The Ulefone Note 14 and Samsung Galaxy A14 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The Ulefone aims for affordability above all else, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 attempts to balance cost with a more recognizable brand and a potentially more versatile chipset. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is the better choice. While the Ulefone Note 14 offers a lower price point, the Galaxy A14’s significantly more powerful Mediatek Helio G80 (or Exynos 850) chipset provides a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks and even light gaming, justifying the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20, 28 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 29 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 29 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 76 x 9 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.35 in) | 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version AOcta-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) - Version B |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1.12µm, AF (64/4 model)
8 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1.12µm, AF (16/3 model)
Depth camera | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.75", 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 17mm (ultrawide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| 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, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Mint Green, Lavender Purple | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | - | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 14
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Potentially longer standby time due to less powerful processor
- Significantly slower performance
- Likely lower-quality display
- Limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Much faster processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Smoother user experience
- Better for gaming and demanding apps
- Established brand reputation
- Higher price than Ulefone Note 14
- 15W charging is relatively slow
- May not be significantly better in camera quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction rather than premium display features. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. TFT) and resolution are missing for the Ulefone Note 14, but given its price point, it's likely a lower-resolution panel. The Samsung Galaxy A14’s display is likely a standard 6.6-inch PLS LCD, offering decent viewing angles. The absence of high refresh rates on both devices indicates a focus on battery life over visual fluidity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, with both devices likely relying heavily on software processing. Details regarding sensor sizes are unavailable for both, but the Ulefone Note 14 likely features a lower-quality sensor given its price. The Samsung Galaxy A14’s camera setup is likely more refined, benefiting from Samsung’s image processing algorithms. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, as the image quality from such sensors is typically poor. Focusing on the main sensor’s capabilities is more relevant.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Ulefone Note 14’s Mediatek Helio A22, with its quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU, is designed for basic functionality. The Samsung Galaxy A14, however, offers two distinct chipset options: the Mediatek Helio G80 and the Exynos 850. The Helio G80, with its octa-core configuration (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55), provides a substantial performance boost over the A22, particularly in multi-tasking and gaming. The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, offers improved efficiency compared to the 12nm Helio A22, potentially leading to better battery life under sustained load. The A14’s CPU architecture is also more modern, resulting in faster application loading and smoother animations.
Battery Life
Both devices likely offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Samsung Galaxy A14 includes 15W wired charging, which is a standard offering in this price range. The Ulefone Note 14’s charging speed is not specified, but it’s likely similar or slower. While battery capacity isn’t specified for the Ulefone, the A14’s battery size, combined with the potentially more efficient Exynos 850 variant, could translate to slightly longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 14 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional gaming, and the reliability of a well-established brand, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, which generally offers better thermal efficiency than the 12nm Helio A22 in the Ulefone Note 14. While it may get warm during extended gaming, it’s unlikely to experience significant throttling, providing a more consistent gaming experience than the Ulefone.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
No, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Ulefone Note 14 and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization result in blurry and often unusable macro shots. Relying on the main sensor and digital zoom is generally preferable.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Samsung Galaxy A14, particularly the version with the Helio G80 chipset, can run PUBG Mobile at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. Expect some occasional frame drops during intense action, but it’s a playable experience. The Ulefone Note 14 will struggle to provide a smooth PUBG experience.
❓ What type of storage does the Samsung Galaxy A14 use, and does it support microSD card expansion?
While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Samsung Galaxy A-series phones typically use eMMC storage. The A14 *does* support microSD card expansion, allowing you to increase the storage capacity beyond the internal options.
