The itel A50 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 with different approaches to chipset selection and overall design. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and potentially slightly better long-term software support, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice. While the Unisoc T603 in the itel A50 is newer, the Helio P35's more mature software optimization and slightly higher clock speeds translate to a smoother user experience in everyday tasks.
| 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 | 2024, May | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 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 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB 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
auxiliary lens | 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 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Shimmer Gold, Суаn Blue, Lime Green, Misty Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | A507LXU | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | - | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
itel A50
- Potentially lower price point
- Newer chipset architecture (Unisoc T603)
- May offer slightly better battery life at idle
- Less refined software experience
- Potentially lower performance in demanding tasks
- Less established brand reputation
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More established brand with software support
- Slightly better performance due to optimized chipset
- Potentially better camera image processing
- Older chipset (Helio P35)
- May be slightly more expensive
- 12nm process is less efficient than newer nodes
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. The critical difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Samsung Galaxy A04e benefits from Samsung's display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The itel A50's display quality will likely be more basic, focusing on cost reduction.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Given the price bracket, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. The Samsung Galaxy A04e likely has a slight edge due to Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which are generally more refined. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the A04e is largely a marketing gimmick and offers limited practical benefit. The itel A50’s camera performance will likely be adequate for basic snapshots in good lighting conditions, but will struggle in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A50 utilizes the Unisoc T603, an octa-core processor, while the Samsung Galaxy A04e employs the MediaTek Helio P35. The Helio P35, fabricated on a 12nm process, features a more defined CPU cluster configuration – 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 cores and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This split allows for more efficient task allocation. While the Unisoc T603 is also octa-core, its architecture and clock speeds are less defined, suggesting a focus on power efficiency over raw performance. The Helio P35’s slightly higher peak clock speeds will result in snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, despite the older manufacturing process. The lack of information on RAM speeds for both devices makes a definitive comparison difficult, but LPDDR4X is the likely standard.
Battery Life
Both devices are likely equipped with batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for entry-level smartphones. The itel A50 features 10W wired charging. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s charging speed is also likely around 10W. The difference in chipset efficiency could impact battery life; the Helio P35’s more mature optimization might lead to slightly better real-world endurance, despite the Unisoc T603’s potential for lower power consumption at idle.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A50 if you need a phone primarily for very light tasks like calls, texts, and occasional social media browsing, and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a more established brand with a history of software updates, and require a slightly more responsive experience for multitasking and app usage, even if it's still within the entry-level performance bracket.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the MediaTek Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy A04e struggle with multitasking?
While the Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset, its optimized architecture and clock speeds allow for reasonable multitasking with a few apps open simultaneously. However, demanding apps or numerous background processes will likely cause noticeable slowdowns. It's best suited for basic usage scenarios.
❓ Is the Unisoc T603 in the itel A50 a significant upgrade over older MediaTek Helio A22 chips?
Yes, the Unisoc T603 represents a noticeable improvement over the Helio A22. It offers more processing power and a more efficient architecture, resulting in a smoother user experience for everyday tasks. However, it doesn't compete with higher-end chipsets like the Snapdragon 600 series.
❓ Will either phone receive major Android updates?
It's unlikely that either phone will receive more than one major Android update. Both are entry-level devices, and manufacturers typically prioritize software support for their higher-end models. Expect security patches to be infrequent as well.
❓ How does the 10W charging affect the user experience on both devices?
10W charging is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This isn't ideal for users who need a quick top-up, but it's typical for phones in this price range. Overnight charging is recommended.
