Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Lenovo K14 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A04 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the better experience for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the Lenovo K14 Plus thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and more established brand reputation. While both are budget options, the A04 provides a smoother overall experience, especially for multitasking and everyday use. However, the K14 Plus might offer slightly better value depending on pricing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 15 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, March | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.7 x 9.1 mm (6.5 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T700 | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | - | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo K14 Plus
- Very affordable
- Large display
- Decent battery life
- Weak processor
- Slow charging
- Limited features
- Less established brand
Samsung Galaxy A04
- More powerful processor
- Better brand reputation
- Potentially better camera
- Likely faster charging
- Still a budget phone
- Basic features
- LCD display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature large, LCD displays, likely around 6.5 inches. Expect resolutions in the 720+ HD range. The Samsung Galaxy A04 might have slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference will be minimal at this price point. Brightness will likely be similar, adequate for indoor use but potentially struggling in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Samsung generally has better image processing algorithms, so the A04 might produce slightly better photos in various lighting conditions. Both will likely struggle in low light. Front-facing cameras are likely 5MP or similar.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04's Mediatek Helio P35 offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Unisoc T700 in the Lenovo K14 Plus. The A04's CPU clock speeds are higher, and the 12nm process is more efficient. Expect smoother app loading, better multitasking, and slightly improved gaming performance on the A04. The K14 Plus will be adequate for basic tasks but may feel sluggish with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have batteries in the 5000mAh range, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the A04's more efficient processor could give it a slight edge in battery endurance. The Lenovo K14 Plus's 10W charging is significantly slower than what's typically found on the A04, which may support 15W charging (though this is not confirmed).
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Lenovo K14 Plus? Users prioritizing a very basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing on a tight budget. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04? Those seeking a slightly more capable device for everyday tasks, occasional gaming, and a more reliable brand experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor and better thermal management.
❓ Does the Lenovo K14 Plus have 5G?
No, neither the Lenovo K14 Plus nor the Samsung Galaxy A04 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
