The Nokia C2 2nd Edition 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 take different approaches to achieving this. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition relies on a simpler, older processor, while the Samsung Galaxy A04e opts for a more modern, albeit still entry-level, Mediatek chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly more fluid experience than the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core processor. While the Nokia C2 2nd Edition may offer slightly better software longevity due to its Android Go Edition, the performance gap is too substantial to ignore.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 19 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | TA-1468, TA-1454 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 240 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Potentially cleaner software experience with Android Go Edition
- Simpler user interface for first-time smartphone users
- Likely lower price point
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Poor performance with demanding apps
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Faster and more responsive processor
- Better multitasking performance
- More versatile for everyday use
- Software may include more bloatware
- Potentially slightly shorter battery life under heavy load
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics regarding panel type, resolution, or brightness are unavailable for the Nokia C2 2nd Edition, suggesting a very basic LCD. The Samsung Galaxy A04e also utilizes an LCD, but the focus here is on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness rather than display quality. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning. Color accuracy is expected to be standard for this price range, prioritizing cost over fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both are likely to feature basic sensors. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s camera specs are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume a single, low-resolution sensor. The Samsung Galaxy A04e likely includes a primary sensor alongside potentially a depth or macro sensor (often of limited utility). Image processing will be basic on both, with limited dynamic range and low-light performance. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but significant noise and softness in challenging environments.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core 1.5 GHz processor is a generation behind. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) features an octa-core configuration with a split of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. This means the A04e can handle more tasks concurrently and will exhibit less lag when switching between applications. The 12nm manufacturing process of the Helio P35 also contributes to better power efficiency compared to older, larger node processors. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the A04e will provide a noticeably smoother experience with casual games.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. Specific battery capacities are not provided in the context data. However, given their similar price points and processor power, both devices should offer all-day battery life with moderate use. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow, with neither phone supporting fast charging technologies. The more efficient Mediatek Helio P35 in the A04e *may* translate to slightly longer battery life under heavy load, but the difference is unlikely to be dramatic.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 2nd Edition if you need a supremely basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and value a clean, streamlined Android Go experience. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a simple backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional social media browsing, and appreciate the versatility of a more powerful processor for handling multiple apps simultaneously. It’s a better choice for users who want a phone that can handle more than just the bare essentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy A04e get hot during extended use?
The Helio P35 is a relatively power-efficient chipset. While it will generate heat during prolonged gaming or video recording, it's unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling due to its modest performance capabilities. The 12nm process node also aids in heat dissipation compared to older, larger node processors.
❓ Is Android Go Edition on the Nokia C2 2nd Edition a significant benefit for performance?
Android Go Edition is designed for devices with limited RAM and processing power. While it reduces bloat and optimizes apps for lower-end hardware, it cannot overcome the fundamental limitations of the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core processor. It improves the experience *relative* to running full Android, but the Samsung Galaxy A04e’s more powerful chipset will still deliver a smoother overall experience.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A04e handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy A04e is capable of running popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram with reasonable smoothness. While it won't offer the same level of performance as a flagship device, it provides a usable experience for browsing feeds, recording short videos, and interacting with content.
