Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison and see what these two phones offer in the real world. We've got the Samsung Galaxy A03s, a more budget-focused option from 2021, going head-to-head with the newer Realme 11 from 2023. Let's break down the specs and see what it all means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, combined with what they mean for your daily use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A03s | Realme 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 165.7 × 76 × 8.1 mm | Realme 11 is slightly taller, but thinner, which may feel better in hand |
| Weight | 196g | 190g | Realme 11 is slightly lighter, noticeable during extended use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Realme 11 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 11 is much sharper; text and images will be noticeably clearer |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 392 | Realme 11 has a much sharper display, enhancing detail and clarity |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 11 has better display tech with wider viewing angles and color accuracy |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11's display will feel much smoother in animations and scrolling |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 11 is significantly brighter for outdoor viewing, especially in sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) | Dimensity 6100+ (6nm) | Realme 11's chip is much more powerful & efficient, leading to faster apps and better performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,049 | 389,600 | Realme 11 is drastically faster, offering smoother multitasking and gaming |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 11 has a much better GPU, resulting in superior graphics performance |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Main Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 64MP f/1.79 | Realme 11’s camera captures significantly more detail and performs better in low light |
| Front Camera | 5MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.0 | Realme 11 will capture sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait Mode | N/A | 2MP f/2.4 | Realme 11 has a dedicated lens for portrait mode with better background blur |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.3 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A03s lets you take close up pictures of small objects |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both are capable of 1080p video recording |
| Slow-Motion | No, 30 fps | Yes, 120 fps | Realme 11 can capture smoother slow-motion videos |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera | Digital zoom, Dual camera, PDAF | Realme 11 has PDAF which is a better auto focus mechanism |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggests comparable battery life |
| Charging | Li-Ion, Normal | 33W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Realme 11 has faster charging speeds, getting you back to full quicker |
| Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, up to 12 | Android 13 | Realme 11 has a more current Android version and therefore better security |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Realme 11 has more modern WiFi connectivity, leading to faster speeds |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Realme 11 has a more modern Bluetooth connectivity, leading to better audio codec compatibility |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Realme 11 can pin your location faster and more accurately with more satelite systems |
| Storage (Internal) | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | Realme 11 offers significantly more storage space for apps, photos and videos |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | Realme 11 offers significantly more RAM, leading to smoother multitasking and less app reloading |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phones support additional storage via microSD |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 is equipped with extra layer of screen protection |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A03s
Strengths:
- Budget-Friendly: It's designed for users on a tight budget, offering basic smartphone functionality.
- Decent Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery provides ample power for daily tasks.
- Macro Camera: Its macro camera lens allows you to capture close-up shots.
Limitations:
- Outdated Performance: The Helio P35 chipset is quite weak, leading to sluggish performance and struggles with multitasking or games.
- Poor Display: Low resolution, poor brightness, and 60Hz refresh rate limit the viewing experience.
- Basic Cameras: The cameras are adequate for simple shots, but lack detail and low-light performance.
Realme 11
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset offers a significant performance boost, making apps and games run smoothly.
- Excellent Display: A higher resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and greater brightness make the screen vibrant and smooth.
- Improved Cameras: A 64MP main camera and better front camera capture significantly more detail and perform well in various conditions.
- Fast Charging: 33W fast charging dramatically reduces charge times.
- Better build quality: Equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for more protection
- More storage and RAM: Comes in 128 or 256 GB storage variants and 8 or 12 GB of RAM
- More modern connectivity: It uses newer WiFi and Bluetooth standards.
Limitations:
- No Macro Lens: Lacks the macro lens found in A03s.
- Non-expandable Storage: It may not be enough storage for everyone and the internal storage can not be expanded.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A03s:
- Ideal For: Users who need a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Use Cases: First-time smartphone users, secondary phone for basic communication, those on extremely tight budgets.
Realme 11:
- Ideal For: Users who want a phone with smooth performance for daily use, gaming, media consumption, and capturing better quality photos.
- Use Cases: Students, young professionals, anyone needing good all-round performance without breaking the bank.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Performance Priority: How important is smooth performance for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking? If high performance is key, the Realme 11 is the clear winner. If basic tasks are all you need, the A03s is okay.
- Display Quality: How much does a sharp, vibrant display matter for watching videos, browsing, and overall visual experience? The Realme 11's display is significantly better.
- Camera Expectations: Do you need better quality photos with good low-light capabilities? The Realme 11's cameras outperform the A03s by a large margin.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious: The Samsung Galaxy A03s is the absolute cheapest option that's still functional, but expect compromises in performance and features.
- Balanced Performance and Value: The Realme 11 is the superior choice for those willing to invest a bit more, providing substantially better performance, display, and camera capabilities.
- Power User on a Budget: The Realme 11 is the only option that provides the performance, camera and all-round capabilities for someone looking for more demanding tasks in an affordable device.
Which one would I choose?
If I had to pick between the two, I would choose the Realme 11 without any hesitation. The A03s is simply too outdated, with its performance, screen and camera holding it back. I can't stress enough how much the Realme 11 has the edge: The significantly better chipset (resulting in much smoother performance), sharper, faster 120Hz display with superior brightness, much better cameras, much faster charging, and the sheer amount of more RAM (12GB vs 4GB max) for better multitasking capabilities make it an easy choice. The enhanced WiFi and bluetooth connection capabilities, alongside better GPS for more accuracy and reliability is also a must. For me, it’s not just about specs, but also about the usability and experience. The Realme 11 delivers a noticeably better experience across the board. Even if that means having to spend a bit more money, the extra money will provide a much better daily usability.
