The Tecno Pop 7 and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing basic functionality and a slightly smoother experience, the Samsung Galaxy A04e emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 7’s unspecified processor, making everyday tasks more responsive, despite both phones lacking fast charging.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 28 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 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 |
| Weight | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | Yes | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | BF6 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | - | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Compact size may appeal to some users
- Functional for basic communication
- Significantly weaker performance
- Limited software support
- Unknown camera quality
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful Mediatek Helio P35 chipset
- Larger 5000mAh battery
- Samsung brand recognition and software
- Slow 10W charging
- Basic camera system
- Still limited overall performance
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Samsung provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The A04e’s slightly larger screen size (typically 6.5 inches vs the Pop 7’s 6.1 inches) may offer a more immersive viewing experience, but neither is expected to deliver vibrant colors or high brightness levels. Expect significant compromises in viewing angles and outdoor visibility on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature basic camera setups. The Samsung Galaxy A04e likely includes a 13MP main sensor, while the Tecno Pop 7’s camera specifications are unknown. Both will almost certainly include a 2MP depth sensor and potentially a macro lens, but the image quality from these secondary sensors will be minimal. The A04e’s slightly more capable processor may offer better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally better photos in good lighting conditions. However, low-light performance will be poor on both devices.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35 (12nm) chipset is the clear performance leader here. Its octa-core configuration, with four cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four at 1.8 GHz, provides a significant advantage over the Tecno Pop 7, which lacks any publicly available processor details. The Helio P35’s 12nm fabrication process is also more efficient than what is typically found in phones at this price point, potentially leading to slightly better battery life under load. This translates to smoother app switching, faster web browsing, and a more responsive overall user experience on the A04e.
Battery Life
The Tecno Pop 7 features 10W wired charging. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s battery capacity is typically 5000mAh, and while charging speed is also likely limited to 10W, the more efficient Helio P35 chipset could translate to longer real-world battery life. Both phones will take several hours to fully charge, and neither supports fast charging technologies. The A04e’s larger battery provides a buffer for heavier usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to compromise on performance. It’s a functional device for very basic communication. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the Samsung brand recognition and software support, even if limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy A04e struggle with multitasking?
While the Helio P35 is an entry-level chipset, it's capable of handling basic multitasking with a few apps open simultaneously. However, running many demanding applications at once will likely result in noticeable slowdowns and lag. It's best suited for single-tasking or light multitasking.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on ultra-budget phones offer limited utility. Image quality is typically poor, lacking detail and sharpness. They are best avoided, and the main camera is preferable for most close-up shots.
❓ What kind of software updates can I expect on the Tecno Pop 7?
Software support for the Tecno Pop 7 is likely to be minimal. Tecno typically provides limited updates for its entry-level devices, focusing primarily on security patches. Major Android version updates are unlikely.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A04e overheat during prolonged use?
The Helio P35 is a relatively efficient chipset, and the A04e is unlikely to overheat significantly during normal use. However, prolonged gaming or intensive tasks may cause the phone to warm up, but it shouldn't reach critical temperatures.
