The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G1 Max and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The G1 Max focuses on a streamlined experience, while the A14 offers Samsung’s brand recognition and a choice of chipsets. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a reliable brand and potentially faster performance, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 version) is the better choice. While the Umidigi G1 Max offers a competitive price, the A14’s more powerful chipset and faster charging provide a smoother overall experience.
| 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 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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 | 192 g (6.77 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 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-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 |
| Chipset | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MP2 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED 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) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | 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 | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starry Black, Galaxy Blue | Black, 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 G1 Max
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Less powerful Unisoc T610 chipset
- Slower 10W charging
- Less brand recognition
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G80 or Exynos 850 chipset options
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung brand reputation and software support
- Potentially higher price
- Software bloatware (typical of Samsung)
- Helio G80 version may not be significantly faster than the G1 Max
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost optimization over premium display features. Specifics like panel type (IPS vs. LCD) and resolution are missing, but both likely target a 720p+ resolution. The A14 benefits from Samsung’s display expertise, potentially offering slightly better color accuracy and viewing angles. However, without detailed display specs, this remains speculative. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality. Both phones likely feature a primary camera accompanied by auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro/depth sensors). The A14’s image processing, benefiting from Samsung’s software, may produce more pleasing results. Sensor size is unknown for both, but larger sensors generally capture more light and detail. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is unlikely on either device at this price point. The 2MP macro cameras on both are likely to offer limited practical value.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A14 offers two chipset options: the Mediatek Helio G80 and the Exynos 850. The Helio G80 (Version A) features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 – compared to the Umidigi G1 Max’s Unisoc T610 (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55). The Exynos 850 (Version B) uses a different architecture (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) and is built on an 8nm process, offering improved efficiency over the Unisoc T610’s 12nm node. This translates to better multitasking and smoother app performance on the A14, particularly with the Exynos variant. The G1 Max will handle basic tasks, but will likely struggle with demanding applications or games.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key consideration for budget buyers. While mAh capacity is not specified, both phones likely feature batteries in the 5000mAh range. The Samsung Galaxy A14 has a clear advantage in charging speed with 15W wired charging, compared to the Umidigi G1 Max’s slower 10W charging. This means the A14 will reach a full charge significantly faster, reducing downtime. The more efficient Exynos 850 version of the A14 will also contribute to longer battery life during typical usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G1 Max if you need a basic, functional smartphone with a focus on simplicity and are comfortable with a less-established brand. It’s ideal for users who primarily need calling, texting, and light social media use. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prefer a well-known brand, potentially better performance (especially the Exynos version), and faster 15W charging. It’s suited for users who want a more versatile device for everyday tasks and occasional gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is generally efficient and less prone to overheating than the Unisoc T610. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant throttling. However, sustained, high-graphics gaming will still generate heat.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Umidigi G1 Max and Samsung Galaxy A14 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft, lacking in detail, and generally underwhelming. They are best avoided for serious photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 (Helio G80 version) run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Helio G80 version of the Galaxy A14 can likely run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. Lowering the graphics to 'Smooth' or 'Balanced' is recommended for smoother gameplay. The Exynos version will offer a slightly better experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Umidigi G1 Max with its 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the Umidigi G1 Max will likely take around 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A14’s 15W charging, which can achieve a full charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours.
