Samsung's budget phone lineup continues to expand, and the Galaxy M04 and F04 are two contenders vying for your attention. Both offer affordable entry points into the Samsung ecosystem, but subtle differences might make one a better choice for you. Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M04 and F04 are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and charging speed. The M04 *might* offer slightly better availability in some regions and potentially a marginally better design, but overall, the choice often comes down to price and regional availability. It's a draw!
| 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 | 2022, December 10 | 2023, January 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 16 | Available. Released 2023, January 12 |
| 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 Core 4.1 | Android 12, One UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 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 | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue | Jade Purple, Opal Green |
| Models | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS | SM-E045F, SM-E045F/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 90 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 M04
- Potentially wider availability
- Slightly more refined design (subjective)
- Samsung's One UI experience
- Helio P35 chipset limits performance
- 15W charging is slow
- HD+ display lacks vibrancy
Samsung Galaxy F04
- Competitive price (often lower)
- Samsung's One UI experience
- 5000mAh battery for all-day use
- Helio P35 chipset limits performance
- 15W charging is slow
- HD+ display lacks vibrancy
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, likely with a similar resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high contrast ratios. The panel type is likely an LCD, common in this price range. Differences in color accuracy or brightness are likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy M04 typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the F04 also has a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor). Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The front-facing camera is likely a 5MP unit on both devices. Expect similar camera performance.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio P35, performance will be adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily without experiencing some slowdown. The 4GB of RAM (likely standard) will help, but the chipset is the limiting factor. Both phones will perform similarly.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The 15W wired charging is relatively slow, but it's standard for this price range. Battery life will be comparable.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M04 is a good choice if you prioritize slightly more established availability and potentially a more refined design. The Samsung Galaxy F04 is ideal if you find it at a lower price point or if it's more readily available in your region. Both are excellent options for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are the Samsung Galaxy M04 and F04 the same phone?
They are very similar, sharing the same chipset, CPU, and charging speed. Differences are primarily in design and regional availability.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The Helio P35 chipset is entry-level and will struggle with graphically intensive titles. Both offer similar gaming performance.
