Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A03s and the Motorola Moto G04s. I'll break down the specs, highlight the key differences, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, organized into meaningful categories with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A03s | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2021-08-18 | 2024-04-29 | The Moto G04s is a newer device, which generally means more up-to-date technology and software. |
| Dimensions | 164.2 × 75.9 × 9.1 mm | 163.5 × 74.5 × 8 mm | The Moto G04s is a bit more compact and thinner, making it easier to handle and potentially more pocketable. |
| Weight | 196g | 178.8g | The Moto G04s is noticeably lighter, which enhances comfort during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Virtually the same screen size; a negligible difference in practice. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar screen clarity; both are entry-level HD+ resolutions. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Minimal difference, both offer decent sharpness for everyday tasks. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Moto G04s generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to the PLS LCD on A03s. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | The 90Hz refresh rate on the Moto G04s delivers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have unknown peak brightness, suggesting potentially similar levels of visibility in different lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Unisoc T606 in the Moto G04s is a more modern and efficient chipset on paper. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,049 | 220,000 | Significantly better performance with the Moto G04s, noticeable in app loading, multitasking and gaming performance. |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Mali-G57 MP1 on the Moto G04s is a more capable GPU than PowerVR GE8320 offering smoother graphic rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP f/2.2 | 50MP f/1.8 | The Moto G04s has a much higher resolution sensor and a wider aperture, resulting in better low light and more detailed photos. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.0 | 5MP f/2.2 | Similar selfie camera resolutions with A03s having slightly wider aperture. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.3 | N/A | The A03s includes a dedicated macro lens for close up shots. The G04s lacks this. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes Stabilization, 120fps Slow-mo | The Moto G04s offers video stabilization, slow-motion, making it better for capturing dynamic moments, |
| Camera Features | Basic | Optical zoom, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Laser autofocus (LAF) | The Moto G04s offers advanced features like OIS, PDAF and LAF for better photo and video quality. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity suggesting similar endurance between both phones. |
| Charging | Li-Ion, Standard charging | 15W fast charging, Li-Polymer | Moto G04s has faster charging and a more efficient battery chemistry. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Standard features of both devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 12) | Android 14 | The Moto G04s offers a newer operating system with the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | The Moto G04s has a more versatile Wi-Fi support with dual-band and newer standards for faster and stable wireless connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Bluetooth 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | The Moto G04s offers more navigation options, potentially better accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM support on both for easy management of two numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 64/128/256 GB | The Moto G04s has more flexible storage options, including 128GB and 256GB variants. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 4 GB | The Moto G04s comes with a fixed 4 GB of RAM which is sufficient for basic usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage options. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos | The Moto G04s offers enhanced audio experience with Dolby Atmos, providing spatial audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Basic biometric security on both devices. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | The Moto G04s offers superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | The Moto G04s has an additional gyroscope sensor which enhances its gaming and navigation experience. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A03s Strengths:
- Macro Camera: The dedicated macro lens is a good inclusion for users who like to explore close-up photography.
- Wider Selfie Camera Aperture: The slightly wider aperture on the selfie camera may capture a bit more light in low-light conditions.
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Performance Boost: The Unisoc T606 chipset, coupled with its much higher AnTuTu score, provides a significantly smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Superior Display: The IPS LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate offers improved color accuracy, better viewing angles, and smoother animations.
- Enhanced Camera: The higher resolution main sensor with a wider aperture and features like OIS, PDAF, and LAF results in better photo quality, especially in low-light situations and a significantly better video quality.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging is a welcome convenience, reducing downtime when topping up your device.
- Modern OS: The latest Android 14 ensures you're up to date with security features and new functionalities.
- Better Connectivity: More advanced Wi-Fi capabilities and more navigation options.
- Dolby Atmos: Enhanced spatial audio experience.
- Build Quality: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is a significant advantage in durability.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- A03s: The Samsung A03s is an older model, with a less capable chipset and a basic display. Its camera lacks advanced features compared to the Moto G04s and the video recording capability is basic with no video stabilization and no slow motion mode.
- G04s: The Motorola G04s misses out on the Macro lens, which some users might find interesting to have.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A03s:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for everyday communication, light browsing, and social media use.
- Use Cases: Suitable for users who want a very basic smartphone with decent battery life without the need of high performance features.
- Recommendation: If budget is your primary concern and your needs are basic, the A03s can still be a functional choice.
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal User: Users looking for a smoother experience, better camera capabilities, and a more up-to-date device, while remaining affordable.
- Use Cases: Great for everyday use, media consumption, light gaming, and anyone who values faster charging and a better video quality.
- Recommendation: For the average user who wants good overall performance at an entry-level budget, the Moto G04s is the superior option here.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize performance and display quality? If yes, the Moto G04s is the clear winner.
- Is camera quality very important to you? The G04s’s 50MP camera and the features like OIS, PDAF and LAF make it a significantly better shooter.
- What is your budget? If you are on a tight budget and only have very basic needs, the Samsung A03s may suit you. However, if you can afford a small premium, the Moto G04s will give you a lot better user experience in almost all aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Basic User: If your use is primarily limited to calling, messaging, and basic social media, and budget is your primary concern, the A03s would suffice, however, the Motorola G04s will be a much better choice.
- Media Consumer: If you watch videos or play basic games, the Moto G04s will provide a much better viewing and audio experience.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Moto G04s offers better camera features and image quality.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two, I would unequivocally pick the Motorola Moto G04s.
Here's why:
- Modernity: The G04s is a much newer device, and that's extremely important in the fast-moving world of technology.
- Performance: The enhanced chipset, a better GPU and a much higher AnTuTu score, the Moto G04s provides a noticeably smoother user experience in all daily tasks which is a key aspect to me.
- Display: The 90Hz IPS LCD provides a much better viewing experience for me.
- Camera: I would certainly prefer the Moto G04s for photography and videos due to higher resolution sensor and features like OIS, PDAF and LAF, making it a far more versatile camera phone.
- Connectivity and Features: Modern Wi-Fi, enhanced navigation capabilities and Dolby Atmos are nice-to-have features that are not available in the Samsung.
While the Samsung Galaxy A03s is more affordable, the Motorola Moto G04s offers superior value for a small premium in terms of user experience, making it the better choice. For the added cost, you get a device that is more capable, modern, and future-proof.
