Unisoc SC9863A in Real Devices: Why Results Differ by Almost Double

The Unisoc SC9863A has been used in entry-level smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, Nokia C3, and Realme C11 2021. Eight Cortex-A55 cores do not make this chip fast: low single-core performance, weak graphics, and eMMC storage cause delays when launching applications and switching between them.

That said, the same SC9863A can show nearly double the difference in multicore tests across different devices. Factors influencing the results include the Android architecture, the amount of RAM, background load, and firmware settings.

Results of Devices with Unisoc SC9863A

The table lists individual Geekbench 5 results rather than average figures for each model. These cannot accurately rank devices, but the sample clearly shows the influence of system architecture and memory configuration.

Why Multicore Results Differ by Almost Double

The Nokia C3 scores 820 points in Geekbench 5 Multi-Core, whereas the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core scores 453. Both devices run on the same SC9863A.

The key difference is the software environment. Geekbench identifies the Nokia C3 and Teclast P10 HD as 64-bit AArch64 devices, while the Realme C11 2021, Moto E7i Power, and Galaxy A03 Core are identified as 32-bit ARMv7.

The processor itself supports 64-bit instructions; however, some smartphones are running on 32-bit Android. Such a system consumes less RAM, which is important for models with 2 GB of RAM, but at the same time limits the processor's capabilities in specific tasks.

The most noticeable difference is in the multicore tests. The single-core results for devices fall within a relatively narrow range from 123 to 149 points, whereas multicore results differ nearly twofold.

System architecture does not explain the entire variation. The specific performance of a model also depends on the amount of RAM, background processes, thermal limitations, and manufacturer settings. Therefore, when assessing a smartphone, it is more useful to look at tests of the specific device rather than just the averaged score of the SC9863A.

How SC9863A Performs in Everyday Tasks

The SC9863A handles calls, messaging apps, music, navigation, and basic applications. However, even with lightweight firmware, noticeable pauses occur when launching programs, opening heavy websites, and switching between tasks.

The main limitation of the chip is its low single-core performance. Results in the range of 120-150 points in Geekbench 5 correspond to a low interface speed and slow processing of complex web pages.

On models with 2 GB of RAM, Android often closes background applications. When returning to the browser, messaging app, or navigation app, the program frequently restarts. Three gigabytes of RAM reduce the frequency of such restarts, but the smartphone still cannot handle several heavy applications simultaneously.

Performance is additionally hampered by eMMC storage. This leads to longer installation times for applications, delays in updates, and lagging in the gallery when there are a large number of photos.

Gaming and PowerVR GE8322 Graphics

The PowerVR GE8322 manages the Android interface, video playback, and less demanding games but is too slow for modern 3D graphics.

Casual games and older 3D titles run without major issues, especially on screens with HD or HD+ resolution. However, it lacks the capacity for modern demanding games. Even at minimal settings, frame rates drop, and responsiveness suffers.

Gaming performance is limited not just by graphics but also by low CPU and memory performance. The SC9863A is suitable for simple projects but not for modern 3D games.

Devices Featuring Unisoc SC9863A

The SC9863A is found in the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, Realme C11 2021, Nokia C3, and Motorola Moto E7i Power. The chip has also been used in budget tablets, such as the Teclast P10 HD.

Most of these devices have 2-3 GB of RAM and eMMC storage. In our sample, the best multicore result comes from the Nokia C3 with 3 GB of RAM and a 64-bit system. Models with 2 GB of RAM and ARMv7 trail significantly behind.

Conclusion

The Unisoc SC9863A provided sufficient basic performance for affordable devices of its time, but today the chip is noticeably outdated. It is capable of handling calls, messaging, navigation, and a few simple applications, but the interface and multitasking remain slow.

Devices with the SC9863A should not be evaluated solely based on the processor name: their multicore results in Geekbench 5 can differ by almost double. When choosing between two models, it's better to opt for one with 3 GB of RAM and 64-bit Android.

As of today, a smartphone with the SC9863A is justifiable only at a minimal price-as a backup device or a phone for basic tasks. For a primary smartphone, it is already too slow: applications take a long time to launch, and models with 2 GB of RAM frequently restart background programs.