The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Tecno Pop 9 arrives with a significantly newer chipset, challenging Samsung’s established presence with the Galaxy A04e. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on how their hardware translates to real-world user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Tecno Pop 9 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers a substantial performance advantage over the Galaxy A04e’s older 12nm Helio P35, making it better suited for multitasking and modern app usage.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 24 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 08 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 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 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | 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 14 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, Midnight Shadow | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | KL4 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 9
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- More efficient 6nm fabrication process
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially better image processing
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Software support may be less consistent
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Established brand reputation
- Potentially wider service network
- Familiar One UI interface (likely)
- Generally reliable build quality
- Outdated and slower Helio P35 processor
- Less efficient 12nm fabrication process
- Slower charging speed
- Likely struggles with multitasking
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The A04e's Helio P35 may exhibit more noticeable lag when scrolling or transitioning between apps, impacting the perceived display quality. We anticipate both will have similar resolutions (likely 720p+).
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature a primary camera paired with basic auxiliary lenses (potentially a 2MP macro on the A04e). The image signal processor (ISP) within the Dimensity 6300 likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Tecno Pop 9. The A04e’s Helio P35 ISP is older and less capable. Expect similar limitations in low-light performance on both devices.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 9’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6nm) is a generational leap ahead of the Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35 (12nm). The Dimensity 6300’s Cortex-A76 cores, clocked at 2.4GHz, offer significantly higher single-core performance than the A04e’s Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3GHz. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 6nm fabrication process also contributes to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling. The A04e’s older architecture will struggle with resource-intensive tasks, leading to noticeable slowdowns.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified, but both phones likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range. The Tecno Pop 9’s 18W charging is a clear advantage over the A04e’s likely slower charging speed (typically 10W in this segment). The Dimensity 6300’s superior power efficiency will also contribute to longer battery life during typical usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 if you prioritize performance and future-proofing within a tight budget. Its newer processor will handle demanding apps and light gaming more effectively. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if brand recognition and a potentially wider service network are paramount, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media browsing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 9 handle popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 is more than capable of handling these apps without significant lag. The A04e’s Helio P35 may exhibit slowdowns when multiple apps are open simultaneously.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Pop 9 a significant improvement over the Galaxy A04e?
Yes, 18W charging will noticeably reduce charging times compared to the A04e’s likely 10W charging. Expect a faster 0-100% charge cycle on the Tecno Pop 9.
❓ Can the Tecno Pop 9 run games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
While not ideal for high settings, the Dimensity 6300 can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower settings with acceptable frame rates. The Helio P35 in the A04e will struggle to provide a playable experience in these titles.
❓ How does the software experience differ between the Tecno Pop 9 and the Samsung Galaxy A04e?
The Galaxy A04e likely runs Samsung’s One UI, known for its feature-rich interface. The Tecno Pop 9 will run Tecno’s HiOS, which is generally lighter but may have a different aesthetic and feature set. Software updates may be more frequent and consistent on the Samsung device.
