The Energizer Ultimate U608s and Nokia 3.4 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Energizer focuses on providing a functional device at the lowest possible price, while the Nokia 3.4 aims for a more balanced experience with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the Nokia 3.4 is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 460 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, delivers significantly better performance than the Energizer U608s’ Helio A22. While the Energizer may offer slightly longer battery life due to its less powerful processor, the Nokia 3.4’s improved performance outweighs this benefit.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 13, 28, 66 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June | 2020, September 22. Released 2020, October 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 155.4 x 73.3 x 9.8 mm (6.12 x 2.89 x 0.39 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 156.8 g (5.54 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~277 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.08 inches, 92.3 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 10, upgradable to Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | - | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Fjord, Dusk, Charcoal |
| Models | - | TA-1288, TA-1285, TA-1283 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.83 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.56 W/kg (body) |
Energizer Ultimate U608s
- Potentially longer battery life due to less powerful processor.
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the Nokia 3.4.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Likely slower software updates.
Nokia 3.4
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Snapdragon 460.
- Octa-core CPU for smoother multitasking.
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- Better long-term software support from Nokia.
- May have slightly shorter battery life than the Energizer.
- Slightly higher price point.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. However, the comparison centers on processing power, not display fidelity. We can assume similar resolutions and brightness levels, making the display a non-differentiating factor. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, it’s safe to assume both phones feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Energizer’s camera performance will likely be limited by the Helio A22’s image signal processor (ISP). The Snapdragon 460’s ISP, while not flagship-level, will offer better image processing capabilities, resulting in sharper images and improved low-light performance. The presence of a more powerful processor allows for more sophisticated computational photography features on the Nokia 3.4.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia 3.4’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, fabricated on an 11nm process, features an octa-core CPU (4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). This configuration provides a substantial advantage over the Energizer U608s’ MediaTek Helio A22, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor built on a 12nm node. The A73 cores in the Snapdragon 460 offer significantly higher single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 11nm process also contributes to better power efficiency, despite the increased core count. This means the Nokia 3.4 will handle demanding apps and light gaming with far less struggle.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, the Energizer U608s likely benefits from the Helio A22’s lower power consumption. However, the Nokia 3.4’s 10W wired charging is a significant advantage. The Energizer’s charging speed is likely slower, potentially offsetting any gains from a larger battery. The Snapdragon 460’s efficiency improvements also minimize battery drain during typical usage, making the Nokia 3.4 a competitive option despite potentially having a smaller battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Ultimate U608s if you need a basic, extremely affordable smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and battery life is paramount. Buy the Nokia 3.4 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, and value a chipset that will remain relevant for a longer period. The Nokia 3.4 is also the better choice for users who appreciate software updates and a cleaner Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 3.4 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
No, the Snapdragon 460 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and web browsing. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will provide a smooth and responsive user experience for these common tasks, unlike the Energizer U608s which may exhibit noticeable lag.
❓ Is the Nokia 3.4 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Nokia 3.4 can handle light mobile gaming, but it's not designed for demanding titles. Games like PUBG Mobile will likely require low graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. The Energizer U608s will struggle even more with gaming due to its weaker processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia 3.4 with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. While not the fastest charging speed available, it's a significant improvement over the likely slower charging speed of the Energizer U608s.
❓ Does the Nokia 3.4 receive regular software updates?
Nokia is known for providing relatively consistent software updates, even for its budget devices. The Nokia 3.4 is likely to receive at least one major Android version update and regular security patches, offering a longer software support lifespan compared to the Energizer U608s.
