Moto E22 vs Galaxy A03 Core: which is the most complete entry-level cell phone? | Comparative

The Moto E22 tries to attract the consumer with some characteristics of more expensive devices, in an economical model. On the other hand, the Galaxy A03 Core focuses on the basics, as long as it lasts a long time unplugged.

Among these entry-level smartphones from Motorola and Samsung, which one provides the best set to the user? That’s what we’re going to check now, here at Comparativo do TudoCelular.

Starting with the design, we have here two devices made of plastic both on the sides and on the back. Although both have a drop-shaped notch at the front, each bets on a look to make the appearance more differentiated.

Moto features a camera block similar to more advanced models of the brand, in addition to flatter lines. The Galaxy, on the other hand, has gusty lines on its lid, to alternate between a matte and glossy finish.

Even so, don’t expect any certification from them that guarantees protection against liquids and dust. The E22 has a more compact and lighter body than the rival, not to mention that it is the only one to contain a biometric reader, which is integrated into the power button. Another shortcoming of the A03 Core is the presence of a micro-USB connector, while the competitor already has the more advanced USB-C.

Motorola also got it right by putting support for Wi-Fi and fifth-generation Bluetooth. Samsung, on the other hand, preferred to save with only a 2.4 GHz network and Bluetooth in version 4.2. At least, the chip drawer of both comes with a dedicated microSD card slot.

By far, Moto E wins in this regard and opens the scoring.

On both sides, we find a 6.5-inch screen, with resolution limited to HD+. In the duo, it is made of LCD, which has a wide viewing angle, but lacks limited brightness, especially in well-lit places.

Despite having the same size, the E22 has a superior frontal use, thanks to the smaller edges present in the bend of its display. But they left out any extra scratch protection.

Moto also delivers a refresh rate of 90 Hz, to provide a fluidity superior to the 60 Hz present in Galaxy.

So it’s another point for Motorola.

As we are talking about two entry-level cell phones here, the manufacturers have put a mono-only audio system on them. That is, the single speaker does not allow for an optimal immersive experience.

The sound power of both leaves something to be desired in general, but at least the E22 offers a better balance between bass, mids and highs than the A03 Core. In addition, Motorola is the only one of the pair to send headphones in the package. Even without coming with the accessory in the box, the Galaxy also has a standard physical connector.

For superior quality, Moto scores one more point.

The E22 comes with Android 12 out of the box, while the A03 Core still contains Android 11, in the Go Edition. As we are dealing here with basic cell phones, these devices will be left behind in updates, especially the Korean one, which already has an older version natively.

None of them have 5G support, that is, no fast mobile network on these devices. At the very least, the leaner interface and optimized apps on the system of both help with greater fluidity. Moto still has the advantage of a higher refresh rate to make browsing smoother.

In terms of features, these software pretty much provide the basics of Android. Samsung has left out the various functions of One UI here. At least Motorola has inserted the gesture to turn on the flashlight faster.

It’s one more point for the E22.

Manufacturers put only 2 GB of RAM in these smartphones. The difference is that the Moto features MediaTek’s Helio G37 platform, while the Galaxy comes with the Unisoc SC9863A chip. Which has the best performance? Our multitasking tests gave an advantage of approximately five seconds for the Korean, especially due to the shorter time to open apps in the first round.

Benchmarks already follow an opposite path, with slightly higher scores for the E22. Gaming isn’t these phones’ strong suit, so only casual games will run decently on them.

For being the fastest, the A03 Core scores this time.

The E22 has a battery of only 4,020 mAh, well below the 5,000 mAh present in the A03 Core. And it seems that this distance in capacity impacts a lot on autonomy. In our standardized tests, the Galaxy reached almost 29 hours of total duration, 11 hours above what the rival delivered.

Moving on to charging, the Moto’s 10W adapter lets you reach 100% in less than two hours. The Korean’s weakest charger only completes the process with more than three hours.

Greater autonomy against less recharge time. We have one point for each.

Motorola put a double set in its basics, against just a rear camera on the Samsung model. Although the photos are not the strength of these devices, the presence of HDR, night mode and twice the resolution on the E22 make its captures a little superior compared to the Galaxy records, whether day or night.

The lack of a macro lens on them requires the main one to be used to take close-up photos with these phones, but it will require patience until you find the correct focus. Already the absence of an ultrawide in them is without an alternative to compensate. The Moto even comes with a second blur sensor, which only does a decent job in simpler portrait mode scenarios.

With fewer defects than the competitor, the E22 gets the point this time.

The camcorder of these smartphones is limited to Full HD resolution at 30 fps. The quality of the Moto videos is similar to that of the photos, but the Galaxy suffers more from noise and fails mainly in closed places. They are similar in the lack of stabilization, the average focus and the capture of only mono sound.

In the details, the point goes to the E22.

The duo’s front camera is no more than 5 megapixels and makes decent selfies during the day. Both have a lot of noise in images captured at night. The advantage of Moto is that portrait mode works more efficiently. On the other hand, the A03 Core records from the front in Full HD, against the competitor’s HD-only resolution.

Portrait mode with no background blown out on one side; and higher definition footage of the other. We have a draw.

Both models can be found officially in Brazil. The Moto E22 arrived at a suggested retail price of R$1,100, slightly above the R$1,000 charged at the launch of the Galaxy A03 Core. In the current scenario, both are practically available for the same cost, around R$ 700.

Without major differences, both score points in this last aspect.

In this confrontation between the two entry-level cell phones, the Motorola model fared better than Samsung’s. The Moto E22 has a more compact and lighter design, more advanced connectivity, a 90 Hertz screen and higher quality sound. In addition, the native system is more up-to-date than the rival, while the camera set does more in photos, rear videos and selfies.

On the other hand, the Galaxy A03 Core can attract the consumer for two main items. One of them is performance, as it proved to be the fastest in our tests. The other point is the battery, which provides a much higher autonomy. Not to mention the front camera, which records in Full HD.

As we are talking here about two devices that cost practically the same amount in national retail, the choice should be based on the item that matters most to you. If the intention is to have the best set overall, the Moto will be the most suitable option for the duo.

RESULT

Motorola Moto E22: 9 POINTS

• More compact and lightweight design with advanced connectivity
• 90 Hz screen
• higher quality sound
• most up-to-date system
• Battery with less recharge time
• Cameras with HDR, night mode and blur sensor
• Best quality videos
• Front camera with better selfies and portrait mode
• Same price in current Brazilian market

Samsung Galaxy A03 Core: 4 POINTS

• Faster multitasking performance
• Battery with greater autonomy
• Front camera that shoots in Full HD
• Same price in current Brazilian market

Do you think these devices are so far apart in the qualities they deliver? Which one would you buy? Feel free to comment with us in the space below.

(updated Feb 05, 2023 at 18:26)