Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A03 and A04s. These two budget-friendly contenders from Samsung pack some interesting differences under the hood, and understanding these nuances is crucial for making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A03 | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-01-21 | 2022-09-22 | The A04s is a newer model by 8 months and 1 day, potentially benefiting from more recent software optimization. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | Both phones are virtually identical in size, making the in-hand feel very similar; comfortable for most hands, but slightly thick. |
| Weight | 196g | 195g | Both phones feel similar in weight; slightly heavy compared to high-end models. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both phones offer the same screen size, ideal for multimedia consumption and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Identical resolution, so both display the same level of detail; will be sharp enough for most users, but not as sharp as higher-end models. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Identical pixel density ensures consistent clarity on both devices. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Both use the same screen tech, offering similar viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The A04s offers smoother scrolling and animations, which makes the user experience feel more fluid and responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays have identical brightness, but note, 0 nits means that this data is unavailable, it does not mean that the screen does not produce any brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | The A03 uses a 12nm chipset, while the A04s has an 8nm chip, making the A04s theoretically more efficient, although benchmarks indicate otherwise. |
| AnTuTu Score | 174,932 | 117,300 | The A03, surprisingly, scores higher on benchmarks indicating slightly faster app loading and a smoother user experience overall compared to A04s. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 | Different GPUs. The A03’s GPU is slightly higher performance and better for gaming and graphically intensive tasks, though not a substantial difference. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | The A04s offers a slightly higher resolution (50MP) camera, but the actual image quality in real-world use may not be significantly different for most users. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Both phones have the same selfie camera, which is decent for basic selfies and video calls. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones include a depth sensor, which helps with portrait mode photography. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | The A04s includes a macro lens, which enables close-up shots of small objects and textures. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, Yes Slow-mo | Both record 1080p video at 30fps. However, only the A04s has a slow-motion recording feature at 34 fps, which is nice for creative video work. |
| Camera Features | Dual, No PDAF, Continuous shooting, Panorama, HDR | Triple, PDAF, HDR | The A03 has a dual camera setup, lacks PDAF, but offers features such as continuous shooting and panorama. The A04s has a triple camera setup and features PDAF for faster focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer the same large battery capacity, which should provide all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 7.5W fast charging | 15W fast charging | The A04s has faster charging, allowing you to fill up the battery in less time. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Up to 13 | Android 12, Up to 14 | The A04s ships with a more modern Android version, with a guaranteed upgrade to a more recent OS, offering better software features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Both support dual-band Wi-Fi. The A04s has the added benefit of Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth connectivity for wireless peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The A04s offers more satellite support, resulting in a more accurate and reliable GPS signal. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both come with similar storage options. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 3/4 GB | Both have the same RAM configurations. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos | Basic | The A03 provides better sound output with the addition of Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | The A04s has a fingerprint sensor for added security, which the A03 lacks. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have similar screen protection, but it isn't clear what it is. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | The A04s adds a Fingerprint sensor and Ultrasonic virtual proximity, where as the A03 offers standard proximity. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A03 Strengths:
- Stronger Performance: Despite being the older model, the A03 surprisingly outperforms the A04s in benchmarks due to its chipset. This translates to a slightly smoother experience with faster app loading.
- Superior Audio: With Dolby Atmos, the A03 delivers enhanced audio, a feature absent in the A04s.
- Comparable Camera: Though technically slightly lower resolution, the main camera on the A03 performs very similarly to the A04s in everyday use.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate display on the A04s makes scrolling and navigation feel smoother.
- Newer Software: Shipping with Android 12 and upgradable to Android 14 means you get the latest features and security patches.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging is twice as fast as the A03, which can be a significant time-saver.
- Macro Camera: The inclusion of a macro lens adds a new creative dimension for users who enjoy taking close-up shots.
- Enhanced GPS: Better location accuracy due to the increased number of supported satellite systems.
- Fingerprint Sensor: A side-mounted fingerprint scanner is a valuable addition to security.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Performance Discrepancy: Despite the A04s having a theoretically more efficient chipset, the benchmarks show that the A03 has an advantage.
- No Expandable Storage: Neither phone allows you to expand storage, limiting the number of apps, photos, and videos you can store on the device.
- Basic Audio on A04s: The lack of Dolby Atmos on A04s means you miss out on a richer audio experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A03 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Who prioritize a solid overall performance at the lowest possible price.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Who value good sound quality from the integrated Dolby Atmos functionality.
- Users who don't mind slightly slower charging : The charging speed is less ideal.
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Users seeking a smooth and responsive experience: The 90Hz refresh rate makes day to day use that bit smoother.
- Users wanting the latest software experience: With a newer OS out of the box and a more recent max version of Android, the A04s is up to date with software.
- Photography enthusiasts: With the addition of a macro lens and faster PDAF focus, it offers a more comprehensive set of camera features.
- Those valuing security: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking.
- Users seeking faster charging speeds : The 15W charging is a clear advantage.
- Users who need a more accurate GPS: The A04s includes more satellite systems for better GPS accuracy.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- How much do I prioritize a smooth and more modern experience?
- If yes, the A04s with its 90Hz display and newer software is the better choice.
- How important is audio quality for media consumption?
- If yes, the A03 with its Dolby Atmos integration delivers enhanced audio.
- Do I need fast charging and better security?
- If yes, the A04s's 15W charging and fingerprint sensor provide enhanced convenience and security.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- For a student on a budget: The Samsung Galaxy A03 is slightly better with better performance and audio, while saving money.
- For someone who uses their phone for everyday tasks: The Samsung Galaxy A04s is superior with the smoother 90Hz display, faster charging, more up to date Android and fingerprint security.
- For photography: The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the better choice, with its triple camera setup, macro lens and PDAF for faster focus.
My Choice
If I were picking between the two, I'd lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A04s. While the A03 has a slight edge in benchmark performance and audio, the A04s offers a more compelling overall package. The smoother 90Hz display, the more up to date Android OS, faster 15W charging, and the addition of a fingerprint sensor provide a more well-rounded and modern user experience. The macro lens is a welcome addition for photography enthusiasts, and the enhanced GPS is a bonus for navigation.
While the A03 provides better audio with Dolby Atmos, for most use cases, the advantages of the A04s for day to day performance and usage outweigh the A03's audio benefits. Plus, the A04s offers a superior software experience, with a guaranteed upgrade to the newest Android version. This should make the A04s a better long term investment.
