The itel P40 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 chipset 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 slightly better performance, the Samsung Galaxy A04e emerges as the winner. Its Helio P35 chipset, fabricated on a smaller 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance edge over the itel P40’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the itel having faster charging.
| 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 SC9863A (28 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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
0.3 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 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 | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Dreamy Blue, Luxurious Gold | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | P662L, P662LN | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 130 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
itel P40
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups.
- Potentially lower price point.
- May offer a slightly more compact form factor.
- Less powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
- Larger 28nm fabrication process leads to lower efficiency.
- Likely inferior sustained performance.
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful and efficient MediaTek Helio P35 chipset.
- Smaller 12nm fabrication process for better thermal management.
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience.
- Slower charging speeds.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Potentially larger form factor.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, the lack of detailed display specifications (resolution, brightness) makes a direct comparison difficult. We can infer that both will offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution primary sensors paired with auxiliary lenses of questionable utility. The focus should be on capturing acceptable photos in good lighting conditions, with limited low-light capabilities. Image processing will likely be minimal, relying heavily on software algorithms to enhance image quality. The A04e may have a slight advantage due to Samsung’s generally more refined image processing algorithms, but this is speculative.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.3 GHz, offering a significant clock speed advantage over the itel P40’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) and its 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio P35 is also more efficient, translating to better thermal management and sustained performance. While both are octa-core, the architectural differences and process node give the A04e a clear edge in CPU-intensive tasks. The Unisoc chip's larger 28nm node will likely result in higher power consumption for similar workloads.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the itel P40’s 18W wired charging is a significant advantage over the likely 10W or 15W charging on the Samsung Galaxy A04e. This means the itel P40 will be able to replenish its battery much faster, reducing downtime. The more efficient Helio P35 in the A04e might offset a smaller battery capacity to some extent, but the itel P40’s faster charging remains a key differentiator.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P40 if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are primarily focused on very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. The 18W charging is a significant advantage in this price bracket. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you need a phone capable of handling slightly more demanding apps and multitasking, benefiting from the more efficient and powerful Helio P35 chipset, even if it means slower charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the itel P40 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, it may exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or running more demanding features within those apps. The Helio P35 in the A04e offers a smoother experience for these common tasks.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04e a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is not ideal for serious mobile gaming. The Helio P35 can handle casual games, but will struggle with graphically intensive titles. Expect low frame rates and potential stuttering in demanding games. The itel P40 will perform similarly or slightly worse.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the itel P40 with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time depends on the battery capacity (which is unspecified), the 18W charging should take approximately 2-3 hours, significantly faster than the Samsung Galaxy A04e's likely 10W or 15W charging.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Samsung typically provides at least one major Android update and several years of security patches for its A-series devices. However, given the A04e's position as an entry-level model, the extent of long-term software support may be limited compared to higher-end Samsung phones.
