The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 7 (India) and Samsung Galaxy M04 are two contenders vying for dominance. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and slightly faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy M04 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35, fabricated on a 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the Infinix Smart 7’s Unisoc SC9863A1, despite the latter’s octa-core configuration. However, the Smart 7 remains a viable option for extremely light users.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 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 | 2023, February 22 | 2022, December 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 27 | Available. Released 2022, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.6 x 9.4 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.37 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 | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, XOS 12 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Azure Blue, Emerald Green, Night Black | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue |
| Models | X6517 | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Smart 7 (India)
- Potentially lower price point
- Octa-core CPU configuration
- Likely large battery capacity (estimated)
- Less efficient 22nm chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Potentially lower performance
Samsung Galaxy M04
- More efficient 12nm chipset
- Faster 15W charging
- Higher CPU clock speeds
- Potentially slightly higher price
- Cortex-A53 architecture is older
- Likely similar camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like resolution and peak brightness are missing. The focus here is on the underlying processors, as display performance is often limited by the GPU's ability to drive the panel. We can assume both will offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit. Image quality will heavily rely on software processing, and we anticipate similar results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will likely be subpar on both.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy M04’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at up to 2.35 GHz. This 12nm fabrication process is more efficient than the Unisoc SC9863A1’s 22nm process, translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. While the Infinix Smart 7 has an octa-core CPU, its split configuration (1.6 GHz & 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) suggests a focus on power efficiency over raw speed. The Helio P35’s higher clock speeds and more efficient node will result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones will likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, common for this segment. The Samsung Galaxy M04’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Infinix Smart 7’s 10W charging. This translates to a faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and improving usability. While a larger battery capacity on the Smart 7 could offset the slower charging, the more efficient Helio P35 in the M04 will likely result in comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 7 (India) if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light social media – and prioritize a minimal cost of entry. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M04 if you prefer a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, video streaming, and occasional gaming, and value the slightly faster 15W charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy M04 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Helio P35, while not a high-end gaming chip, benefits from the 12nm fabrication process, which aids in thermal management. While it won't handle demanding games at maximum settings, it should maintain stable performance during moderate gaming sessions without significant overheating. Expect to play less intensive titles like PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 sufficient for running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A1 is capable of running basic social media applications like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-rich content. The processor is geared towards essential tasks and may struggle with more demanding applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone from 0%?
With 15W charging, the Samsung Galaxy M04 will likely take around 2.5 to 3 hours for a full charge. The Infinix Smart 7, with its 10W charging, will likely require 3.5 to 4 hours to reach 100%.
