The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Oukitel C31 and Samsung Galaxy A04e aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches: the C31 prioritizes efficiency with a quad-core processor, while the A04e opts for an octa-core configuration. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice. Its Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core CPU, provides a noticeably smoother experience for multitasking and moderately demanding apps, outweighing the C31’s slightly better potential for sustained efficiency in very light 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 9.5 mm thickness | 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 | 207 g (7.30 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB 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 | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple, Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 110 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Oukitel C31
- Potentially longer battery life with minimal usage
- Lower price point (likely)
- Simpler software experience
- Significantly slower performance
- Less responsive multitasking
- Limited app compatibility for demanding titles
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Faster and smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Samsung’s software optimizations
- Slightly shorter battery life (potentially)
- Higher price point
- More pre-installed bloatware (potentially)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but functionality. While specific display specs are unavailable, Samsung generally offers better color calibration even on its entry-level devices. The A04e’s larger user base also suggests a higher probability of software optimizations for display performance. The C31’s display is likely adequate for basic viewing, but won’t impress.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar – adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and a depth sensor, with the A04e potentially including a secondary macro lens (often of limited utility). The A04e’s image processing, benefiting from Samsung’s software expertise, will likely produce more pleasing results, particularly in challenging lighting. Sensor size data is unavailable, but the A04e’s slightly higher price point suggests a potentially larger sensor, capturing more light and detail.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Oukitel C31’s Mediatek Helio A22 is a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, built on a 12nm process. This prioritizes power efficiency. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy A04e features the Mediatek Helio P35, an octa-core chip (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) also on a 12nm node. The P35’s octa-core design allows for better parallel processing, resulting in smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. While both use Cortex-A53 cores, the A04e’s higher clock speeds and additional cores provide a significant performance advantage. The A22 will struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. The Oukitel C31, with its more efficient Helio A22 chipset, *should* offer slightly longer battery life under light usage. However, the A04e’s more efficient power management and optimized software could close the gap. Charging speeds are likely similar – slow, using standard 5W or 10W chargers. The A22’s efficiency advantage is most pronounced when the phone is idle or performing very simple tasks.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel C31 if you absolutely need the longest possible battery life for extremely basic usage – think calls, texts, and occasional light browsing – and are willing to accept slower performance. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, even if it means slightly shorter battery life, and want the backing of the Samsung brand and software ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A04e struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile, you’ll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially accept lower frame rates for a smooth experience. It’s not a gaming phone, but it’s capable of casual gaming. The Oukitel C31 will struggle significantly more.
❓ Is the difference in performance between the Helio A22 and Helio P35 noticeable in everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Helio P35’s octa-core design allows for smoother app switching, faster web browsing, and a more responsive overall experience. The Helio A22 will feel sluggish when multitasking or running demanding apps.
❓ Does the Oukitel C31 support fast charging?
It’s unlikely. The Oukitel C31 likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours. The A04e is also likely to have similar charging speeds.
❓ Which phone is better for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls, texts, and WhatsApp?
The Oukitel C31 is a viable option for this use case, as its efficient processor will provide adequate battery life for basic communication. However, the A04e will still offer a more responsive experience even for these simple tasks.
