Samsung's budget lineup often presents a confusing array of choices. The Galaxy M06 and A04e represent two distinct approaches to affordability. The M06, with its newer Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, aims for a balance of performance and price, while the A04e leverages the older Helio P35 to achieve an even lower entry point. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy M06 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset delivers a substantially faster and more responsive experience than the A04e's Helio P35. While the A04e is cheaper, the performance trade-off is significant, making the M06 a better long-term investment.
| 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, 17, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 26, 28, 40, 41, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, February 27 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, March 07 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 167.4 x 77.4 x 8 mm (6.59 x 3.05 x 0.31 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 4 major Android upgrades, One UI Core 7.0 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.3, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 25W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blazing Black, Sage Green | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | SM-M066B, SM-M066B/DS | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | ₹ 8,499 | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.30 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M06
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- Faster 25W charging
- More efficient 6nm process
- Likely slightly higher price
- May not have a significantly better camera sensor
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Lower price point
- Potentially slightly longer battery life during light use
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Slow Helio P35 processor
- Slow charging speed
- Poor performance with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung provides display specifications beyond resolution. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The M06’s Dimensity 6300 has a more capable ISP and GPU, potentially leading to better image processing and smoother animations on the display. The A04e’s Helio P35 will struggle with demanding graphical tasks, resulting in noticeable lag and stuttering.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it's difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the M06’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor), integrated within the Dimensity 6300, will likely result in better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions. The A04e’s Helio P35 has a less sophisticated ISP, limiting its ability to process complex scenes and reduce noise. Expect the M06 to produce sharper, more detailed photos and videos. Both phones likely include basic 2MP macro/depth sensors, which offer limited practical benefit.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The M06’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, features a modern CPU configuration with 2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This contrasts sharply with the A04e’s Helio P35 (12nm), which uses older Cortex-A53 cores across all eight cores. The Dimensity 6300’s architecture provides a substantial performance advantage in both single-core and multi-core tasks. The 6nm node also translates to improved power efficiency, potentially leading to better battery life under load. The A04e’s Helio P35 will feel sluggish when handling multiple apps or demanding games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified, but both phones likely feature similar-sized batteries (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment). The M06’s 25W wired charging is a clear advantage over the A04e’s likely 10W or 15W charging. This means the M06 can be charged significantly faster, reducing downtime. While the A04e might offer slightly longer battery life during light usage due to the less power-hungry chipset, the M06’s faster charging and more efficient processor will likely provide a better overall user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M06 if you prioritize smooth multitasking, occasional gaming, and future-proofing. Its more powerful processor will handle demanding apps and software updates more gracefully. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if your primary needs are basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and you are on a very strict budget. The A04e is best suited for users who prioritize absolute cost savings over performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy M06 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The M06’s Dimensity 6300 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but likely at medium settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P35 in the A04e will struggle significantly with these games, resulting in low frame rates and frequent lag.
❓ Is the difference in processor speed noticeable for everyday tasks like browsing and social media?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The M06’s Dimensity 6300 will provide a much smoother and more responsive experience when browsing the web, scrolling through social media feeds, and switching between apps. The A04e’s Helio P35 will exhibit noticeable lag and stuttering, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e support software updates for security patches?
Samsung typically provides a limited number of software updates for its budget A-series phones. While the A04e will likely receive some security patches, it may not receive major Android version updates as frequently or for as long as the M06.
❓ How much faster is the 25W charging on the M06 compared to the A04e?
The A04e likely supports 10W or 15W charging. 25W charging on the M06 can reduce a full charge time by 30-50%, meaning you'll spend significantly less time tethered to an outlet.
