The Samsung Galaxy A04 and Nokia C200 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance, battery life, and overall usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C200’s quad-core Helio A22, making it better suited for multitasking and demanding applications. While the Nokia C200 offers a slightly cleaner software experience, the A04’s extra processing power justifies the potential software overhead.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE (2CA) |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 24 | 2022, January 05 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 10 | Available. Released 2022, Q2 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 156.5 x 73.1 x 8.8 mm (6.16 x 2.88 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 172.5 g (6.10 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.09 inches, 91.0 cm2 (~79.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Copper | Meteor Black |
| Models | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M | TA-1437, TA-1510 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.11 W/kg (head) 1.33 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A04
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- Likely larger display for better media consumption
- Potential for more features and software options
- Software experience may be more cluttered
- Charging speed is likely slow
Nokia C200
- Potentially cleaner software experience (Android Go Edition)
- Lower power consumption could lead to decent battery life
- Very affordable price point
- Significantly weaker processor for limited performance
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Likely lower resolution display
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The A04’s larger market presence suggests a potentially larger screen size, which would benefit media consumption. The Nokia C200, being a more basic device, may have a lower resolution panel, impacting sharpness. Without specific nit ratings, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera setups, likely with a primary sensor and potentially a depth or macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be limited in low-light conditions. The A04’s more powerful processor *could* enable slightly better image processing, but the sensor quality is the primary determinant. The Nokia C200’s camera is likely optimized for simplicity, while the A04 might offer more features, even if the overall quality isn’t dramatically improved.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04’s Mediatek Helio P35 is an octa-core processor (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53), offering significantly more processing power than the Nokia C200’s Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the A04. The A04’s CPU configuration, with faster cores, will handle more complex tasks without significant lag. The A22 in the C200 is geared towards basic functionality and will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia C200 includes 10W wired charging, while the A04’s charging speed is unknown but likely similar. The Helio A22’s lower power consumption in the C200 *could* result in comparable battery life to the A04, despite potentially having a smaller capacity. The 10W charging on the C200 will be slower than what’s becoming standard, even in this segment, meaning longer charge times from 0-100%.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks like calls and messaging. It’s a better option for users who occasionally browse the web, use social media, or play light games. Buy the Nokia C200 if your primary need is a simple, reliable device for essential communication and you prioritize a potentially cleaner software experience, accepting a significant performance trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C200 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
Yes, the Nokia C200’s Mediatek Helio A22 processor is a very basic chipset. While it can run these apps, you may experience significant lag, slow loading times, and difficulty multitasking. The A04’s Helio P35 will provide a much smoother experience with these commonly used applications.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04 a good choice for mobile gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is not ideal for demanding mobile games. While it can handle simpler games, the Helio P35 is not a gaming-focused processor. Expect low frame rates and graphical settings on more intensive titles. The Nokia C200 is even less suited for gaming due to its weaker processor.
❓ Does the Nokia C200 run a full version of Android, or a 'Go' edition?
The Nokia C200 runs Android Go edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited processing power and storage. This means it comes with streamlined apps and a simpler interface, but it also limits functionality compared to a full Android experience.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia C200 with its 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the Nokia C200 will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%, potentially even longer depending on battery capacity. This is significantly slower than many modern smartphones.