The Blackview A50 and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best balance of performance, features, and value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Blackview A50 emerges as the stronger choice. While the Samsung Galaxy A04e benefits from brand recognition, the A50’s Unisoc Tiger T310 chipset, with its Cortex-A75 core, provides a noticeable performance advantage in everyday tasks and light gaming, making it a more responsive experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, March 04 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.4 x 72.9 x 8.9 mm (6.16 x 2.87 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 156 g (5.50 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~286 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.01 inches, 88.7 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core (1x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 3x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T310 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4280 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Blue, Gradient | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Blackview A50
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- Cortex-A75 core provides a noticeable speed boost
- Potentially better image processing capabilities
- Less established brand reputation
- Software update support may be limited
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Strong brand recognition and trust
- Potentially longer software support lifespan
- Wider availability of accessories
- Less powerful processor leading to slower performance
- Octa-core A53 configuration is less efficient than A75
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the focus here is on processing power to render content. The A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35 will likely struggle more with smooth animations and demanding visual tasks compared to the A50’s Unisoc chip.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices suggests limited utility, as image quality will be heavily compromised. The A50’s processing capabilities, stemming from the more powerful chipset, *may* translate to slightly better image processing and noise reduction, but this is speculative. The A04e’s image processing will likely be more basic.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset architecture. The Blackview A50’s Unisoc Tiger T310 features a quad-core configuration with a single high-performance Cortex-A75 core clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with three Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A04e’s MediaTek Helio P35, an octa-core processor comprised entirely of less powerful Cortex-A53 cores clocked at up to 2.3 GHz. While the A04e has more cores, the A75 in the A50 offers significantly higher single-core performance, crucial for app responsiveness and smoother UI navigation. The A50 will likely exhibit less lag when switching between applications. The A04e's reliance on four A53 cores will be more apparent during multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not provided for either device. However, given the 12nm fabrication process and relatively modest chipsets, both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, but the A50’s more efficient processor could potentially lead to slightly longer runtimes on a similar battery capacity. The A04e’s Helio P35, while clocked higher, may consume more power under load.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A50 if you prioritize responsiveness and occasional gaming, even on a tight budget. Its more powerful processor will handle multitasking and app launches more smoothly. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if brand loyalty and a potentially wider software support lifespan are paramount, and your usage is limited to basic communication and light social media browsing. The A04e is a safe, if less exciting, option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc Tiger T310 in the Blackview A50 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Tiger T310 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it should handle PUBG Mobile at lower settings. The Cortex-A75 core provides a performance boost over the A04e’s Helio P35, allowing for playable frame rates with reduced graphics quality. Expect some frame drops during intense action.
❓ How does Samsung’s software support compare to Blackview’s for the A04e and A50 respectively?
Samsung generally provides longer software support for its devices, including security updates. Blackview, as a smaller manufacturer, typically offers a shorter support window. If long-term software updates are a priority, the Galaxy A04e is the safer bet, though even Samsung’s budget A-series receives limited updates.
❓ Is the difference in CPU core count (8 vs 4) significant between the Helio P35 and Tiger T310?
Not necessarily. The Helio P35’s eight Cortex-A53 cores are less powerful individually than the A50’s single Cortex-A75 core. The A75’s superior architecture delivers higher single-core performance, which is more important for everyday tasks and app responsiveness. More cores don't always equate to better performance.
