The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The itel P40+ and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The itel P40+ focuses on maximizing battery life with a power-efficient chipset, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 offers a choice between a gaming-focused Mediatek Helio G80 or a more balanced Exynos 850, depending on the region.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing all-day battery life and basic functionality, the itel P40+ is the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, while less powerful, offers excellent efficiency. However, the Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the Exynos 850 variant, provides a more versatile experience with noticeably better performance for multitasking and light gaming.
| 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 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 8.9 mm thickness | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 or 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Ice Cyan | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | P683L | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | - | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
itel P40+
- Excellent battery life due to the efficient Unisoc T606 chipset.
- Faster 18W charging compared to the A14.
- Potentially more affordable price point.
- Lower performance compared to the Galaxy A14, especially for gaming.
- Less refined camera image processing.
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850) for smoother multitasking and gaming.
- Samsung’s software ecosystem and features.
- Potentially better camera image quality.
- Slower 15W charging.
- Lower battery life compared to the itel P40+.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing, the A14 likely benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. The itel P40+’s display is likely optimized for power efficiency, potentially at the expense of peak brightness. Bezels are expected to be comparable, typical of this price segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both phones relying on budget sensors. The focus should be on the main sensor, as the 2MP macro and depth sensors on both devices offer limited utility. Without specific sensor size information, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally offer more refined results, potentially leading to better dynamic range and color reproduction in the A14. The A14 may also benefit from slightly better low-light performance due to Samsung’s software optimizations.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14, with the Helio G80 (Version A), features a CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 cores, a step up from the itel P40+'s 1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores. The Exynos 850 (Version B) trades raw CPU power for efficiency with its Cortex-A55 cores. The Unisoc T606 in the itel P40+ prioritizes efficiency, making it suitable for everyday tasks but less capable in demanding applications. The Helio G80’s Mali-G52 MC2 GPU offers a more substantial gaming advantage over the T606’s integrated GPU. The A14’s potential for LPDDR4X RAM (typical for the segment) would also contribute to smoother multitasking compared to the P40+'s likely LPDDR4 RAM.
Battery Life
The itel P40+’s 18W charging is slightly faster than the Galaxy A14’s 15W charging. However, the Unisoc T606’s superior power efficiency is the key advantage. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the P40+ is marketed for its long battery life, suggesting a larger capacity or more aggressive power management. The A14’s Helio G80 or Exynos 850 will consume more power under load, potentially requiring more frequent charging, despite Samsung’s software optimizations.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P40+ if you need a phone that reliably lasts through a full day of moderate use, and your primary needs are calling, texting, and basic app usage. You'll appreciate its focus on efficiency. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a more capable device for occasional gaming, smoother multitasking, and access to Samsung's broader ecosystem and software features. The Exynos 850 version is preferable for a balanced experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is designed for efficiency, and while it can handle light to moderate gaming, it's not a high-performance chip. Overheating is unlikely during typical gaming sessions, but extended, graphically intensive games may cause some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly. The Helio G80 variant will likely run hotter.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the itel P40+ and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft, lacking in detail, and generally inferior to photos taken with the main camera in standard mode.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 version) reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 can run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. You'll likely need to use low or medium settings to maintain a playable frame rate, and even then, occasional frame drops may occur. The Exynos 850 version will struggle even more.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the itel P40+ from 0% to 100% with the included 18W charger?
While the itel P40+ supports 18W charging, the actual charging time will vary. Expect a full charge to take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on usage during charging and the battery's overall health. The efficient chipset helps minimize heat during charging, potentially speeding up the process.
