The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Samsung Galaxy F04 and Infinix Smart 7 HD represent two contenders vying for the attention of first-time smartphone buyers. Both devices prioritize affordability, but they take different approaches to achieving it. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy F04 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, while not a powerhouse, offers a demonstrable performance advantage over the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s unspecified CPU, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. However, the Infinix offers a compelling alternative for those prioritizing absolute lowest cost.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 12 | Available. Released 2023, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 12, One UI | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 8 MP, f/2.0
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | Yes | 720p@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 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jade Purple, Opal Green | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | SM-E045F, SM-E045F/DS | X6516 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy F04
- Faster charging (15W)
- More powerful chipset (Helio P35)
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- Likely higher price point
- Limited detailed specifications available
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- Lower price point
- Potentially longer battery life (depending on capacity)
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Slower charging (10W)
- Less powerful CPU
- Uncertain long-term software support
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Infinix provide detailed display specifications beyond the basic panel type. However, the focus here isn't on visual fidelity. Both are likely to utilize LCD panels. The real difference lies in the processing power needed to drive the display, where the F04's more capable chipset has an advantage. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, geared towards basic usability rather than media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price point, expect similar image quality – adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions, but lacking in detail and dynamic range. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the Infinix is unlikely to provide a meaningful improvement in image quality, and should be considered a marketing feature rather than a practical one. The F04's chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the difference will be minimal.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy F04’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) is the clear performance leader. Its octa-core configuration, split between 4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores, provides a significant boost over the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s unspecified octa-core CPU clocked at 1.6 GHz. The Helio P35’s higher clock speeds and more efficient 12nm process translate to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. While neither phone is designed for demanding games, the F04 will handle simpler titles with less stuttering. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison difficult, but the chipset difference is substantial.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging wattage is a key differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy F04 supports 15W wired charging, while the Infinix Smart 7 HD is limited to 10W. This means the F04 will charge noticeably faster, reducing downtime. While a larger battery capacity on the Infinix could offset the slower charging, the difference in charging speed is significant enough to give the F04 an edge, especially for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy F04 if you need a phone that can handle basic multitasking and app usage without significant lag, and if you value the Samsung brand reputation. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if your primary concern is minimizing cost and you only need a phone for very basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are willing to accept slower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy F04 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Helio P35 chipset in the Samsung Galaxy F04 is sufficient to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and responsive experience for these common applications.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Infinix Smart 7 HD extremely slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Without knowing the battery capacity, it's difficult to give an exact time, but expect a full charge to take between 3-5 hours. This is best suited for overnight charging.
❓ Can I play games like PUBG Mobile on either of these phones?
While technically possible, neither phone is well-suited for PUBG Mobile. The Helio P35 in the F04 will offer a slightly better experience, but expect low frame rates and significant lag, even on the lowest settings. The Infinix Smart 7 HD will struggle even more.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run?
Both devices likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for phones with limited RAM and storage. This helps to improve performance and reduce data usage.