The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G1 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The G1 Plus prioritizes affordability, while the A14 offers Samsung’s brand recognition and a potentially more refined experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 is the better choice. While the Umidigi G1 Plus is undeniably cheaper, the A14’s significantly more powerful chipset – particularly the Exynos 850 variant – provides a smoother, more responsive user experience and better long-term performance. The 15W charging is also a modest improvement.
| 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 | 2023 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | 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 | 195 g (6.88 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 | Quad-core 1.5 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 MT8766 | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 MC2 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | 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 | 5 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 | 4.2, A2DP | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 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, compass | 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 Plus
- Significantly lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Potentially lighter weight (speculation based on build materials)
- Weak processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Slower charging speed
Samsung Galaxy A14
- Much more powerful processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Smoother user experience
- Faster charging (15W)
- Samsung brand reliability
- Higher price than the Umidigi G1 Plus
- May include bloatware (typical for Samsung)
- Display details are not fully specified
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifics regarding panel type (IPS vs. LCD) and resolution are missing for the Umidigi G1 Plus, but given its price point, it’s likely a lower-resolution panel. The Samsung Galaxy A14’s display details are also absent, but Samsung generally offers better color accuracy and brightness in this segment. The lack of high refresh rates on either device is expected at this price, but the A14’s potential for a slightly brighter panel makes it preferable for outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given both phones target the budget segment. Details regarding sensor sizes and apertures are missing for both devices. However, the A14’s image processing algorithms, benefiting from Samsung’s expertise, are likely to produce more consistently pleasing results. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick; image quality will be limited. Focusing on the main sensor performance, the A14 likely has an advantage due to its more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) integrated within the Helio G80 or Exynos 850.
Performance
This is where the A14 pulls decisively ahead. The Umidigi G1 Plus’s Mediatek MT8766, featuring a quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, is a basic processor designed for minimal tasks. The Samsung Galaxy A14, however, comes in two variants: one with the Mediatek Helio G80 and another with the Exynos 850. Both are significantly more powerful than the MT8766. The Helio G80 (octa-core, 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) offers a substantial performance boost, while the Exynos 850 (octa-core, 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) built on an 8nm process, provides even better efficiency and sustained performance. The A14 will handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps far more smoothly than the G1 Plus.
Battery Life
Both phones offer adequate battery life for typical usage. The Umidigi G1 Plus supports 10W wired charging, while the Samsung Galaxy A14 steps up to 15W. While the difference isn’t massive, the 15W charging on the A14 will result in slightly faster top-ups. The actual battery capacity is not specified for the G1 Plus, but the A14’s larger battery (likely around 5000mAh, typical for this class) combined with the more efficient Exynos 850 (if equipped) will likely translate to longer screen-on time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G1 Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing. You’re willing to accept slower performance and limited multitasking capabilities. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, better app performance, and the reliability of the Samsung brand. You’re willing to spend a bit more for a phone that will feel more responsive and capable for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Galaxy A14 overheat during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is an 8nm chip, which means it's relatively efficient and less prone to overheating compared to older, larger-node processors. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant throttling, especially given the phone's likely plastic construction which aids in heat dissipation.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, no. 2MP macro cameras are often included as a marketing feature but deliver limited image quality. The small sensor size and fixed focus result in soft, noisy images. They are best avoided and the main camera should be used instead.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A14 run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A14, particularly the version with the Exynos 850, should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at 60fps with medium graphics settings. However, sustained performance may vary depending on the device's temperature and background processes. The Helio G80 version will likely require lower settings to maintain a stable 60fps.
❓ What type of storage does the Umidigi G1 Plus use, and is it expandable?
Specific storage details for the Umidigi G1 Plus are not provided. However, budget phones often use eMMC storage, which is slower than UFS. Expandability via microSD card is highly likely, given the target market, but confirmation is needed.
