The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the TCL 305 and the Samsung Galaxy A04e. Let's dive in to see which phone emerges as the winner.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the TCL 305 thanks to its superior octa-core processor, offering noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. While both are budget options, the A04e's smoother operation makes it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - 6102D | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - 6102D | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 26, 28, 66 - 6102А | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 31 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 2.97 x 0.35 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/3.0", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Space Gray, Atlantic Blue | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | 6102D, 5164D | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 200 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
TCL 305
- Potentially lower price
- Simple and straightforward user interface
- Decent battery life
- Weaker processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Better performance thanks to octa-core processor
- Samsung's brand recognition and software support
- Slightly better camera processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- LCD display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display technology (likely LCD) and resolution, likely around 720p. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price range. The A04e might have a slightly larger screen, but the difference will be minimal. Expect both to be adequate for media consumption but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a primary rear camera around 13MP. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The A04e might have a slight edge in image processing due to Samsung's software optimization. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
This is where the A04e shines. Its octa-core Helio P35 chipset provides a significant performance boost over the TCL 305's quad-core Helio A22. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the A04e. The TCL 305 will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh, suggesting all-day battery life with moderate usage. However, the A04e's more efficient processor could translate to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The TCL 305 is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, straightforward experience and potentially a slightly lower price point. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is better suited for those who need a bit more processing power for apps, social media, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful processor. The TCL 305 will struggle with even basic games.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally provides better software updates and longer support for its devices compared to TCL, making the Galaxy A04e a more future-proof choice.
