Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of these two budget contenders: the Nokia C31 and the Samsung Galaxy A04s. I’ve spent enough time digging into specs and real-world usage that I can break it down for you, and hopefully, help you choose which one fits you best.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Let's start by laying out the technical details in a way that's actually useful.
| Feature | Nokia C31 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | Nokia is taller and slightly wider, Samsung is a bit thicker |
| Weight | 200g | 195g | Samsung is marginally lighter, though both are on the heavier side |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.5" | Nokia provides slightly larger screen real estate |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same level of basic screen clarity |
| PPI | 260 | 270 | Very similar pixel density, sharpness will be nearly the same |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS offers better viewing angles and color accuracy |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Samsung provides smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Identical peak brightness, both will struggle in bright sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Exynos 850 offers significantly better performance and efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 117,300 | Samsung will be a bit faster in everyday tasks and games |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 | Samsung's GPU is more capable for gaming and graphics-heavy apps |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (f/1.8) | Samsung captures more detailed photos and is better in low light |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Selfie cameras are comparable in most conditions |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Similar depth-sensing for portrait mode |
| Macro Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Macro cameras are similar, good for closeup shots of small objects |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Basic video capabilities, both are capable of social media ready recordings |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 34 fps | Samsung records slow motion videos |
| Camera Features | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, Autofocus, Touch Focus, PDAF, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face Detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, PDAF, Geotagging, HDR, Face detection, Scene mode, Self-timer | Nokia C31 has more shooting modes and manual settings |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer comparable all-day battery life |
| Charging | 10W (Li-Polymer) | 15W (Li-Ion) | Samsung will recharge slightly faster |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both are on Android 12, Samsung has one more software version upgrade |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Samsung supports faster WiFi, including 5GHz networks |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | Samsung features improved Bluetooth connectivity and power efficiency |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Samsung supports more satellite positioning systems for more accurate location |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB | Both offer up to 128GB, but Samsung has a lower 32 GB option |
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB or 4 GB | 4 GB is the norm nowadays, so having 4GB across is better |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offer additional storage |
| Security & Sensors | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted | Side-mounted | Side-mounted sensors tend to be faster and more convenient |
| Other Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Samsung has additional biometric sensors |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C31 Strengths:
- Larger Display: Its 6.75-inch screen is great for media consumption and general browsing.
- IPS LCD: This display tech offers better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to PLS.
- Camera Features: Offers a broader set of camera features like panorama mode, white balance settings, ISO settings, exposure compensation, and a front flash.
- Software: Nokia's software is generally known to be clean, stock-Android, and simple to use.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset is a clear step up, resulting in smoother, faster day-to-day usage.
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother animations and scrolling.
- Better Main Camera: The 50MP main camera captures much more detail and performs better in low light.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging speeds mean less time tethered to a wall socket.
- Improved Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS technologies for faster, more reliable connections.
- Software Updates: The A04s will receive at least one additional major Android OS upgrade.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia: Sacrifices performance and modern connectivity for a larger, albeit less smooth display.
- Samsung: Offers a smaller display and less camera features, but significantly better performance, software, and connectivity.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31
- Budget-Conscious Media Consumers: If you primarily use your phone for watching videos, browsing social media, and simple tasks, and appreciate the larger display with better colors, the C31 is a decent option.
- Users Who Prefer Simplicity: The clean Android software without much added fluff, makes the C31 user friendly and easy to pick up.
- Users who prioritize manual camera controls The additional camera features on the C31 allow more control and creativity with photos.
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Budget Gamers: With the Exynos 850, the A04s provides better performance for gaming.
- Everyday Power Users: The better performance and smoother display, makes the phone perform day to day tasks with ease.
- Users Prioritizing Connectivity: The newer Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS standards mean more reliable connections and better navigation.
- Users who want future-proofing: The extra year of software updates mean the phone will be usable for longer.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is smooth performance to you? If lag and stutters drive you crazy, the Samsung is the better pick, thanks to its more powerful chipset and 90Hz display.
- Do you prefer a larger display over smooth performance? If you're all about media and big screen is a requirement, the Nokia will do the job.
- How much does future proofing matter to you? If the phone lasting longer is a must, the Samsung will last longer because of the software updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Casual User
- If you need a phone for basic communication, browsing, and light media consumption, and cost is your main focus, the Nokia C31 is still a viable option with its good display.
- Scenario 2: The Mobile Gamer on a Budget
- The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the clear choice. Its better performance will lead to a smoother gameplay experience.
- Scenario 3: The Tech-Savvy User
- If you want better performance, modern connectivity, and a phone that lasts longer the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the only option.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would go with the Samsung Galaxy A04s without a doubt. The jump in performance with the Exynos 850 and the 90Hz display are too good to pass up, and the 50MP camera and faster charging are also very appealing. The additional software update is a good plus, knowing the phone will be usable for an additional year. While the Nokia C31 has its benefits, the Samsung provides a better overall experience. At this price range, the A04s provides the most bang for your buck and is an easy recommendation.
