Samsung's budget phone lineup can be confusing. The Galaxy F04 and M04 appear strikingly similar, leaving many wondering if there's a meaningful difference. This comprehensive comparison will dissect their features, performance, and value to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy F04 and M04 are incredibly close. Both offer similar performance thanks to the Helio P35 chipset. The F04 *might* offer slightly better value depending on pricing and regional availability, but the differences are minimal. It largely comes down to design preference and current deals.
| 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, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 04 | 2022, December 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 12 | Available. Released 2022, December 16 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jade Purple, Opal Green | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue |
| Models | SM-E045F, SM-E045F/DS | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F04
- Potentially better value depending on pricing
- Reliable Samsung brand
- Decent battery life
- Basic performance
- HD+ display resolution
- Slow 15W charging
Samsung Galaxy M04
- Slightly better camera (potentially)
- Reliable Samsung brand
- Decent battery life
- Basic performance
- HD+ display resolution
- Slow 15W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for the price. While specifications are identical, panel quality and color accuracy can vary slightly between production batches. Expect a standard HD+ experience – not vibrant or high-resolution, but adequate for basic usage.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy M04 generally has a slightly better camera setup, often featuring a 50MP main sensor versus the F04's potentially lower resolution. Both offer standard features like portrait mode and HDR. Image quality in well-lit conditions is acceptable, but low-light performance is limited.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio P35, performance is consistent across both devices. Expect smooth navigation for basic apps but potential slowdowns with demanding games or multitasking. The 3GB/4GB RAM options will influence multitasking capabilities; 4GB is preferable.
Battery Life
Both devices typically feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F04 is ideal for users seeking a basic, reliable smartphone for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. The Galaxy M04 is a good option for those who prioritize a slightly different design aesthetic and potentially a slightly better camera experience (though differences are minor). Both are excellent entry-level choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Samsung Galaxy F04 and M04 the same phone?
They are very similar, sharing the same chipset, CPU, and charging speed. The main differences lie in design and potentially the camera sensor resolution.
❓ Which Samsung phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. Both offer basic gaming capabilities, but performance will be limited by the Helio P35 chipset.
❓ What is the battery life like on these phones?
Both offer excellent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage thanks to their 5000mAh batteries.
