The TCL 40 X and Samsung Galaxy A04s represent the fiercely competitive sub-$200 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The TCL 40 X prioritizes processing power with its Dimensity 700, while the Galaxy A04s focuses on providing a reliable, all-day battery experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and future-proofing, the TCL 40 X is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Samsung Galaxy A04s’ Exynos 850, making it more capable for multitasking and demanding applications. While battery life is comparable, the TCL’s processing power provides a smoother overall experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - USA | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 66, 77 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 26 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.5 x 75.4 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 13, TCL UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 50 MP, (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer (USA only) | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | T609M | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | About 190 EUR | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
TCL 40 X
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- Faster 18W charging
- 5G connectivity for future-proofed data speeds
- Display brightness likely lower than the A04s
- Camera details are limited, potential for inconsistent image quality
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Brighter display for better outdoor visibility
- Reliable battery life with 114-hour endurance
- Familiar Samsung One UI experience
- Slower processor limits multitasking and gaming
- Slower 15W charging
- Exynos 850 may struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both devices share a contrast ratio of 1614:1, indicating similar levels of black depth and color vibrancy. However, the Samsung Galaxy A04s boasts a measured peak brightness of 389 nits, which will provide better visibility in direct sunlight compared to the TCL 40 X (brightness data unavailable, but typically lower in this price bracket). The lack of high refresh rate panels on either device means scrolling and animations won’t be as fluid as on more expensive phones. The A04s’ brightness advantage is a key differentiator for outdoor use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar in good lighting conditions. However, the TCL 40 X’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 chipset may offer slightly better image processing and noise reduction, particularly in low-light scenarios. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses on both devices suggests limited utility; these sensors typically produce low-resolution images with limited detail. Focusing on the main sensor performance is crucial.
Performance
The TCL 40 X’s Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7nm) significantly outperforms the Samsung Galaxy A04s’ Exynos 850 (8nm). The Dimensity 700 utilizes two Cortex-A76 cores alongside six A55 cores, offering a more powerful architecture than the A04s’ all-A55 configuration. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 7nm process node also contributes to better power efficiency. While both have octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences are substantial, favoring the TCL 40 X for demanding tasks.
Battery Life
Both the TCL 40 X and Samsung Galaxy A04s achieve an endurance rating of 114 hours, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage patterns. The Galaxy A04s has a 15W charging speed, while the TCL 40 X supports 18W wired charging. While the difference isn’t massive, the 18W charging on the TCL 40 X will result in slightly faster charging times, reducing downtime. The similar endurance ratings suggest that battery optimization and usage habits will be more impactful than the minor charging speed difference.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 40 X if you need a phone capable of handling more than basic tasks, such as moderate gaming, streaming, or running multiple apps simultaneously. Its 5G connectivity also offers future-proofed data speeds. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s if you prioritize a consistently reliable battery life and a familiar Samsung user experience, and your usage primarily revolves around calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A04s overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is not a high-performance chip and is likely to exhibit thermal throttling during extended gaming. While it won't necessarily overheat to the point of being unusable, expect frame rate drops and reduced performance after approximately 30-45 minutes of demanding gameplay. The TCL 40 X’s Dimensity 700, with its more efficient 7nm process, will manage heat better.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones offer limited practical value. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. You're better off using the main camera and cropping for close-up shots.
❓ Can the TCL 40 X handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at reasonable frame rates?
The TCL 40 X’s Dimensity 700 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. While it won’t achieve the highest graphical settings, it provides a playable experience. The Galaxy A04s’ Exynos 850 will likely require lower settings and may experience more frequent frame drops.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on each device?
While not explicitly stated, both devices typically come in 32GB or 64GB storage configurations. Both also support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase storage capacity. Checking retailer listings is crucial to confirm the specific storage option available.
