Infinix Hot 20i vs Samsung Galaxy A04e: A Deep Dive into Budget Smartphone Performance

The Infinix Hot 20i and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both phones aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low cost, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which device offers the better experience. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery life, and overall value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional multitasking, the Infinix Hot 20i, particularly the variant with the Helio G25, emerges as the stronger choice. Its octa-core processor and potential for a slightly faster CPU clock speed provide a noticeable edge over the Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35, despite both phones sharing similar RAM configurations.

PHONES
Phone Names Infinix Hot 20i Samsung Galaxy A04e
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 7, 8, 201, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2022, September 282022, October 21
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 28Available. Released 2022, November 07
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic frameGlass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions164.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.01 x 0.35 in)164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)188 g (6.63 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 500 nits (peak)PLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) / Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53)
ChipsetMediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) / Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm)
GPUPowerVR GE8320PowerVR GE8320
OSAndroid 12 or Android 12 (Go edition), XOS 10.6Android 12, One UI Core 4.1
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual-13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF Auxiliary lens
FeaturesDual-LED flashLED flash
Single8 MP5 MP, f/2.2
Triple13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF Auxiliary lenses-
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single8 MP5 MP, f/2.2
Video1080p@30fpsYes
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
BluetoothYes5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging10W wired 5W reverse wired-
TypeLi-Ion 5000 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsWilderness Black, Luna Blue, Energy Green, Sunset GoldBlack, Copper, Light Blue
ModelsX665C, X665ESM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS
PriceAbout 120 EUR₹ 7,999
SAR EU-0.29 W/kg (head)     1.11 W/kg (body)

Infinix Hot 20i

  • Potentially faster processor (Helio G25 variant)
  • 5W reverse wired charging
  • More affordable price point (typically)
  • Octa-core processor for better multitasking

  • Less established brand reputation
  • Software updates may be less frequent

Samsung Galaxy A04e

  • Stronger brand recognition (Samsung)
  • Potentially more refined software experience
  • Wider availability of accessories
  • Established customer support network

  • Slightly slower processor (Helio P35)
  • No reverse charging capability
  • Often priced slightly higher

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both target a basic 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on basic usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy will likely be standard for the price point, prioritizing power efficiency over color calibration.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Details are scarce, but both will likely feature a primary camera alongside auxiliary lenses of limited utility. The focus shouldn't be on image quality, but rather on functionality for quick snapshots. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be compromised. Image processing will likely be heavily reliant on software algorithms to enhance detail and reduce noise, but the limitations of the sensors will be apparent.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipset. The Infinix Hot 20i offers two options: the Mediatek Helio G25 and the Helio A22. The G25, an octa-core processor with a clock speed reaching 2.0 GHz, provides a clear advantage over the Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35. While both are based on a 12nm process, the G25’s architecture (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) is more balanced than the P35’s (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The higher clock speeds on the P35 don't necessarily translate to better real-world performance due to the less efficient core configuration. This means the Hot 20i will likely handle app switching and light multitasking more smoothly. The A22 variant of the Hot 20i will be significantly slower.

Battery Life

Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Infinix Hot 20i offers a unique advantage with 5W reverse wired charging, allowing it to function as a power bank for other devices – a feature absent on the Galaxy A04e. Both phones support 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow by modern standards, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Infinix Hot 20i if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps and multitasking, even if only moderately. Its processor offers a performance advantage for users who occasionally play casual games or switch between several applications. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prioritize brand recognition and a potentially more refined software experience, accepting a slight performance trade-off. Samsung’s established ecosystem and software support may appeal to users less concerned with raw processing power.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which chipset is better for gaming, the Helio G25 or the Helio P35?
The Helio G25, found in some Infinix Hot 20i models, is generally better suited for gaming than the Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy A04e. While neither chipset is a gaming powerhouse, the G25’s octa-core architecture and optimized core configuration provide a smoother experience for casual games and less demanding titles.
❓ Does the Infinix Hot 20i support fast charging, and how long does it take to charge?
The Infinix Hot 20i supports 10W wired charging, which is considered relatively slow. A full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take around 2-3 hours. While not fast charging, it's sufficient for overnight charging.
❓ Is the software experience significantly different between the Infinix Hot 20i and the Samsung Galaxy A04e?
Yes, the software experience differs. Samsung’s Galaxy A04e runs One UI, which is generally considered more polished and feature-rich. The Infinix Hot 20i likely runs a customized version of Android, which may have a different aesthetic and fewer pre-installed features. Samsung also typically offers longer software support.
❓ What is the benefit of the 5W reverse charging on the Infinix Hot 20i?
The 5W reverse charging allows you to use the Infinix Hot 20i as a power bank to charge other devices, such as wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, using a USB cable. It's a convenient feature for users who frequently travel or find themselves in situations where they need to top up a smaller device.