The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The vivo T3 Lite and Samsung Galaxy M04 represent two contenders vying for the attention of budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they differ significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the vivo T3 Lite is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Samsung Galaxy M04’s Helio P35, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the T3 Lite’s processing power justifies the potential price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, June 27 | 2022, December 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, July 04 | Available. Released 2022, December 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.4 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 840 nits (HBM) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 14, Funtouch 14 | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | - | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.4, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Reverse wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Vibrant Green, Majestic Black | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue |
| Models | V2356 | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.74 W/kg (body) | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
vivo T3 Lite
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- More efficient 6nm chipset for better thermal management
- Potentially smoother user experience and gaming
- Likely improved image processing capabilities
- May be slightly more expensive than the Galaxy M04
- No information on display quality beyond chipset impact
Samsung Galaxy M04
- Lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Likely similar battery life to the T3 Lite
- Samsung brand recognition
- Outdated and significantly slower Helio P35 chipset
- Poor performance with demanding apps and games
- Less efficient 12nm process
- Limited upgrade potential
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data focuses on processing, we can infer both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Galaxy M04’s display resolution is likely 720p+, while the T3 Lite may offer a slightly sharper experience. However, the real difference lies in the processing power driving the UI, impacting perceived smoothness. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be typical for budget LCDs.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, a direct comparison is limited. However, it’s safe to assume both devices feature basic camera setups. The T3 Lite’s image signal processor (ISP), integrated within the Dimensity 6300, likely offers more advanced image processing capabilities than the Helio P35’s ISP. This could result in better dynamic range and noise reduction in photos. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the M04 is unlikely to provide significant value, as image quality will be limited by the sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS).
Performance
The core differentiator is the chipset. The vivo T3 Lite’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, is a significant leap forward compared to the Samsung Galaxy M04’s 12nm Helio P35. The Dimensity 6300’s octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz, provides substantially more processing power than the M04’s four Cortex-A53 cores at 2.35GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 6nm node also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The Helio P35, while adequate for basic tasks, will struggle with demanding applications and exhibit noticeable lag during intensive use.
Battery Life
Both devices feature 15W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds – approximately 2-3 hours for a full charge. While battery capacity isn’t specified, both likely fall in the 5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Dimensity 6300’s improved power efficiency could potentially translate to slightly longer battery life in real-world usage, offsetting any minor capacity differences. However, the impact will be minimal, and both phones should comfortably last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo T3 Lite if you prioritize a fluid user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or frequently use demanding apps. The Dimensity 6300 offers a noticeable performance advantage. Buy the Samsung Galaxy M04 if your needs are extremely basic – primarily calls, texts, and light social media – and you are seeking the absolute lowest possible price point. It’s a functional device for minimal smartphone usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 in the Samsung Galaxy M04 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio P35 can run these apps, you may experience noticeable lag when switching between them or when the apps are performing complex tasks like loading videos or scrolling through image-heavy feeds. The T3 Lite’s Dimensity 6300 will handle these apps much more smoothly.
❓ Is the vivo T3 Lite a good option for playing mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The vivo T3 Lite is a significantly better choice for gaming. The Dimensity 6300 offers enough processing power to run these games at medium settings with acceptable frame rates. The Galaxy M04’s Helio P35 will struggle to provide a playable experience, even at the lowest settings.
❓ Does the difference in chipset affect how quickly apps open on each phone?
Yes, the Dimensity 6300 in the T3 Lite will open apps much faster than the Helio P35 in the M04. The A76 cores and the 6nm process contribute to a more responsive and fluid user experience overall.
❓ If I only use my phone for calls, texts, and occasional web browsing, is the extra cost of the vivo T3 Lite worth it?
If your usage is truly limited to these basic tasks, the Samsung Galaxy M04 will suffice. However, even for light users, the T3 Lite’s smoother performance and future-proofing make it a worthwhile investment if your budget allows.
