The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The ZTE nubia Music and Samsung Galaxy A14 both aim to deliver essential features at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The nubia Music prioritizes audio, while the Galaxy A14 offers a more mainstream Samsung experience with chipset variations. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A14 (specifically the Helio G80 version) offers a better overall experience. Its more powerful chipset and faster charging outweigh the nubia Music’s audio focus, providing a smoother and more versatile daily driver. However, audiophiles on a tight budget might find the nubia Music appealing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 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 | 2024, February 28 | 2023, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2023, March 27 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.9 x 8.6 mm (6.44 x 2.95 x 0.34 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 | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 201 g (7.09 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~85.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 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 SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6769 Helio G80 (12 nm) - Version AExynos 850 (8 nm) - Version B |
| GPU | IMG8322 | 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 | 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | 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/2.4, (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, dual jacks | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 5.1 or 5.3, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow; other colors | Black, Dark Red, Silver, Green |
| Models | Z2353 | SM-A145F, SM-A145F/DSN, SM-A145M, SM-A145M/DS, SM-A145P, SM-A145R |
| Price | € 93.99 | € 85.76 / $ 147.60 / £ 79.95 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.46 W/kg (head) 1.37 W/kg (body) |
ZTE nubia Music
- Potentially superior audio quality (focus of the device)
- Lower price point (likely)
- Compact size (slightly smaller screen)
- Significantly weaker processor
- Slower charging speed
- Less refined software experience
Samsung Galaxy A14
- More powerful processor (Helio G80 or Exynos 850)
- Larger battery capacity (5000mAh)
- Faster charging (15W)
- Samsung’s One UI software
- Potentially higher price
- Larger size may not suit all users
- Camera performance still limited by budget sensors
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. The Galaxy A14’s larger screen size (6.6 inches vs. the nubia Music’s 6.5 inches) provides a more immersive viewing experience. While specific brightness data is unavailable, Samsung typically offers better color calibration and viewing angles in this price range. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality. Both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The Galaxy A14’s main sensor is likely larger, offering better detail in good lighting. The inclusion of a 50MP main sensor on the A14 (versus an unknown resolution on the nubia Music) suggests a potential advantage in image quality. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely marketing filler and offer limited practical value. Image processing will likely favor Samsung’s more refined algorithms, resulting in more pleasing colors and dynamic range.
Performance
The performance gap is significant. The Samsung Galaxy A14, even with the Helio G80, benefits from a more modern 12nm process compared to the nubia Music’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The Helio G80’s Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in CPU performance, translating to faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. The Exynos 850 version of the A14 further improves performance with an 8nm process. The nubia Music’s Cortex-A55 cores are power-efficient but lack the punch for demanding applications. Gaming performance will be limited on both, but the A14 will handle less intensive titles with greater stability. The A14’s potential for LPDDR4X RAM (common in this segment) also contributes to a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration. While the nubia Music’s battery capacity is unknown, the Galaxy A14 packs a substantial 5000mAh battery. The A14’s 15W charging is faster than the nubia Music’s 10W charging, reducing the time spent tethered to a power outlet. The more efficient chipset in the A14 also contributes to longer battery life, even with its larger screen. Expect the A14 to comfortably last a full day of moderate use, while the nubia Music may require more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the ZTE nubia Music if you prioritize audio quality above all else and are willing to compromise on processing power. It’s ideal for music streaming and podcast listening. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A14 if you need a more balanced smartphone experience with better performance for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming. The A14 is the better choice for users who value a responsive interface and broader app compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A14’s Exynos 850 chip overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850 is generally efficient and well-managed. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during moderate gaming. Expect some throttling after extended periods, but it shouldn't lead to complete shutdowns. The Helio G80 version will likely run cooler, but with lower overall performance.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Realistically, no. 2MP macro cameras are often included for marketing purposes but deliver limited detail and image quality. They require perfect lighting conditions and close proximity to the subject, and the resulting images are typically soft and lack sharpness. You're better off using the main camera and cropping in.
❓ How does the audio quality of the ZTE nubia Music compare to the Samsung Galaxy A14 for music listening?
The nubia Music is specifically designed with audio in mind, potentially featuring a dedicated audio chip or enhanced speaker tuning. While the A14 offers acceptable audio quality, the nubia Music is likely to provide a richer and more immersive listening experience, especially through headphones. This is the nubia Music’s primary advantage.
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A14 receive long-term software updates?
Samsung generally provides better software support than many other budget brands. The Galaxy A14 is likely to receive at least two major Android updates and several years of security patches, ensuring a more secure and up-to-date user experience. ZTE’s update track record is less consistent.
