Umidigi F3 SE vs Samsung Galaxy A14: A Detailed Comparison for Budget Shoppers

The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi F3 SE and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The F3 SE focuses on maximizing value with a Unisoc chipset, while the A14 offers Samsung’s brand recognition and, crucially, two chipset variants – a Mediatek Helio G80 and an Exynos 850 – adding complexity to the comparison.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing brand reliability and faster charging, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is the better choice. However, the Umidigi F3 SE presents a compelling option for those willing to trade Samsung’s ecosystem for potentially better value, depending on current pricing. The A14’s 15W charging is a significant advantage.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi F3 SE Samsung Galaxy A14
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 800 / 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced20222023, February 28
StatusAvailable. Released 2022Available. Released 2023, March 27
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions168.3 x 76.6 x 8.8 mm (6.63 x 3.02 x 0.35 in)167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm (6.60 x 3.07 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 oz)201 g (7.09 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDPLS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)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
ChipsetUnisoc T610 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B
GPUMali-G52 MP2Mali-G52 MC2
OSAndroid 11Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual20 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide)-
FeaturesDual-LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, panorama, HDR
Single-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)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.2, (wide)13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE
NFCNoYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDSGPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS
RadioWireless FM radioUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging10W wired15W wired
Type5150 mAhLi-Po 5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsHawaii Blue, Matte Silver, Starry Black, Sunglow Gold, Galaxy BlueBlack, Dark Red, Silver, Green
Models-SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R
Price-€ 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95
SAR EU-0.46 W/kg (head)     1.37 W/kg (body)

Umidigi F3 SE

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Unisoc T610 offers decent performance for basic tasks
  • May offer more storage for the price

  • Slower 10W charging
  • Less brand recognition and software support
  • Potentially lower camera quality

Samsung Galaxy A14

  • Faster 15W charging
  • Samsung brand reliability and software ecosystem
  • Helio G80 (Version A) offers better performance than Unisoc T610

  • Potentially higher price
  • Exynos 850 (Version B) may offer lower CPU performance
  • Software bloatware is common on Samsung devices

Display Comparison

Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize LCD panels, and detailed specifications like resolution and refresh rate are absent from the provided data. However, the focus should be on practical usability. The absence of high refresh rates on both suggests a focus on power efficiency. Bezels are likely comparable given the price bracket, and color accuracy will likely be standard for this segment – adequate but not exceptional. The lack of information prevents a definitive winner, but Samsung’s display technology generally offers slightly better color calibration even at this price point.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the provided data doesn’t specify sensor sizes or apertures. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely irrelevant; these sensors typically produce low-quality images. The main sensor’s quality will be the determining factor. Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined, potentially leading to better dynamic range and color accuracy. Without specific sensor details, the A14 has a slight edge due to Samsung’s software optimization.

Performance

The performance disparity is the most significant factor. The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers two chipset options. Version A, with the Mediatek Helio G80, features a CPU configuration of 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a slight edge over the Umidigi F3 SE’s Unisoc T610, which has 2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The G80’s higher clock speed on the A75 cores translates to snappier responsiveness in applications. However, Version B of the A14, with the Exynos 850 (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55), represents a different trade-off. While built on a more efficient 8nm process compared to the Unisoc T610’s 12nm, the Exynos 850’s all-A55 core configuration suggests it will be less capable in CPU-intensive tasks than either the Helio G80 or the Unisoc T610. The G80 also benefits from a more capable GPU, making it better suited for light gaming. Thermal management is likely similar on both, as neither device is designed for sustained high performance.

Battery Life

Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, the Umidigi F3 SE’s 10W charging is a significant disadvantage compared to the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging. This means the A14 will reach a full charge considerably faster, a crucial benefit for users who need to quickly top up their battery. The more efficient Exynos 850 version of the A14 may also contribute to longer battery life, but this is dependent on real-world usage and software optimization.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi F3 SE if you need a phone primarily for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media, and you’re comfortable with a less-established brand to save money. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a well-known brand with a more polished software experience, faster charging, and potentially better long-term software support, even if it means spending a bit more. The A14 is also the better choice for users who need a phone that can handle slightly more demanding apps.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Which version of the Samsung Galaxy A14 is better for gaming – the Helio G80 or the Exynos 850?
The version with the Mediatek Helio G80 is significantly better for gaming. The G80’s GPU is more powerful, and its CPU configuration is more suited to handling the demands of mobile games. The Exynos 850, while more power-efficient, lacks the processing power for a smooth gaming experience.
❓ Does the Umidigi F3 SE support fast charging, and how long does it take to fully charge?
The Umidigi F3 SE only supports 10W wired charging, which is relatively slow. A full charge from 0% to 100% will likely take over 3 hours, potentially even longer depending on usage during charging. This is a major drawback compared to the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging.
❓ Is the Exynos 850 version of the Galaxy A14 prone to overheating during prolonged use?
The Exynos 850 is generally known for its thermal efficiency. It’s unlikely to overheat significantly during typical usage scenarios. However, it may experience some throttling under sustained heavy loads, such as prolonged gaming or video recording, due to its less powerful CPU and GPU.
❓ How does the Unisoc T610 in the Umidigi F3 SE handle multitasking?
The Unisoc T610 can handle basic multitasking – switching between apps like messaging, browsing, and music playback – without significant issues. However, it may struggle with more demanding multitasking scenarios, such as running multiple resource-intensive apps simultaneously. Expect some slowdowns and app reloading.