The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oscal Flat 2C and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent two distinct approaches: Oscal prioritizing exceptional battery endurance, while Samsung leverages its brand recognition and a slightly more powerful, though older, chipset. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best overall experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing longevity and consistent performance over peak speed, the Oscal Flat 2C is the clear winner. Its remarkable 51-hour battery endurance and efficient Unisoc T603 chipset outweigh the Galaxy A04e’s marginally faster CPU, especially considering the A04e’s less efficient Helio P35.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 19, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, January | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, January | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.2 x 75.2 x 8.8 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | 193 g (6.81 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 5 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 8x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition), DokeOS 4.0 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | 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 | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12 μm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Phantom Black, Ripple Blue, Sky Purple | 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) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 51:18h endurance, 1100 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class B | - |
| Free fall | Class C (90 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Oscal Flat 2C
- Exceptional battery life (51:18h endurance)
- Efficient Unisoc T603 chipset
- Potentially longer software support due to efficiency
- Less powerful CPU compared to the A04e
- Likely basic camera performance
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Slightly faster CPU for quick tasks
- Samsung brand recognition and ecosystem
- Potentially brighter display
- Significantly shorter battery life
- Less efficient Helio P35 chipset
- Potential for throttling under sustained load
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the focus shifts to power efficiency. The Unisoc T603’s lower power draw in the Oscal Flat 2C likely contributes to its superior battery life, even if the A04e’s display is marginally brighter. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be basic.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – basic. Both phones will likely feature a primary camera and a depth sensor, with the A04e potentially including a 2MP macro lens (often of limited utility). Sensor size and aperture data are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Image processing will likely favor brighter, more saturated colors on the Samsung, aligning with Samsung’s typical aesthetic. The Oscal’s image processing is less predictable, but the focus will likely be on maximizing detail within the limitations of the sensor.
Performance
The chipset battle is intriguing. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) features a more complex CPU configuration – octa-core with a split of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores – compared to the Oscal Flat 2C’s Unisoc T603 (22nm) with 8x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. However, the newer Cortex-A55 architecture in the T603 is more efficient. The 12nm process of the Helio P35 *should* offer better performance per watt than the 22nm T603, but the A53 cores are older and less efficient overall. In real-world use, the A04e will feel snappier for quick tasks, but the T603’s efficiency will shine during sustained use, preventing significant throttling and maintaining consistent performance. The A04e's GPU is also likely more powerful, but both phones will struggle with demanding games.
Battery Life
This is where the Oscal Flat 2C truly excels. Its reported 51:18h endurance is exceptional for a budget smartphone. This is a direct result of the efficient Unisoc T603 chipset and likely a larger battery capacity (though specific mAh is unknown). The Samsung Galaxy A04e, with its less efficient Helio P35, will require more frequent charging. While 10W charging is standard on both, the Oscal’s larger endurance buffer means you’ll be relying on that charger less often. The A04e’s 0-100% charge time will likely be slightly faster, but the difference won’t offset the Oscal’s overall battery advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oscal Flat 2C if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a charger. It’s ideal for travelers, field workers, or anyone who simply dislikes daily charging. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer the Samsung ecosystem, a slightly more responsive interface for basic tasks, and are willing to compromise on battery life for a small performance boost in short bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T603 in the Oscal Flat 2C struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
While the Unisoc T603 isn't a powerhouse, it's perfectly capable of running apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly for typical usage. The efficient architecture prevents significant overheating, ensuring consistent performance even during extended scrolling. However, expect some loading times and potential lag when switching between multiple apps.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e overheat during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The MediaTek Helio P35 is known to generate more heat than newer chipsets. While it won't become dangerously hot, the Galaxy A04e is likely to experience noticeable throttling during prolonged tasks like video recording or gaming. This will result in reduced performance and potentially stuttering.
❓ How does the 10W charging on both phones affect the user experience?
10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect approximately 3-4 hours for a full charge on both devices. However, the Oscal Flat 2C’s exceptional battery life mitigates the impact of slow charging, as you’ll need to charge it less frequently.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A04e worth considering?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited practical value. Image quality is often poor, and the fixed focus distance makes it difficult to capture truly detailed close-up shots. It's a feature that most users won't find essential.
