The itel A90 Limited 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 take different approaches to achieving this. The itel leverages a newer Unisoc chipset, while the Samsung opts for the established, though older, MediaTek Helio P35. This comparison dives deep into the specifics to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light social media, the Samsung Galaxy A04e offers a slightly more refined experience due to its more powerful CPU clock speeds. However, the itel A90 Limited’s newer Unisoc chipset may offer better long-term software support and potentially improved efficiency.
| 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 | 2025, September 02 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October | 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 | Nano-SIM + Nano-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, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), itel OS 14 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlit Black, Space Titanium, Aurora Blue | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 60 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 0.82 W/kg (head) 0.46 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
itel A90 Limited
- Newer Unisoc T7100 chipset may offer better long-term software support.
- Potentially better power efficiency with the newer chipset architecture.
- Competitive price point for essential smartphone functionality.
- Lower CPU clock speeds compared to the Samsung Galaxy A04e.
- Likely basic display quality.
- Limited brand recognition.
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Higher CPU clock speeds for improved responsiveness.
- Established brand reputation and software ecosystem.
- Potentially better battery life due to chipset efficiency.
- Older MediaTek Helio P35 chipset.
- Limited camera capabilities.
- May receive fewer software updates compared to the itel.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are unavailable for the itel A90 Limited’s panel, but given its price point, it’s likely a basic IPS LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A04e also utilizes an IPS LCD. The key difference lies under the hood: the Samsung’s Helio P35 is fabricated on a 12nm process, which, while not cutting-edge, is more efficient than what the itel likely employs. This could translate to slightly better battery life during display-intensive tasks. Both will likely suffer from limited viewing angles and color accuracy, making them suitable for basic content consumption but not ideal for media enthusiasts.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are scarce for the itel A90 Limited, but budget phones often prioritize megapixel count over sensor size and quality. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s camera specifications are similarly limited. Expect passable image quality in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the Samsung is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit due to its low resolution and lack of autofocus. Image processing will likely be basic on both devices, prioritizing speed over detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s MediaTek Helio P35 features an octa-core configuration with a split design: four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz. This contrasts with the itel A90 Limited’s Unisoc T7100, which is also octa-core but uniformly clocked at 1.8 GHz. While core count is the same, the higher clock speeds on the Samsung’s prime cores provide a noticeable advantage in single-core performance, impacting app launch times and general responsiveness. However, the Unisoc T7100’s architecture is newer, potentially offering better efficiency and future software optimization. The Samsung’s older architecture may show its age with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
The itel A90 Limited supports 15W wired charging. Battery capacity is unknown, but typical for this segment is around 4000-5000mAh. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s battery capacity is also unspecified, but its 12nm chipset and potentially more efficient software could offset a slightly smaller battery size. The 15W charging on the itel A90 Limited will likely take several hours for a full charge. The Samsung, while also utilizing a relatively slow charging speed, may achieve a full charge slightly faster due to its more efficient processor.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A90 Limited if you need a phone primarily for essential communication and are comfortable with a potentially less polished software experience, prioritizing future software updates. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a brand with a more established reputation and need slightly more responsive performance for everyday tasks, even if it means relying on an older chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7100 in the itel A90 Limited receive Android updates?
Unisoc’s software support track record is less established than MediaTek or Qualcomm. While itel may provide some updates, users shouldn’t expect the same level of long-term support as with Samsung’s Galaxy A04e. Expect at least one major Android version update, but beyond that, it's uncertain.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04e suitable for playing demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
The Helio P35 is not a gaming powerhouse. PUBG Mobile will be playable at the lowest settings with significant frame rate drops. Expect a compromised gaming experience, and prolonged gaming sessions may lead to noticeable thermal throttling.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and is it expandable?
Storage configurations vary by region, but both phones typically offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Both devices support microSD card expansion, allowing users to increase storage capacity for photos, videos, and apps.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A04e generally supports VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), ensuring compatibility with modern mobile networks and improved call quality. However, compatibility depends on your carrier.
