The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia C22 and the Samsung Galaxy A04. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the Nokia C22 thanks to its more powerful processor and slightly better camera capabilities. While the C22 boasts Nokia's reputation for durability and software support, the A04 provides a smoother, faster experience for everyday tasks.
| 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 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 25 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 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 | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| 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 | 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 13 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | 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 | Sand, Midnight Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | - | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C22
- Durable build quality
- Clean Android experience
- Regular software updates (typically)
- Nokia's brand reputation
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging (10W)
- Less vibrant display
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Faster performance (Helio P35)
- More versatile camera
- Samsung ecosystem integration
- Slightly better display
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Software updates can be slower than Nokia
- Basic camera in low light
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, Samsung's display technology often provides slightly more vibrant colors and better contrast, giving the A04 a minor advantage. The C22's display is perfectly serviceable, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04 generally offers a more versatile camera setup, typically including a higher resolution main sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens (depending on the variant). While both phones capture acceptable photos in good lighting, the A04 tends to produce more detailed and vibrant images. Low-light performance is generally weak on both devices.
Performance
Here's where the Galaxy A04 shines. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) significantly outperforms the Nokia C22's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the A04. The C22 can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the A04's more efficient chipset may give it a slight edge in overall battery endurance. The Nokia C22's 10W charging is slower than what some competitors offer.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C22 is ideal for users prioritizing durability, a clean Android experience, and a reliable brand. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a better choice for those seeking a slightly faster performance, a more versatile camera, and the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia generally provides more consistent and timely software updates, especially security patches, compared to Samsung in this price range.
❓ Is the Nokia C22 worth buying if durability is my top priority?
Yes, the Nokia C22's robust build quality makes it a good choice if you prioritize durability and a long-lasting device.
