Looking for an affordable Samsung phone? The Galaxy M04 and M14 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M14 is the clear winner. Its significantly more powerful chipset, improved camera, and larger battery offer a vastly superior experience despite a similar price point. The M04 is a basic option for those on a very tight budget.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 |
| 5G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 10 | 2023, March 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 16 | Available. Released 2023, March 08 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 166.8 x 77.2 x 9.4 mm (6.57 x 3.04 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 206 g (7.27 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~81.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Exynos 1330 (5 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G68 MP2 |
| OS | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 | Android 13, One UI core 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 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, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS, NavIC |
| 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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired - international
25W wired - India |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue | Navy Blue, Light Blue, Silver |
| Models | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS | SM-M146B, SM-M146B/DS, SM-M146B/DSN |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 10,990 |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | 0.48 W/kg (head) 1.53 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M04
- Very affordable
- Decent display for basic use
- Sufficient storage options
- Weak performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
- HD+ display
Samsung Galaxy M14
- Powerful processor
- Excellent battery life
- Improved camera
- Larger display
- Future-proof
- 15W charging (international) can be slow
- Design may be less premium
Display Comparison
The Galaxy M14 typically features a larger 6.6-inch display compared to the M04's 6.5-inch screen. Both likely use an LCD panel, but the M14 may offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer design. Resolution is likely FHD+ on the M14 and HD+ on the M04.
Camera Comparison
The M14 generally boasts a more capable camera system. While both likely have a primary sensor, the M14's processor and image processing algorithms will result in better image quality, especially in low light. Expect improved dynamic range and detail. The M14 may also include additional lenses (ultrawide) that the M04 lacks.
Performance
This is where the M14 shines. The Exynos 1330 is a substantial upgrade over the Helio P35. Expect significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the M14. The M04 will struggle with demanding apps and games.
Battery Life
The Galaxy M14 typically has a larger battery capacity (6000mAh) compared to the M04 (5000mAh). Combined with its more efficient chipset, the M14 offers significantly longer battery life, easily lasting a full day or more on a single charge.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M04 is ideal for users needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and who are extremely budget-conscious. The Samsung Galaxy M14 is perfect for those wanting a smoother experience, better camera, longer battery life, and more future-proof performance, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M04 worth buying in 2024?
Only if you're on an extremely tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. Otherwise, the M14 offers significantly better value.
❓ What is the difference between the Samsung Galaxy M04 and M14?
The M14 has a much more powerful processor, a better camera, a larger battery, and a larger display. The M04 is a more basic, budget-friendly option.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy M14 support 5G?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy M14 supports 5G connectivity.
