Samsung's Galaxy A series offers excellent value, but choosing between models can be tricky. We're pitting the entry-level Galaxy A04 against the slightly more premium Galaxy A14 to see which phone delivers the best bang for your buck. This comparison will cover everything from performance and camera quality to battery life and overall value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A14 is the clear winner. While the A04 is a budget option, the A14's superior chipset, improved camera, and faster charging make it a significantly better choice for most users, justifying the slightly higher price.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 24 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 10 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | 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 | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| 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 | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | 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, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, 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 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, 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, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Copper | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated chipset
- No fast charging
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Improved performance
- Better camera
- Larger display (often)
- Faster charging (15W)
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive
- Still an LCD display
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A14 generally features a larger display (6.6 inches vs. 6.5 inches on the A04) and often a higher resolution, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. Both use LCD panels, so don't expect OLED quality, but the A14's slightly improved panel offers better color accuracy and brightness.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A14 typically boasts a more versatile camera system with higher resolution sensors and potentially additional lenses (like a macro lens). While both phones offer decent image quality in good lighting, the A14 excels in low-light conditions and offers more creative options.
Performance
This is where the A14 shines. The Helio G80 chipset (or Exynos 850) is a substantial upgrade over the A04's Helio P35. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the A14. The A04 can feel sluggish, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large batteries (typically around 5000mAh), providing all-day battery life. However, the A14's more efficient chipset and 15W fast charging give it a slight edge in overall battery performance and charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is best suited for users on an extremely tight budget who prioritize basic functionality like calls, texts, and light social media use. The Galaxy A14 is ideal for those seeking a smoother experience, better camera performance, and longer battery life without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Galaxy A04 worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and primarily need a phone for basic tasks. Otherwise, the A14 offers significantly better value.
❓ What chipset does the Galaxy A14 have?
The Galaxy A14 comes in two versions: one with a Mediatek Helio G80 chipset and another with an Exynos 850 chipset. Both are upgrades over the A04.