The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Micromax In Note 1 and the Samsung Galaxy A04 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the In Note 1 prioritizing processing power and the A04 leaning on Samsung’s brand recognition and software experience. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Micromax In Note 1 is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio G85 chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the Galaxy A04’s Helio P35. While the A04 benefits from Samsung’s software, the In Note 1’s superior processing power delivers a smoother overall experience.
| 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, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat7 300/150 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, November 03. Released 2020, November 24 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 77 x 9 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Oleophobic coating | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 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 | LED flash |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired
2.5W reverse wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | E7746 | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Micromax In note 1
- Superior processing power with the Helio G85 chipset.
- Faster charging with 18W support.
- Reverse wired charging capability.
- Less established brand recognition.
- Software updates may be less frequent.
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Samsung’s well-regarded software experience.
- Strong brand reputation and customer support.
- Potentially wider availability of accessories.
- Significantly weaker performance with the Helio P35.
- Slower charging speeds (unspecified).
- Likely less responsive user interface.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on performance. The lack of high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies on either device indicates a cost-saving approach. The user experience will likely be similar in terms of visual fidelity, with neither offering exceptional brightness or color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, both phones likely feature basic camera setups. The presence of a 2MP macro lens on the A04 is a common, but often underwhelming, feature in this segment. The In Note 1’s camera performance will likely be more consistent due to the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Helio G85 chipset, allowing for faster image processing and potentially better low-light performance. The A04 will likely rely more heavily on software processing, which may introduce artifacts or slow down image capture.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Micromax In Note 1’s Mediatek Helio G85, with its 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, is demonstrably more powerful than the Samsung Galaxy A04’s Helio P35 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The G85’s Cortex-A75 cores offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The A04’s reliance on four Cortex-A53 cores at a higher clock speed doesn’t compensate for the architectural advantage of the G85. This translates to smoother multitasking, faster app loading, and a more enjoyable gaming experience on the In Note 1. The G85 is designed for gaming, while the P35 is geared towards basic functionality.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for typical usage. The In Note 1 features 18W wired charging and 2.5W reverse wired charging, offering faster charging speeds than the A04 (charging speed unspecified). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the more efficient Helio G85 in the In Note 1 may contribute to slightly longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the A04. The 2.5W reverse charging on the In Note 1 is a niche feature, allowing it to act as a power bank for accessories, a feature absent on the A04.
Buying Guide
Buy the Micromax In Note 1 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who value performance over brand prestige. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 if you prioritize a familiar software experience, a well-established brand, and are primarily focused on basic smartphone tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those seeking simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Micromax In Note 1 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While not a flagship gaming phone, the Helio G85 in the In Note 1 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it’s a playable experience. The Galaxy A04’s Helio P35 will likely struggle to maintain stable frame rates even at lower settings.
❓ Is Samsung’s One UI on the Galaxy A04 a significant advantage over the software on the Micromax In Note 1?
Samsung’s One UI is a polished and feature-rich software experience. However, the performance limitations of the Helio P35 may negate some of the benefits of One UI, leading to occasional lag and slowdowns. The In Note 1’s software, while potentially less refined, will likely feel smoother due to the more powerful processor.
❓ How important is the reverse charging feature on the Micromax In Note 1?
The 2.5W reverse charging is a niche feature, but it can be useful for topping up accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch in a pinch. It’s not a fast charging solution, but it offers added convenience.
❓ Does the Galaxy A04 receive regular security updates?
Samsung generally provides consistent security updates for its devices, including the A04. However, the frequency and duration of updates may be less than those offered for higher-end Samsung models. Micromax’s update schedule is less predictable.
