The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core and Motorola Moto G22 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they take different approaches to achieving this, primarily through their chipset choices. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, efficiency, and real-world usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and potential for future software updates, the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers a more efficient architecture than the Motorola Moto G22’s 12nm Helio G37, translating to smoother multitasking and potentially better long-term stability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired (India)
15W wired (Global) |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Rose Gold | Pearl White, Iceberg Blue, Cosmic Black, Mint Green |
| Models | - | XT2231-1, XT2231-2, XT2231-5 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy A04 Core
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Potentially better long-term software support from Samsung
- Modern Cortex-A55 CPU architecture
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Unspecified display details
Motorola Moto G22
- Faster charging (20W in India)
- Higher peak CPU clock speeds
- Potentially lower initial price
- Less efficient Helio G37 chipset (12nm)
- Older Cortex-A53 CPU architecture
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are missing, but given the price bracket, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the underlying architecture impacting power draw. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on minimizing the impact on battery life. Without specific display specs, it's difficult to declare a clear winner; however, the more efficient chipset in the A04 Core *could* indirectly contribute to better perceived display performance by preserving battery life for longer viewing sessions.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse, but both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup with a primary sensor and supporting lenses. Given the market segment, image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit. The Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) *may* offer slightly better processing capabilities, but this is speculative without detailed camera specs.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core’s Exynos 850 (8nm) utilizes a more modern fabrication process than the Motorola Moto G22’s MediaTek Helio G37 (12nm). While both are octa-core CPUs, the architecture differs significantly. The G37 employs older Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz, while the A04 Core uses Cortex-A55 cores at 2.0 GHz. The A55 architecture is more efficient per clock cycle, meaning the A04 Core will likely deliver comparable, or even better, performance at a lower power consumption. The 8nm process further enhances this efficiency. This translates to smoother app switching, less lag in everyday tasks, and potentially better sustained performance during gaming, despite the lower clock speeds.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range, typical for this price point. The Motorola Moto G22 offers a charging advantage with 20W wired charging in India (15W globally), while the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core’s charging speed is unspecified but likely lower. This means the Moto G22 can replenish its battery faster, a significant benefit for users who frequently need to top up their charge. However, the Exynos 850’s superior efficiency in the A04 Core could offset the slower charging speed by reducing overall power consumption, resulting in comparable real-world battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core if you need a phone that can handle everyday tasks with reasonable fluidity and benefit from Samsung’s established software support. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a consistent experience over flashy features. Buy the Motorola Moto G22 if you value faster charging speeds (particularly in India with its 20W support) and a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed, potentially beneficial for short bursts of demanding tasks, but understand this comes at the cost of overall efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A04 Core overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is generally known for its thermal efficiency. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming sessions. The A55 cores are designed for efficiency, minimizing heat generation compared to the older A53 cores in the Moto G22.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core and Motorola Moto G22 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft, lacking in detail, and generally inferior to photos taken with the main camera in standard mode.
❓ Can the Motorola Moto G22 reliably maintain 60fps in popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio G37 can handle PUBG Mobile, achieving a consistent 60fps experience is unlikely, even on low graphics settings. The older Cortex-A53 cores and less efficient architecture will likely result in frame drops and stuttering, especially during intense action sequences. The Samsung A04 Core, with its more efficient chipset, may offer a slightly more stable experience, but don't expect flagship-level performance from either device.