The itel A05s and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this through different approaches to hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a basic smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a performance advantage and potentially better thermal management compared to the itel A05s’ Unisoc SC9863A1.
| 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 | 2023 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 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 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 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 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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 | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meadow Green, Nebula Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | A663LC | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 70 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
itel A05s
- Potentially the lowest price point in its class.
- Functional for basic communication tasks.
- May include features like a dedicated microSD card slot.
- Less powerful chipset compared to the A04e.
- Likely inferior thermal management.
- Potentially lower quality display.
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More efficient Mediatek Helio P35 chipset.
- Samsung brand recognition and software optimizations.
- Potentially better camera image processing.
- Slightly higher price point than the itel A05s.
- Still limited performance for demanding tasks.
- Display quality likely remains basic.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-quality display. Specifications are not provided, so we must rely on market segment expectations. Both will likely feature LCD panels with 720p+ resolution. However, the A04e benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, as minimizing these is a cost-cutting measure in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance will be limited on both devices. Details are lacking, but it's safe to assume both will feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The A04e likely has a slight edge due to Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which can often extract more detail from lower-end sensors. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff and offers minimal practical benefit. Focusing on the main sensor’s megapixel count and aperture (if available) will be more indicative of real-world image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at up to 2.3 GHz. This is a significant advantage over the itel A05s’ Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm) which combines Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio P35 is more efficient, meaning it generates less heat for the same level of performance, potentially reducing throttling during sustained use. While both are octa-core, the A53 architecture in the A04e, despite being older, is generally more capable than the A55 in the A05s at these clock speeds. This translates to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking on the A04e.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their price points, both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Helio P35’s superior power efficiency gives the A04e an advantage in battery life. While charging wattage is also unknown, the A04e’s more efficient chipset will likely result in a longer time between charges, even with similar battery capacities. Expect both to take several hours to fully charge with a standard 5W charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A05s if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and prioritize absolute lowest cost. Its Unisoc chipset is sufficient for these tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience for everyday tasks, occasional light gaming, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition and software optimizations, even at this price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A04e struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio P35 isn't a powerhouse, it's sufficient for running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for typical social media usage, it should be adequate. The A05s will likely be slower, especially with multiple apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset in the itel A05s known to overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A1, being fabricated on a 22nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling than the A04e's Helio P35. Prolonged gaming or intensive app usage may lead to noticeable performance slowdowns as the chip heats up. It's best suited for light tasks.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can handle casual games like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers, but don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics. The Samsung Galaxy A04e will likely provide a slightly smoother experience due to its more powerful chipset. More demanding games will likely be unplayable.
❓ Do either of these phones support fast charging?
Neither phone is likely to support fast charging. They will almost certainly ship with a standard 5W charger, and a full charge will take several hours. Battery efficiency is more important than charging speed at this price point.
