Samsung Galaxy A03 Core Price in Kenya
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core price in Kenya is Kes 11,500 for the 32 GB 2 GB RAM storage variant at Silkroom Electronics. Simple, dependable, and affordable, the A03 Core is designed for users seeking a no-frills smartphone that excels in everyday basics like browsing, messaging, calls, and long battery life.
Immersive Display & Performance
The Galaxy A03 Core offers a 6.5‑inch PLS LCD screen with a 720×1600 resolution and an Infinity‑V notch design, providing a large viewing area for media, social apps, and web browsing. Powered by a Unisoc SC9863A chipset built on a 28 nm process with an octa‑core CPU (4×1.6 GHz + 4×1.2 GHz) and IMG8322 GPU, it's paired with 2 GB RAM. This configuration handles lightweight usage, though multitasking may be limited. Internal storage is 32 GB, expandable via microSD up to at least 256 GB through a dedicated slot.
Camera Experience
At the back, a single 8 MP (f/2.0) autofocus camera captures basic photos and supports video recording up to 1080p@30 fps, while the 5 MP front camera (f/2.2) handles selfies and video calls with modest clarity. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting but lacks detail and performs poorly in dim conditions.
Battery, Charging & Build
The phone is equipped with a 5000 mAh Li‑Po battery that typically supports a full day or more of light to moderate use. Charging is over micro‑USB at standard speeds (no fast charging), making overnight charging practical. With a plastic back and frame, the device weighs around 211 g and measures 9.1 mm thick, including a headphone jack and basic sensors (accelerometer, proximity).
Why It’s Worth It
The Galaxy A03 Core delivers reliable fundamentals at an ultra-budget price, with solid battery life, expandable storage, and familiar Samsung One UI Core (Android 11 Go Edition, upgradable to Android 13 Go Edition on some markets). While it lacks advanced hardware, its clean interface and minimal hardware requirements make it accessible for users who need essential smartphone capabilities without compromise. For users worldwide seeking affordability and simplicity, the A03 Core is a sensible, globally relevant option.
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core Full Specifications
The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is an entry-level smartphone featuring a 6.5″ HD+ PLS TFT display, powered by a Unisoc SC9863A chipset with 2 GB RAM, an 8 MP rear camera and 5 MP front shooter, a robust 5000 mAh battery, and ships with Android 11 (Go Edition) upgradeable to Android 13 (Go Edition) under One UI Core.
Display
Type: PLS TFT LCD, 60 Hz
Size: 6.5 inches (measured diagonally)
Resolution: 720 × 1600 px (~270 ppi), Infinity‑V HD+ format
Protection: Not specified
Always‑on Display: ❌ No
Performance
Chipset: Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU: Octa‑core (4×1.6 GHz Cortex‑A55 + 4×1.2 GHz Cortex‑A55)
GPU: IMG8322
RAM: 2 GB (Android Go Edition optimized)
Storage
Internal Options: 32 GB eMMC 5.1
Expandable: ✔️ Yes — microSDXC (dedicated slot, up to 1 TB)
Camera
Rear:
– 8 MP wide (f/2.0, autofocus)
Features: LED flash, digital zoom up to 4×, HDR, panorama
Video: 1080p@30fps (Full HD)
Front:
– 5 MP wide (f/2.2)
Video: 1080p@30fps
Battery & Charging
Capacity: 5000 mAh Li‑Po (non-removable)
Wired Charging: MicroUSB 2.0 (charging speed unspecified)
Wireless Charging: ❌ No
Reverse Charging: ❌ No
Software & Updates
OS: Android 11 (Go Edition) with One UI Core 3.1
Upgradable: ✔️ Yes — Android 13 (Go Edition) with One UI Core 5.1
Software Support: Aligned with A‑series long-term support policy for Go variants
Connectivity
Network: 4G LTE / 3G / 2G (no 5G support)
SIM: Single or Dual Nano‑SIM (Dual‑Standby) with separate microSD slot
Wi‑Fi: 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz, Wi‑Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP, LE
GPS: GPS, GLONASS
NFC: ❌ No
USB: MicroUSB 2.0 (data & charging, OTG unspecified)
FM Radio: ❌ Not specified
Security & Sensors
Fingerprint: ❌ No fingerprint sensor
Face Unlock: ❌ No
Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity, ambient light
Build & Design
Dimensions: 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm
Weight: 211 g
Materials: Plastic frame and back; glass front (display glass type unspecified)
Water/Dust Resistance: ❌ No official IP rating
Colors: Black, Blue (availability varies by region)
Audio & Extras
Speakers: Mono loudspeaker
Headphone Jack: ✔️ Yes, 3.5 mm analog audio
Hi‑Res Audio: ❌ No
Extras: Dolby Atmos via software, Samsung Members diagnostics app preinstalled
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core Compare & Alternatives
Why Choose Samsung Galaxy A03 Core?
The Galaxy A03 Core is Samsung’s most affordable smartphone in Kenya, retailing around KES 11,500–13,500 for the 2 GB RAM / 32 GB storage variant. It features a 6.5″ HD+ (720×1600 px) PLS LCD “Infinity‑V” display, a Unisoc SC9863A octa‑core chipset (4×1.6 GHz + 4×1.2 GHz), Android 11 (Go edition), and a large 5,000 mAh battery. Basic imaging comes from an 8 MP rear camera (with autofocus) plus a 5 MP front camera—enough for light photo tasks on a tight budget.
Real‑World Performance & Battery
Everyday performance is modest: Reddit users report slow navigation and app switching, especially on the 2 GB model, and frequent low-storage warnings. Still, many users praise its battery: typical usage offers up to two days on a full charge thanks to the 5,000 mAh battery and low-res screen. Charging is slow via micro‑USB; no fast‑charge support.
Alternatives to Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
Samsung Galaxy A03s – 6.5″ HD+ LCD, MediaTek Helio P35, 3–4 GB RAM, triple rear camera (13 MP + macro + depth), 5,000 mAh battery with 15 W charging.
Compared to Galaxy A03 Core, the A03s offers smoother operation, more RAM, faster charging, and a sharper camera setup but costs slightly more.
Samsung Galaxy A13 – 6.5″ Full HD+ LCD, Exynos 850, 50 MP main + ultrawide, up to 128 GB storage, 5,000 mAh battery with 15 W charging.
As an alternative to Galaxy A03 Core, the A13 brings a higher-resolution display, better camera versatility, and vastly improved overall speed.
itel P40 Pro+ or Realme C30/C35 – 90 Hz or HD+ displays, Helio‑G85 or Unisoc/Helio chipsets, up to 6 GB RAM, 5,000 mAh battery with 18 W charging.
These models offer smoother animations, more multitasking ability, and faster charging compared to Galaxy A03 Core, though they lack the Samsung branding.
🧭 Which One’s Right for You?
- Choose Galaxy A03 Core if you want the cheapest Samsung-branded smartphone in Kenya (~KES 11K–13K) with a solid battery and basic functionality.
- Pick Galaxy A03s if you need smoother everyday use, more memory, a better camera, and faster charging in the ultra-budget segment.
- Go for Galaxy A13 if you’re ready to spend just a bit more for a sharper display, significantly improved speed, and better imaging.
- Opt for itel P40 Pro+ or Realme C30/C35 if you want faster charging, higher RAM, and smoother multitasking in other ultra-budget options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main specifications of the Galaxy A03 Core?
Samsung’s Galaxy A03 Core was launched in December 2021 as a budget-friendly smartphone. It features a 6.5‑inch HD+ PLS TFT LCD display (720 × 1600), Unisoc SC9863A octa‑core processor (4×1.6 GHz and 4×1.2 GHz Cortex‑A55), 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage (dedicated microSD slot), and a 5,000 mAh battery—all running Android 11 Go Edition (One UI Core 3.1).
How is the battery life and charging experience?
Thanks to the large 5,000 mAh battery and lightweight Android Go interface, users routinely get one to two days of basic use from a single charge. However, the device ships with a modest ~7.75 W charger, making full recharges take over three hours.
What is the camera quality like?
The Galaxy A03 Core offers a single 8 MP rear camera (f/2.0) and a 5 MP front camera (f/2.2). Photos in good lighting are functional but lack dynamic range or fine detail, and low‑light shots tend to appear grainy. Video is limited to 1080p at 30 fps, with no stabilization.
Is the Galaxy A03 Core suitable for gaming or multitasking?
Not really. With 2 GB RAM and the modest Unisoc SoC, multitasking is slow and resource-limited. Light apps like messaging or basic browsing work, but heavier apps or gaming cause frequent slowdowns or app closures.
Can the storage be expanded, and how much usable space is available?
Yes. The device has a dedicated microSD slot supporting up to 1 TB. Out of the 32 GB onboard, roughly 23 GB is free for personal use straight out of the box.
Does it support 5G, NFC, and modern connectivity?
No. The A03 Core supports only 2G/3G/4G LTE. It lacks NFC, fingerprint sensor, and fast charging, and uses a micro‑USB 2.0 port instead of USB‑C. Wireless is limited to Wi‑Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2.
What performance issues do users commonly report?
Long-term users report severe UI lag—even for basic tasks. On Reddit, many described the phone as “laggy” and “slow”, with apps taking 10–20 seconds to open. Optimizing or disabling background apps helps somewhat, but the limited hardware caps performance heavily.
What software support does it have?
The phone shipped with Android 11 Go Edition and One UI Core 3.1. It is officially upgradable to Android 13 Go Edition (One UI Core 5.1), though no further system updates are expected beyond that.
What’s included in the box when purchasing?
Standard packaging includes the Galaxy A03 Core handset, micro‑USB cable, low‑power charger (~7.75 W), SIM ejector tool, and documentation. Accessories and details may vary by region or retailer.