The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The HMD Bold, with its focus on clean Android and a relatively recent Unisoc chipset, enters the arena against Samsung’s established Galaxy A14, available in both Mediatek and Exynos variants. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Exynos 850 version) offers a more well-rounded experience. While the HMD Bold boasts faster charging, the A14’s potentially more efficient processor and Samsung’s software optimizations provide a smoother, more reliable daily experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~262 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.1 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7200 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh, user replaceable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black; other colors | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
HMD Bold
- Faster 20W wired charging
- Near-stock Android experience (less bloatware)
- Potentially lower price point
- Less powerful Unisoc T7200 chipset
- Likely less optimized software
- Unknown camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More efficient Exynos 850 (in some versions)
- Samsung’s established software ecosystem
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Slower 15W wired charging
- Potential for Samsung bloatware
- Helio G80 version offers less performance benefit
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely utilizing LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and refresh rate are missing, but the focus here is on processing power. The lack of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on efficiency rather than visual fluidity. Bezels are expected to be noticeable on both, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality will heavily depend on the main sensor and image processing. The HMD Bold’s camera specs are unknown, while the Galaxy A14’s likely includes a higher resolution main sensor. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A14 is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit. Image processing is where Samsung typically excels, offering more vibrant and shareable photos, even in challenging lighting conditions. The Exynos version of the A14 may have a slightly better ISP (Image Signal Processor) than the Helio G80 version.
Performance
The performance disparity is significant. The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers two chipset options: the Mediatek Helio G80 and the Exynos 850. The Helio G80, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, provides a slight CPU clock speed advantage over the HMD Bold’s Unisoc T7200 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75). However, the Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process versus the 12nm Unisoc and Mediatek chips, is the more efficient option, potentially leading to better sustained performance and reduced thermal throttling. The A14’s CPU architecture, while similar, benefits from the more advanced fabrication process. The Unisoc T7200, while capable for basic tasks, will likely struggle with demanding applications and multitasking compared to the Exynos 850.
Battery Life
The HMD Bold’s 20W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Galaxy A14’s 15W charging. This translates to faster top-ups, reducing downtime. However, battery life isn’t solely determined by charging speed. The Exynos 850 in the A14, being built on a more efficient 8nm process, could potentially offset the slower charging with better overall battery endurance. While the exact mAh capacities are unknown, the efficiency gains of the Exynos chip are likely to provide a longer usable time between charges.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Bold if you prioritize faster charging speeds and a near-stock Android experience. This phone suits users who dislike bloatware and prefer a minimalist interface. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you value brand recognition, a potentially more refined software experience (especially with the Exynos version), and a wider ecosystem of accessories. This is ideal for users who want a dependable, all-around smartphone without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is generally efficient and manages heat well. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant overheating or throttling. However, sustained, high-graphics games may still cause some temperature increase.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A14 actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro camera on the Galaxy A14 is largely a marketing feature. The low resolution and fixed focus result in images that lack detail and sharpness. It's best to rely on the main camera for close-up shots, utilizing digital zoom instead.
❓ Will the HMD Bold receive regular software updates and security patches?
HMD Global, the manufacturer of the Bold, has a generally good track record of providing software updates, especially for security patches. However, the update frequency may not match Samsung’s commitment. Expect at least a few years of security updates, but major Android version upgrades are less certain.
❓ Which phone is better for streaming video and watching YouTube?
Both phones are adequate for video streaming, but the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Exynos version) may offer a slightly smoother experience due to its more powerful processor. The efficiency of the Exynos 850 could also translate to longer battery life during video playback.
