The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core and Nokia G11 Plus represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The A04 Core leverages Samsung’s in-house Exynos 850 chipset, while the G11 Plus opts for the Unisoc T606. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core emerges as the better choice. Its Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the 12nm Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G11 Plus, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While the Nokia G11 Plus offers a slightly more efficient chipset, the performance gap justifies the A04 Core’s slight price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2022, June 29 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, July 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Rose Gold | Lake Blue, Charcoal Grey |
| Price | - | About 130 EUR |
Samsung Galaxy A04 Core
- More powerful Exynos 850 processor
- 8nm process for better efficiency
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Faster app loading times
- Potentially shorter battery life under heavy load
- Charging speed not specified, likely slower than competitors
Nokia G11 Plus
- Potentially longer battery life with light use
- Near-stock Android experience
- Lower price point (potentially)
- More efficient chipset
- Slower Unisoc T606 processor
- 12nm process leads to more heat
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The lack of specified display specs (resolution, brightness) suggests both prioritize cost savings over visual fidelity. However, the A04 Core’s processor may be better equipped to handle video playback without significant stuttering, assuming similar display characteristics. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Detailed camera specifications are absent for both devices, but given their price points, expectations should be tempered. Both will likely feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests image quality will rely heavily on software processing. The A04 Core’s more powerful processor *could* translate to faster image processing times, but the sensor quality will be the primary determinant of image quality. The 2MP macro cameras commonly found on these devices offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core’s Exynos 850 (8nm) utilizes an octa-core configuration with four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, repeated for a total of eight cores. This contrasts with the Nokia G11 Plus’s Unisoc T606 (12nm), featuring a more heterogeneous setup: two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.6 GHz. The A75 cores in the G11 Plus offer higher single-core performance, but the 8nm process of the Exynos 850 provides superior power efficiency and sustained performance under load. The larger process node of the Unisoc T606 will likely result in more heat generation and potential throttling during extended use. The Exynos 850’s architecture is better suited for handling multiple apps simultaneously.
Battery Life
The Nokia G11 Plus’s 10W charging is a significant limitation. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Unisoc T606’s 12nm process *should* contribute to better battery life compared to the A04 Core’s Exynos 850. However, the performance difference means the A04 Core may drain the battery faster during intensive tasks. The slow charging speed of the G11 Plus means topping up the battery will take considerably longer, making it less convenient for users who frequently need to recharge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks with relative ease, and appreciate the benefits of a more powerful processor for smoother app transitions and occasional light gaming. Buy the Nokia G11 Plus if you prioritize maximizing battery life and are willing to accept a trade-off in processing power, and prefer a cleaner, near-stock Android experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A04 Core tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 isn't a high-end gaming chip, its 8nm fabrication process helps mitigate thermal throttling. Expect playable frame rates in less demanding games, but sustained performance in graphically intensive titles may be limited. The Nokia G11 Plus’s Unisoc T606 is more likely to throttle due to its 12nm process.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia G11 Plus a significant drawback in daily use?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the charging speeds offered by many competitors. Expect a full charge to take well over two hours, making it inconvenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The A04 Core’s charging speed, while unspecified, is likely faster.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Samsung Galaxy A04 Core and the Nokia G11 Plus?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 Core runs Samsung’s One UI, which offers a feature-rich experience but can be more resource-intensive. The Nokia G11 Plus typically ships with a near-stock Android experience, known for its simplicity and efficiency. This can translate to smoother performance on the G11 Plus, despite its less powerful processor.
