The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Oukitel C35 and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The Oukitel C35 relies on a Unisoc chipset, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 offers a choice between a Mediatek Helio G80 and an Exynos 850, creating a nuanced battle of efficiency and performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Exynos 850 version if available) is the better choice. While the Oukitel C35 offers a competitive price, the Galaxy A14’s potentially more efficient Exynos 850 chipset and slightly faster 15W charging provide a smoother overall experience and better long-term value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.4 x 9.2 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.36 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.9 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Unisoc Tiger T616 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 256GB 12GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Secondary unspecified camera | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Light Blue | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Oukitel C35
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable performance for basic tasks
- Functional camera system
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Less efficient Unisoc chipset
- Potentially limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Potentially more efficient Exynos 850 version
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s brand reputation and software support
- Higher price than Oukitel C35
- Helio G80 version offers less performance gain
- Camera quality is still limited by sensor size
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a flagship-level display experience. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. LCD) and resolution are not provided, but both likely target a 720p+ resolution. The key difference lies in potential software optimizations; Samsung typically offers more refined color calibration and viewing angles. Bezels are likely comparable, given the price bracket. Without detailed brightness data, it's difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but Samsung’s history suggests a slight advantage in peak brightness.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar across both devices, focusing on basic image capture. Both will likely feature a primary camera and several lower-resolution sensors. The Oukitel C35 and Samsung Galaxy A14 both likely include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but Samsung’s image processing algorithms generally produce more pleasing results, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) is unlikely to be present on either device.
Performance
The performance landscape is the most interesting aspect of this comparison. The Oukitel C35’s Unisoc Tiger T616 and the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Mediatek Helio G80 (Version A) both utilize an octa-core configuration with 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores. However, the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 (Version B) represents a significant shift. Built on an 8nm process versus the 12nm process of the Unisoc and Helio G80, the Exynos 850 should offer superior power efficiency and sustained performance. The Exynos’ all Cortex-A55 core configuration prioritizes efficiency over raw peak performance, but its node advantage is crucial. The Unisoc T616 and Helio G80 will likely handle everyday tasks adequately, but may struggle with demanding applications or multitasking. The Exynos version of the A14 will likely provide a smoother experience.
Battery Life
Both devices target all-day battery life, but the charging speeds differ. The Oukitel C35 supports 10W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 steps up to 15W. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Exynos 850’s superior efficiency in the A14 could offset a potentially smaller battery size, resulting in comparable or even better real-world battery life. The 15W charging on the A14 will also translate to a faster 0-100% charge time, a noticeable convenience for users.
Buying Guide
Buy the Oukitel C35 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and are comfortable with potentially slower performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you value a more responsive user experience, potentially better battery life with the Exynos variant, and the brand recognition and software support associated with Samsung.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14 Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is designed for efficiency, not raw power. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, its 8nm process and optimized design minimize heat generation. Expect manageable temperatures during moderate gaming, but demanding titles may still cause some throttling.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, no. 2MP macro cameras typically lack the resolution and detail needed to produce truly impressive close-up shots. They are often included as a marketing feature, but the image quality is generally subpar compared to using the main camera with digital zoom.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 version) handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 version of the Galaxy A14 can likely run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. Lowering the settings to medium or low is recommended for smoother gameplay. The Exynos version will offer a more stable experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Oukitel C35 with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, expect the Oukitel C35 to take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, depending on battery capacity. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging.
