The Samsung Galaxy A03 4GB is an entry-level smartphone that aims to deliver essential functionality at an affordable price point. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of performance or features, it serves as a reliable option for users who prioritize battery life and basic smartphone capabilities. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design, display, performance, camera quality, and battery life to determine whether it’s worth considering for budget-conscious buyers.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy A03 follows Samsung’s minimalist design language, featuring a plastic back and frame that keeps the weight down while maintaining durability. The textured rear panel provides a decent grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips. At 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm and 196 grams, it’s not the slimmest or lightest phone in its category, but the ergonomic curves make it comfortable to hold. The placement of the power and volume buttons is intuitive, though the absence of a fingerprint sensor might be a drawback for users who prefer biometric security.

Display

The phone sports a 6.5-inch PLS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). While the display won’t blow anyone away with its sharpness or color accuracy, it’s serviceable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and video streaming. The brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, though visibility under direct sunlight can be a struggle. The waterdrop notch housing the front camera is unobtrusive, allowing for a reasonably immersive viewing experience given the price range.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset and paired with 4GB of RAM, the Galaxy A03 handles basic multitasking without major hiccups. Light apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube run smoothly, but performance dips when switching between multiple apps or attempting more demanding tasks. Gaming is limited to casual titles—don’t expect to run Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile at high settings. On the software side, it runs Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI Core, which offers a streamlined experience with useful features like Dark Mode and Digital Wellbeing. However, the lack of a guaranteed Android upgrade path is disappointing.

Camera Performance

The dual-camera setup consists of a 48MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In well-lit conditions, the main camera captures decent shots with acceptable detail and color reproduction, though dynamic range is limited. Low-light performance is predictably weak, with noticeable noise and loss of detail. The 5MP front camera is sufficient for video calls and occasional selfies but struggles in challenging lighting. Video recording maxes out at 1080p at 30fps, and the lack of stabilization means footage can be shaky.

Battery Life

One of the strongest aspects of the Galaxy A03 is its 5,000mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use. Even with continuous browsing, social media, and video playback, reaching the end of the day with 20-30% remaining is common. The downside? Charging is painfully slow with the included 7.5W adapter, taking over two hours for a full top-up. A faster charger would have been a welcome addition.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy A03 4GB is a no-frills smartphone that delivers on the basics. It’s a solid choice for users who need a reliable device for calls, messaging, and light media consumption without breaking the bank. However, if you’re looking for better performance, camera quality, or faster charging, it may be worth stretching your budget slightly for a more capable device.

Key Specifications:

Display: 6.5-inch PLS LCD, HD+ (720 x 1600)

Processor: Unisoc T606 (12nm)

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB, expandable via microSD (up to 1TB)

Rear Cameras: 48MP (main) + 2MP (depth)

Front Camera: 5MP

Battery: 5,000mAh, 7.5W charging

OS: Android 11, One UI Core

Dimensions: 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm

Weight: 196 grams

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, microUSB