The Tecno Spark 40C and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing performance and everyday usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Tecno Spark 40C emerges as the stronger contender. Its Mediatek Helio G81 chipset, featuring more powerful Cortex-A75 cores, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35, making it better suited for multitasking and light gaming. While both offer basic functionality, the Spark 40C delivers a smoother experience.
| 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 | 2025, July 19 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.6 x 77 x 8.4 mm (6.52 x 3.03 x 0.33 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 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~84.2% 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 (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 15, HIOS 15.1 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | 13 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| 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 | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | 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 | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Veil White, Ripple Blue, Titanium Grey, Ink Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | KM4k | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Spark 40C
- More powerful processor (Helio G81)
- Faster charging (18W)
- Potentially smoother multitasking
- Brand recognition is lower than Samsung
- Camera specs are unknown, potentially similar to A04e
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Established brand reputation (Samsung)
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Potentially wider availability
- Less powerful processor (Helio P35)
- Likely slower charging speeds
- May struggle with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting similar power constraints impacting display capabilities. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing, the focus here is on processing power to drive the UI. The A04e’s Helio P35 may struggle with smoother animations compared to the Spark 40C’s G81, even at the same resolution.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The absence of OIS on either device suggests reliance on software stabilization. Given the price point, image quality will be heavily dependent on software processing. The G81’s slightly more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) *could* offer a marginal advantage in image processing speed and quality on the Spark 40C, but this is speculative without further data.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 40C’s Mediatek Helio G81 features a dual-core Cortex-A75 setup clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz. This architecture is significantly more capable than the Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Helio P35, which uses four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.3 GHz and another four at 1.8 GHz. While the A04e’s cores have a higher clock speed, the A75 cores in the G81 offer superior single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The G81’s architecture translates to a more fluid user experience, especially when multitasking. The A04e’s older A53 cores will show their age with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 12nm chipsets, suggesting comparable power efficiency. The Tecno Spark 40C includes 18W wired charging, which is a notable advantage over the likely slower charging speeds of the Galaxy A04e (specifications unavailable). While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging on the Spark 40C allows for quicker top-ups, mitigating any potential capacity differences. The G81’s efficiency, combined with 18W charging, provides a more convenient charging experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 40C if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps and occasional gaming without significant lag. It’s ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and a slightly more future-proof experience. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prioritize brand recognition and a simple, straightforward user experience, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media browsing. It’s a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those on a very tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Galaxy A04e struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P35 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open simultaneously. The processor is designed for light usage, and demanding apps can push its limits.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the Tecno Spark 40C a significant advantage?
Yes, 18W charging is a noticeable improvement over the likely slower charging speeds of the Galaxy A04e. It allows you to replenish the battery much faster, reducing downtime and ensuring you can quickly get back to using your phone.
❓ Can the Tecno Spark 40C handle basic mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Tecno Spark 40C’s Helio G81 is capable of running PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile at lower settings. Expect frame rate drops during intense action, but it’s a playable experience, unlike the A04e which would likely struggle significantly.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e receive regular software updates?
Samsung typically provides software updates for its devices, but the frequency and duration of support for the A04e are likely to be limited given its budget positioning. Expect fewer updates compared to Samsung’s higher-end models.
