The Cubot Note 30 and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, despite sharing the same Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, subtle differences in brand ecosystem and potential software updates could sway your decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing brand reliability and potential software updates, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the slightly better choice. While the Cubot Note 30 offers comparable hardware at a potentially lower price, Samsung's established ecosystem and longer support history provide peace of mind.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 19, 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 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 75.7 x 9 mm (6.50 x 2.98 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 | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 20 MP, (wide)
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Unspecified | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | - | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Cubot Note 30
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar performance to Samsung Galaxy A04e
- May offer slightly more RAM for the price
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially shorter software support lifecycle
- Uncertainty regarding software updates
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Stronger brand recognition and trust
- Potential for longer software support
- More refined software experience (Android Go)
- May be slightly more expensive
- Similar performance to Cubot Note 30
- Potentially limited RAM configuration
Display Comparison
Both the Cubot Note 30 and Samsung Galaxy A04e utilize displays that prioritize affordability over premium features. While specific panel types and resolutions aren't provided, both likely feature LCD panels. The core performance bottleneck is the Helio P35, meaning display resolution won't significantly impact the user experience. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests neither device is geared towards media consumption. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a budget.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited by the Helio P35's image signal processor (ISP). While megapixel counts may vary, the quality will be heavily dependent on software processing. It's highly probable both phones include a primary camera alongside depth or macro sensors of minimal utility. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to assess image quality, but expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions. Samsung's image processing algorithms generally offer a more refined look, potentially giving the A04e a slight edge.
Performance
The heart of both devices is the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, an octa-core processor featuring four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.35 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. This configuration is optimized for efficiency rather than raw power. The slight difference in CPU clock speed (2.35 GHz for the A04e vs 2.3 GHz for the Note 30) is unlikely to be noticeable in real-world usage. Both devices will struggle with demanding tasks like modern gaming or heavy multitasking. RAM configurations are crucial, but unspecified; however, given the chipset, expect 2GB or 3GB, limiting app retention. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low-power chipset.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration for budget smartphones. While mAh capacities are not provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Helio P35's efficiency contributes to reasonable battery endurance. Charging wattage is also unspecified, but expect slow charging speeds (likely 10W or less) on both devices. The focus should be on maximizing usage through efficient app management and display settings.
Buying Guide
Buy the Cubot Note 30 if you need a functional smartphone at the absolute lowest possible price and are comfortable with a less established brand. You'll get similar performance to the A04e for potentially less money. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prioritize brand recognition, a more polished software experience (even if it's Android Go), and the potential for longer-term software support and security updates, even if it means paying a small premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio P35 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for basic tasks like running WhatsApp, Facebook, and browsing the web. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or using resource-intensive features within these apps. Optimizing app usage and clearing cache regularly will help maintain performance.
❓ How long can I expect software updates to be supported on the Samsung Galaxy A04e?
Samsung typically provides at least two years of security updates for its budget devices. While the A04e runs Android Go Edition, which is designed for lower-end hardware, it will still receive critical security patches for a reasonable period, offering better long-term security than the Cubot Note 30.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is often poor, and the fixed focus distance makes it difficult to capture truly detailed close-up shots. It's best to rely on the main camera for most photography.
