The itel S18 and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice. While the itel S18 attempts to compete, the A04e’s more modern 12nm Mediatek Helio P35 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage and better power efficiency, translating to a smoother user experience despite similar RAM configurations.
| 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 | 2022 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | 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 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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 | 8 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 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 |
|---|
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Digital Sliver, Midnight Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | 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 S18
- Potentially lower price point
- May include features not found on the A04e (depending on regional variations)
- Lightweight design (likely)
- Less powerful and less efficient Unisoc chipset
- Likely to experience more throttling under load
- Potentially slower software updates
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More efficient Mediatek Helio P35 chipset
- Faster CPU clock speeds
- Samsung brand recognition and potential for better software support
- May be slightly more expensive than the itel S18
- Still a budget device with inherent limitations
- Likely to have similar display quality to the itel S18
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing. The focus here is on processing power, as display quality is often a secondary concern for these models. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices probably featuring a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses. Details are scarce, but it's safe to assume image quality will be adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. The A04e may benefit from slightly better image processing capabilities due to the more powerful chipset, but don't expect flagship-level results. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35, fabricated on a 12nm process, offers a significant advantage over the itel S18’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 12nm process inherently leads to better power efficiency and reduced heat generation. While both are octa-core CPUs, the A04e utilizes Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz, compared to the S18’s Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz. This translates to faster processing speeds for the A04e, particularly in multi-tasking and app loading. The older 28nm process of the Unisoc chip will likely result in more noticeable throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Helio P35’s superior power efficiency gives the A04e an edge. Even with a similar battery capacity, the A04e should deliver longer screen-on time. Charging wattage is also unknown, but given the price point, expect relatively slow charging speeds on both devices. The A04e’s chipset will likely allow for more optimized power management, extending battery life during standby.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 if you need a phone primarily for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are extremely price-sensitive. Its Unisoc chipset will handle these tasks, but expect limitations. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, even with demanding apps, and value the Samsung brand reputation for software updates and reliability, even if limited in this segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the itel S18 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect slower loading times and occasional lag, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The chipset is designed for very light usage, and demanding apps will push its limits.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e support any form of fast charging?
Details on charging speed are limited, but given the price point, it's unlikely the A04e supports fast charging. Expect standard 5W or 10W charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours.
❓ Is the software experience significantly different between the two phones?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e will run Samsung's One UI, a relatively polished and feature-rich Android skin. The itel S18 likely runs a near-stock version of Android, potentially with itel's own customizations. Samsung generally provides more consistent software updates, even for budget devices, though long-term support is still limited.
❓ How does the gaming performance compare between these two devices?
Gaming performance will be limited on both devices. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35 will offer a slightly better experience, allowing for basic games at low settings. The itel S18 will struggle with even less demanding titles due to its weaker chipset and potential for thermal throttling.
