The Doogee X98 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 achieve this with different approaches to hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice. While both phones utilize Mediatek chipsets, the A04e’s Helio P35, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the X98’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more suitable for multitasking and app responsiveness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 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, November | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, November 10 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.3 x 76.3 x 8.8 mm (6.51 x 3.00 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 | - | 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 (~81.4% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (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 | 16GB 3GB 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 | 8 MP, f/1.8, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Triple-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4200 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Emerald Green, Ocean Blue, Graphite Gray | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Doogee X98
- Potentially simpler chipset leading to longer software support.
- May be more readily available in certain regions.
- Likely a lower price point.
- Significantly weaker performance compared to the A04e.
- Less responsive user experience.
- Struggles with multitasking.
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Octa-core processor delivers smoother performance.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- More responsive user interface.
- May have shorter software support lifecycle.
- Potentially slightly higher price.
- More complex chipset could be more prone to issues over time.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. The lack of specified display specs beyond the chipsets makes a direct comparison difficult. However, given Samsung’s generally better display calibration, the A04e likely offers slightly more accurate colors. Expect both to have 720p+ resolution, adequate for the screen sizes, but not particularly sharp.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones likely featuring a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro sensor. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined, potentially leading to more pleasing results in various lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee X98’s Mediatek Helio A22 is a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, built on a 12nm process. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35 is an octa-core processor (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53), also on a 12nm process. This octa-core configuration provides a significant advantage in multi-threaded tasks. The A04e will handle app switching, web browsing, and light gaming noticeably better. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speeds and additional cores on the P35 translate to a more responsive experience. The A22 is sufficient for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Neither device specifies battery capacity in the provided data. However, the more efficient Helio P35 in the A04e, despite its higher performance, might offer comparable or even slightly better battery life than the A22 in the X98, especially during sustained use. Charging wattage is also unspecified, so 0-100% times are unknown, but likely to be in the 2-3 hour range for both.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee X98 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize a potentially longer lifespan due to a simpler chipset. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a smoother user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and a slightly more refined software experience, even if it means potentially sacrificing some long-term software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A04e struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile, expect to play at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a stable experience. It's not a gaming phone, but it's capable of casual gaming. The Doogee X98 will likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Doogee X98?
Doogee's software update track record is less consistent than Samsung's. Expect limited updates, potentially only security patches for a year or two. The A04e, while still an entry-level device, will likely receive more consistent updates from Samsung.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A22 and Helio P35 noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P35's octa-core architecture allows for smoother app switching, faster web browsing, and a more responsive overall experience. The Helio A22 can feel sluggish when handling multiple tasks.
