The Umidigi C1 and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this through very different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, focusing on how the chipset impacts real-world performance and value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice. Its Helio P35 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a significant performance uplift over the Umidigi C1’s older MT6739. While the C1 is cheaper, the A04e’s smoother experience justifies 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (6.46 x 3.01 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB 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 | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sunglow Gold, Galaxy Blue, Starry Black | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | 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) |
Umidigi C1
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Potentially longer standby time due to less demanding chipset.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the A04e.
- Older chipset may lack support for newer software features.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Faster and more responsive performance thanks to the Helio P35.
- More efficient chipset leads to better battery life.
- Likely to receive more software updates and support from Samsung.
- Better multitasking capabilities.
- Higher price point than the Umidigi C1.
- May still struggle with demanding games or applications.
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specifics like panel type and resolution are not provided, but both will likely feature LCD panels. The focus here is on the underlying processing power needed to drive the display, which the A04e handles more efficiently due to its superior chipset. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specifications, a direct comparison is difficult. However, both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The A04e’s more powerful chipset allows for faster image processing, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality and faster capture times. It's reasonable to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor, but image quality will be heavily reliant on software optimization, which Samsung typically invests more heavily in.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi C1’s Mediatek MT6739, fabricated on a 28nm process, features a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.5 GHz. This is a relatively old architecture. Conversely, the Samsung Galaxy A04e boasts the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35, built on a more efficient 12nm process, with an octa-core configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53). The P35’s higher clock speeds and additional cores translate to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal management, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Umidigi C1 supports 10W wired charging. The A04e’s chipset, being more power-efficient, will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. While charging speeds aren’t specified for the A04e, the more efficient chipset means it will likely reach a usable charge level faster than the C1, even with a similar wattage charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi C1 if you need a truly minimal smartphone for basic communication – calls, texts, and light app usage – and are constrained by a very tight budget. It’s a viable option for first-time smartphone users or as a backup device. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and occasional gaming, and are willing to spend a little more for improved performance and a more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Mediatek Helio P35 in the Galaxy A04e struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Helio P35 can run PUBG Mobile, you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to medium or low to achieve a playable frame rate. It’s not a gaming powerhouse, but it’s significantly better than the MT6739 in the Umidigi C1, which would likely struggle even on the lowest settings.
❓ Is the Umidigi C1 a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Umidigi C1 is a reasonable entry point for someone new to smartphones. It provides basic functionality like calling, texting, and internet browsing at a very low cost. However, be prepared for a slower and less responsive experience compared to more modern smartphones.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A04e support VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling?
Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling varies by carrier and region. It's crucial to check with your mobile carrier to confirm compatibility before purchasing the Samsung Galaxy A04e, as these features are essential for modern network connectivity.
