Galaxy M04 SM-M045F/DS Review: A Budget Smartphone Powerhouse?

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy M04 (SM-M045F/DS) is a budget-friendly smartphone aiming to deliver a solid experience without breaking the bank. Sporting a MediaTek Helio P35 processor, a large 5000mAh battery, and a decent camera setup, it promises much for its price point. But does it deliver on its promises? I spent several weeks putting the India version of the Galaxy M04 through its paces to find out.

Key Features

The Galaxy M04 packs several noteworthy features for its price range. The standout feature is undoubtedly the massive 5000mAh battery which consistently provided me with over a day and a half of usage on a single charge. The 13MP+2MP dual rear camera setup, while not top-of-the-line, captures surprisingly decent photos in well-lit conditions. The 6.5-inch screen is sufficiently large for media consumption and everyday tasks. The inclusion of Android 12 with One UI Core 4.1 is also a welcome addition, offering a smooth and relatively modern user experience.

Performance & Battery Life

The MediaTek Helio P35 processor handles daily tasks with ease. Browsing, social media, and light gaming were all smooth and responsive. However, demanding games did show some performance limitations; frame drops and occasional lag were noticeable. The 4GB of RAM is adequate for multitasking, but pushing it too hard resulted in some app closures. The battery life, as mentioned earlier, is exceptional. I consistently got over a day and a half of usage, even with moderate gaming and heavy social media usage. This is a huge plus for the device and is arguably its most impressive asset. Charging, via the Type-C port, is relatively quick, though not blazing fast.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Excellent battery life, decent camera for its price, smooth performance for everyday tasks, large screen, and latest Android OS.
  • Cons: Performance limitations under heavy load, average camera in low-light conditions, and slightly basic design.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy M04 SM-M045F/DS offers exceptional value for its price. The incredible battery life alone makes it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. While it does have limitations in terms of processing power and camera performance in low light, these shortcomings are largely overshadowed by its strengths. If you’re looking for a smartphone with amazing battery life and a smooth everyday experience without spending a fortune, the Galaxy M04 is a solid choice.

Specification Value
Model Number SM-M045F/DS
Model Name M04
Primary Camera (MP) 13+2 MP
Primary Camera Feature Dual
Flash LED
Secondary Camera Resolution 5 MP
Secondary Camera 5 – 7.9 MP
Network Type 4G
Number of Cores Octa Core
Processor Name MediaTek Helio
Processor Number MT6765 Helio P35
Operating System Android
Operating System Version Android 12
Colour Name dark blue
SIM Type Nano SIM
Screen Size 6.5 in
Version India Version
Internal Memory 128 GB
Battery Size 5000 mAh
RAM Size 4 GB
SIM Count Dual SIM
Charging Type Type-C
Fast Charging Yes