The Umidigi G5A and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to processing power and overall design. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Samsung Galaxy A04e is the better choice. While both phones are firmly in the entry-level category, the A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Umidigi G5A’s quad-core Helio A22, making it more suitable for multitasking and demanding apps.
| 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, 66 | 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 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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) | 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 | 195 g (6.88 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 (~82.7% 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 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB 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 | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Jade Green, Lavender Purple, Pearl White, Space Gray | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Umidigi G5A
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Significantly weaker processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- May struggle with demanding apps
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking experience
- Samsung brand recognition and support
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance likely similar to G5A
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both utilize 12nm chipsets, suggesting a focus on cost reduction over display technology. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are not provided, but given the price point, expect basic LCD panels. The A04e’s slightly more powerful processor *could* translate to smoother scrolling and animations, but the difference will likely be minimal. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the lack of detailed sensor information. Both will likely feature a primary camera accompanied by lower-resolution auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors, which offer limited utility). Image processing will be basic, and low-light performance will be subpar. The A04e’s slightly more capable processor *might* allow for faster image processing, but the sensor quality will be the primary limiting factor. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but avoid relying on these phones for high-quality photography.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s Mediatek Helio P35 is an octa-core processor (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53), offering significantly more processing power than the Umidigi G5A’s Mediatek Helio A22, which features a quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 configuration. This means the A04e will handle multitasking, app loading, and general navigation more efficiently. While both use the Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speeds and additional cores on the A04e provide a tangible performance boost. The A22 is geared towards extremely basic tasks, while the P35 can handle moderately demanding apps without significant lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, but both are likely to feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The Umidigi G5A charges at 10W, while the A04e’s charging speed is not provided. Given Samsung’s typical approach, it’s likely to be similar or slightly faster. The A04e’s more efficient processor could contribute to slightly longer battery life, but the difference will likely be marginal. Expect all-day battery life with moderate usage on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G5A if you need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and are prioritizing absolute minimum cost. It’s a functional device for those with extremely limited budgets. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a slightly smoother user experience, better multitasking capabilities, and the brand recognition and software support associated with Samsung, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A04e overheat during extended use, like gaming?
The Mediatek Helio P35 is a relatively efficient processor. While it's not designed for intensive gaming, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate use. The phone's plastic construction also helps dissipate heat. However, prolonged gaming at high settings will likely lead to some thermal throttling.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than a genuinely useful camera component. Expect soft, grainy images when attempting macro photography with either device.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A04e handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The A04e can *run* PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Helio P35 is not a gaming-focused processor, so performance will be limited.
❓ Does the Umidigi G5A receive regular software updates and security patches?
Umidigi's software update track record is less consistent than Samsung's. While the G5A will likely ship with a relatively recent version of Android, the frequency of security patches and major Android version updates is uncertain. Samsung generally provides more reliable software support for its devices.
