Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A02 vs. Samsung Galaxy A04s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A02 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | Nearly identical size; very minimal difference. |
| Weight | 206g | 195g | A04s is slightly lighter, which may be noticeable during prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size for both phones |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Similar sharpness; good for everyday use, not ideal for high-resolution content |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 270 PPI | Identical sharpness; good for everyday use |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Similar color reproduction and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | A04s offers smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown, making it difficult to assess screen visibility under sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739W (28 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | A04s's chip is significantly more powerful and energy-efficient. Expect faster app loading, better multitasking, and smoother gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 50,774 | 117,300 | A04s has much better overall performance |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | Mali-G52 | A04s's GPU is more capable, especially for gaming and graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 13MP | 50MP | A04s will capture much more detailed images with significantly higher resolution. |
| Main Camera Aperture | f/1.9 | f/1.8 | A04s has a slightly wider aperture allowing for better low-light performance |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 5MP | Similar selfie resolution |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.0 | f/2.2 | A02 has a slightly wider aperture allowing for better low-light performance in selfies |
| Portrait Mode | No | 2MP depth sensor | A04s can create portrait style images with background blur |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | 2MP | Both devices have similar macro lens for close-up shots |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both can record standard HD videos |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes (34 fps) | A04s can record slow-motion video, adding creative options |
| Camera Features | Dual Camera, Continuous Shooting, Panorama, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation | Triple Camera, Phase Detection Autofocus | A02 has more manual controls, while the A04s has faster autofocus and a depth sensor. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery life for both phones |
| Charging | 7.5W | 15W | A04s charges significantly faster, reducing downtime |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 10 (upgradable to 11) | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | A04s has a more modern operating system and will receive more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A04s supports faster and more reliable Wi-Fi, including 5GHz networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.0 LE | A04s has a more stable connection with higher bandwidth, more efficient |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A04s has more accurate GPS due to support for additional systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | A04s offers more storage options, potentially useful for storing more photos and videos. |
| RAM | 2GB/3GB/4GB | 3GB/4GB | A04s has at least 3GB of ram |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both devices have no expandable storage, which limits storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic | A02 offers slightly enhanced audio experience for media consumption |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Basic Security features | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | A04s offers more convenient biometric authentication using a fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity | A04s offers more advanced sensors |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy A02 Advantages:
- Dolby Atmos: Provides a slightly more immersive audio experience (although the practical difference may be subtle).
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 850 chip offers substantially better performance than the MT6739W, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and more enjoyable gaming.
- 90Hz Refresh Rate Display: Provides a smoother and more responsive user experience, especially when scrolling or navigating the UI.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP vs. 13MP, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos. The wider aperture also helps in low-light.
- Dedicated Depth Sensor: Allows for portrait mode shots with a blurred background.
- Faster Charging: 15W charging will significantly reduce the charging time compared to the 7.5W charging on the A02.
- Newer Operating System: Comes with Android 12 out of the box and will receive more updates than the A02.
- Better Connectivity: Supports dual-band Wi-Fi and newer Bluetooth, offering a more stable and faster wireless experience.
- Fingerprint sensor: Enhanced security and convenience with the built in finger print sensor
Trade-offs:
- A02 offers Dolby Atmos support
- A02 offers some additional manual camera settings while A04s has better autofocus.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A02 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for a very basic smartphone at the lowest possible price.
- Light Smartphone Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calling, messaging, and browsing social media or listen to music.
- Basic Media Consumption: Individuals looking for the feature of Dolby Atmos.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Ideal User:
- Users Seeking Performance on a Budget: Those who want smooth everyday performance without paying a premium.
- Casual Gamers: Those who enjoy playing mobile games and want a device that can handle them smoothly.
- Photography Enthusiasts on a Budget: Users who want to take decent photos and portraits with some creative flexibility, but don't need top-tier image quality.
- Modern Operating System and Features: Users who want a device with the latest Android features and security.
Use Cases:
- A02: A good secondary phone, a starter phone for elderly users, or for those who prioritize audio quality.
- A04s: Daily driver, student phone for school and basic gaming, or as a reliable and affordable camera for social media posts.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The A04s offers significantly more for the price, making it better value despite being a newer phone with potentially a higher price tag. The A02 is more of an entry-level, basic device, while the A04s offers mid-range performance.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is my budget? If you are on an extremely strict budget, the A02 may seem like a good option; however, the A04s is a better value.
- What are my performance needs? If you need a smartphone that can handle multitasking, gaming, and apps smoothly, the A04s is the better option.
- How important is the camera quality and low light performance? If taking detailed photos and creative portraits is essential, the A04s has the superior camera setup with its 50MP main sensor, depth sensor, and wider aperture.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Extremely tight budget, only calls/text/basic usage: A02 could work if your budget is extremely restricted, but be prepared for slower performance.
- Scenario 2: Want smooth performance for everyday tasks and games: The A04s is the superior choice.
- Scenario 3: Want the latest software with better security: The A04s has a newer operating system and has a fingerprint sensor.
- Scenario 4: Want the best possible camera: The A04s is the better option with its main 50MP camera and depth sensor.
My Choice:
Given the specifications and practical implications, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s. While the A02 has Dolby Atmos, the A04s offers significantly better all-around performance with its better chipset, higher refresh rate, superior camera, faster charging, newer OS, and better connectivity. The A04s offers a smoother and more responsive experience, making it the better choice for a daily driver and overall better value for money.
