Choosing a budget-friendly Samsung phone can be tricky. The Galaxy A30s and A14 are both popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will delve into their specs, performance, and features to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A14 generally edges out the A30s thanks to its newer chipset, improved performance, and potentially better camera capabilities. While the A30s offers a slightly more premium feel, the A14's modern features and competitive pricing make it the better overall choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, August 22. Released 2019, September 11 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 158.5 x 74.7 x 7.8 mm (6.24 x 2.94 x 0.31 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 | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Asahi Dragontrail Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.4 inches, 100.5 cm2 (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 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 | Exynos 7904 (14 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G71 MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, AF | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 25 MP, f/1.7, 27mm (wide), PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 16 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | 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 | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Prism Crush Black, Prism Crush White, Prism Crush Green, Prism Crush Violet2 | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | SM-A307F, SM-A307FN, SM-A307G, SM-A307GN, SM-A307GT | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 260 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR | 0.87 W/kg (head) 0.43 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.54 W/kg (body) | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
| Pricing |
|---|
| 128GB 4GB RAM | $ 194.02 | - |
| 64GB 4GB RAM | $ 269.99 | - |
| RENEWED | £ 120.00 | - |
Samsung Galaxy A30s
- Slightly more premium design
- Good display quality
- Decent camera for the price
- Older chipset
- Lower performance
- 60Hz display
- Slower software updates
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Newer chipset (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Improved performance
- Better camera
- 90Hz display (often)
- More modern software
- Design may be less premium
- 15W charging (slow)
- Potential for software bloat (Samsung UI)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature Super AMOLED displays, offering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The A14 typically has a slightly larger display (6.6 inches vs 6.4 inches on the A30s) and a higher resolution (1080 x 2408 vs 1080 x 2340). The A14 also often boasts a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling experience compared to the A30s' standard 60Hz.
Camera Comparison
The A14 generally offers a more versatile camera system. While both have multiple lenses, the A14 often includes a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the A14. The A30s camera is still decent, but it lacks the advancements found in the A14.
Performance
The A14's chipset (Helio G80 or Exynos 850) provides a noticeable performance boost over the A30s' Exynos 7904. The A14's CPU and GPU are more modern, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The A30s can feel sluggish by comparison, especially with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the A14's more efficient chipset can lead to slightly better battery endurance in real-world usage. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A30s? Those prioritizing a slightly more refined design and don't need the absolute latest performance. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A14? Users seeking a modern, capable smartphone with a good balance of features and affordability, especially those who value performance and camera upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A30s still worth buying?
The A30s can be a decent option if you find it at a significantly lower price than the A14 and don't need the latest performance. However, the A14 generally offers better value.
❓ Which chipset is better: Exynos 7904 or Helio G80/Exynos 850?
The Helio G80 and Exynos 850 are both significantly better than the Exynos 7904, offering improved CPU and GPU performance.
