Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Realme C30s and Samsung Galaxy A04e are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the Realme C30s thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A04e provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Realme C30s might offer a more attractive price point.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2022, September 14 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 23 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 186 g (6.56 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, Realme UI Go | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | 8 MP, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Stripe Blue, Stripe Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | RMX3690 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Realme C30s
- Very affordable
- Decent main camera
- Sleek design (subjective)
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging (10W)
- Limited storage options
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful chipset
- Samsung brand reliability
- Potentially better display quality
- Can be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera features
- Plastic build
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The Samsung Galaxy A04e might offer slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles due to Samsung's display technology, but both will be adequate for everyday use. Expect similar brightness levels.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C30s typically features a 50MP main camera, while the A04e often has a 50MP main camera as well, potentially with a 2MP macro lens. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions for both, but low-light performance is likely to be subpar. Samsung's image processing might offer slightly more natural-looking results.
Performance
Here's where the A04e takes a lead. The Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, while not a powerhouse, is noticeably faster than the Realme C30s' Cortex-A55 CPU. Expect smoother app loading and multitasking on the A04e. The C30s will handle basic tasks, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. The A04e's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in battery endurance, but real-world usage will vary.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Realme C30s? Users prioritizing a very affordable device for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e? Those needing a bit more performance for multitasking and occasional gaming, and who value the Samsung brand and ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful chipset. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance from either device.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally offers better software support and longer update cycles compared to Realme, especially for budget devices.
