a single charge. Even with more intensive tasks like gaming or streaming, the battery holds up well, often leaving you with enough charge to get through a long day without needing to reach for the charger.

The phone supports 15W fast charging, which is a welcome addition at this price point, though it’s not the fastest charging available in the market. It takes approximately two hours to fully charge the battery from 0% to 100%. While this might seem slow compared to higher-end devices with more advanced fast charging technologies, it is still a reasonable trade-off considering the battery’s capacity and the phone’s overall affordability.

For users who prioritize battery life, the Galaxy A03s is a solid choice. The combination of a power-efficient chipset and a large battery makes it a reliable companion for those who need their phone to last through extended periods without frequent recharging.

Connectivity and Audio

The Samsung Galaxy A03s covers all the essential connectivity options expected from a budget smartphone. It supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS/GLONASS/Beidou for location services. The phone also includes a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, which is a nice touch for a budget device, as many still use the older Micro-USB standard.

In terms of audio, the Galaxy A03s comes with a single bottom-firing speaker. The speaker is loud enough for calls, notifications, and casual media consumption, but it lacks the richness and depth found in stereo or higher-quality audio setups. At higher volumes, the audio can become a bit tinny, and bass response is minimal, which is expected in this price range.

For those who prefer wired audio, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a significant plus. This allows users to use their existing wired headphones or earphones without needing an adapter, which is particularly beneficial for users who are not yet ready to switch to wireless audio solutions.

The call quality on the Galaxy A03s is generally good, with clear voice transmission and decent noise cancellation. The device also supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE), which can improve the quality of voice calls when connected to a compatible network.

Security Features

The Samsung Galaxy A03s offers basic security features, with the most prominent being the side-mounted fingerprint sensor. This sensor is integrated into the power button, which makes it convenient to unlock the phone with a single press. The fingerprint sensor is reasonably fast and accurate, providing a reliable method of securing the device.

In addition to the fingerprint sensor, the Galaxy A03s also supports facial recognition for unlocking the phone. This feature uses the front-facing camera to recognize the user’s face and is generally quick to unlock the device in well-lit conditions. However, like many budget smartphones, the facial recognition feature is not as secure as the fingerprint sensor and can be less reliable in low-light environments.

For users who prefer traditional methods, the phone also supports PIN, pattern, and password options for unlocking the device.

Value Proposition

The Samsung Galaxy A03s is positioned as an entry-level smartphone, and its pricing reflects this. It offers a decent set of features for its price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The phone’s large display, robust battery life, and Samsung’s brand reputation are among its key selling points.

When compared to other devices in the same price range, the Galaxy A03s holds its own but faces stiff competition from other manufacturers like Xiaomi, Realme, and Motorola, who often offer devices with slightly better specifications or additional features at similar price points. However, the Galaxy A03s benefits from Samsung’s extensive distribution network and after-sales support, which can be a deciding factor for many buyers.

For first-time smartphone users, students, or those looking for a reliable secondary device, the Galaxy A03s provides a solid experience without breaking the bank. It’s also a suitable option for users who prefer the familiarity and reliability of Samsung’s ecosystem over other brands.

Comparison with Competitors

In the budget segment, the Samsung Galaxy A03s faces competition from several other devices, each offering its own set of strengths and weaknesses. Let’s compare the A03s with a few of its closest rivals.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A: The Redmi 9A is another popular budget smartphone that offers a similar experience to the Galaxy A03s. It features a 6.53-inch display with a slightly higher resolution and a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset. The Redmi 9A also has a larger 5000mAh battery, but it lacks a fingerprint sensor, which is a notable omission. While the Redmi 9A is slightly more affordable, the Galaxy A03s offers better security features and a more refined software experience with One UI Core.

Realme C21Y: The Realme C21Y is another strong competitor in the budget segment. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a Unisoc T610 chipset, and a 5000mAh battery. The Realme C21Y also includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a triple-camera setup similar to the Galaxy A03s. The C21Y offers a slightly better performance in terms of processing power, but Samsung’s One UI Core provides a more polished and user-friendly experience compared to Realme’s UI.

Motorola Moto E7 Power: The Moto E7 Power is a budget-friendly option from Motorola, featuring a 6.5-inch HD+ display, a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, and a 5000mAh battery. The device also includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor and a dual-camera setup. While the Moto E7 Power offers a near-stock Android experience, which is appealing to some users, the Galaxy A03s benefits from Samsung’s feature-rich One UI Core and a more versatile camera setup.

In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A03s may not stand out in terms of raw specifications, but it offers a balanced package with Samsung’s reliable software experience, long-lasting battery life, and essential features like a fingerprint sensor and expandable storage. Its value proposition lies in its ability to deliver a consistent and dependable user experience, backed by Samsung’s brand reputation.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable Price: The Galaxy A03s is priced competitively, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
• Solid Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery ensures that the phone can easily last a full day or more on a single charge.
• Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The inclusion of a fingerprint sensor at this price point is a significant advantage, offering quick and secure access to the device.
• Expandable Storage: The microSD card slot allows users to expand the storage up to 1TB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
• User-Friendly Software: Samsung’s One UI Core offers a clean and intuitive interface, with regular security updates to keep the device protected.

Cons:

• Modest Performance: The MediaTek Helio P35 chipset is sufficient for basic tasks but struggles with more demanding applications and multitasking.
• Average Display: The 720p resolution is adequate for everyday use, but users accustomed to higher resolutions may find the display lacking in sharpness.
• Basic Camera Setup: The camera performance is acceptable for casual photography, but it falls short in low-light conditions and lacks advanced features found in higher-end devices.
• No Fast Charging: While the phone supports 15W charging, it is not the fastest available, and the device takes a considerable amount of time to fully charge.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A03s is a well-rounded entry-level smartphone that delivers a satisfactory experience for its price. It is designed to cater to users who prioritize battery life, basic functionality, and the reliability of a well-known brand. While it does not offer cutting-edge features or performance, it provides a balanced and dependable user experience for those on a budget.

The Galaxy A03s is particularly suitable for first-time smartphone users, students, or individuals who need a reliable secondary device. Its strengths lie in its solid build quality, long-lasting battery, and user-friendly software, while its limitations are mainly in performance and camera capabilities.

In a highly competitive budget segment, the Galaxy A03s manages to hold its own by focusing on the essentials and delivering a product that meets the needs of its target audience. For those looking for an affordable smartphone from a trusted brand, the Samsung Galaxy A03s is a worthy consideration.

where can you get a Samsung Galaxy A03s online

Samsung Galaxy A03S 4G LTE (NOT 5G) 6.5″ HD+ Triple Camera 5000mAh Battery, Dual Sim GSM Unlocked Global 4G Volte (NOT VERIZON/Boost) International Model A037M/DS (Black, 64GB): Buy it now

Samsung Galaxy A03S (64GB, 4GB) 6.5″ HD+, 5000mAh Battery Dual SIM GSM Unlocked 4G LTE (T-Mobile, AT&T, Metro, Global) International Model A037M/DS (w/Fast Car Charger, Blue): Buy it now

Samsung Galaxy A03S 4G LTE (NOT 5G) 6.5″ HD+ Triple Camera 5000mAh Battery, Dual Sim GSM Unlocked Global 4G Volte (NOT VERIZON/Boost) International Model A037M/DS (Black, 32GB+3GB): Buy it now