Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Buckle up, because these two are in very different leagues. It's like comparing a reliable family sedan to a high-performance sports car—both are cars, but their purposes and performance are miles apart. I'll break it all down with a focus on what each spec means for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of their specs, along with what they mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm | Very similar sizes, Zenfone slightly slimmer. |
| Weight | 195g | 224g | A04s is noticeably lighter, feels more comfortable for long use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.78" | Zenfone offers more screen real estate, great for media and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Zenfone has a significantly sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 270 | 388 | Zenfone's text and images are much clearer. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Zenfone's AMOLED has vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Zenfone provides much smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Zenfone's screen is far brighter, great for outdoor visibility, but the A04s's 0 nits doesn't make sense and is likely an error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | Zenfone's chipset is a powerhouse, much faster and more efficient for any task, including gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 117,300 | 1,532,000 | Zenfone offers dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and vastly superior gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 750 | Zenfone's GPU is much more capable for graphics-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5500mAh | Zenfone's larger battery should offer longer usage on a single charge. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 65W fast charging, 15W wireless, 10W reverse | Zenfone charges significantly faster, and has wireless/reverse charging, making it much more versatile for power management. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.9, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890, 1.00 µm pixels | Zenfone's main camera boasts a superior sensor, and larger pixels resulting in better low light and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.5, 1/3.2" Omnivision OV32C, 0.70 µm pixels | Zenfone takes far more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.4 | Zenfone offers optical zoom, which the A04s doesn't have. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 | Zenfone offers a wider field of view for capturing more in each shot. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s has a dedicated portrait camera, which is a nice feature at its price range |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A04s can take dedicated macro shots, which isn't an option on the Zenfone 11 Ultra. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@24fps, tons of options with HDR, and EIS | Zenfone has much more capable video recording capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Basic, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), HDR, etc | 8K video, Digital and Optical Stabilization (OIS), Gimbal, RAW, etc | Zenfone has a significant edge with features and post-processing. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | N/A | 125 (Photo: 131, Video: 115) | Zenfone has been tested and has a high-quality camera system. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 14 (upgradeable to 16) | Zenfone is newer with the latest Android version, which means more features and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Zenfone supports faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Zenfone has the latest Bluetooth and supports better audio codecs and more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | More accurate: GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5) | Zenfone offers more accurate and reliable GPS positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIMs for flexible usage. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Zenfone has much more onboard storage, especially for media. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 12/16 GB | Zenfone's large RAM allows for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for more storage via microSD |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | Zenfone has better speakers and audio, ideal for listening to music or watching videos. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | A04s fingerprint is side-mounted which is considered more convenient. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | Zenfone has very robust screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Hall | Zenfone has a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: This phone is designed for basic smartphone needs. It's a reliable, budget-friendly device suitable for calls, messaging, light browsing, and casual photo taking. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is a nice touch, offering quick access. Its main strengths lie in its simplicity, affordability, and solid battery life for basic use cases. However, it falls short on performance, display quality, and advanced features compared to its competitor.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: This is a high-performance phone that doesn't compromise on anything. The display is a standout, offering top-notch brightness, resolution, refresh rate, and vibrant colors. The chipset is a monster, making it a gaming and multitasking beast. The camera is superb, with a wide range of features, including 8K video and advanced image stabilization. It also offers more storage, RAM, and wireless charging, making it more versatile and future-proof. The downside is its higher price point and larger overall size and weight.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Best for budget-conscious users who need a phone for basic functions. Ideal for older adults, first-time smartphone users, or anyone who wants a no-frills device for calling and texting. It's a solid choice for students on a tight budget or anyone who values simplicity and good battery life for basic day-to-day activities.
- Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra: This is the phone for power users, mobile gamers, and photography enthusiasts. Ideal for those who want the absolute best performance, display, and camera capabilities, and are willing to pay a premium for it. It is the go-to choice for people who want a future-proof device that can handle anything thrown at it.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The Galaxy A04s is in the budget category, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra is a high-end premium phone, so the price difference is vast.
- What will be your primary use case? If it's basic calls and texts, the A04s will do just fine. If you want high-performance gaming, fantastic photos, and tons of storage, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is the clear winner.
- How important are advanced features to you? The A04s has no frills, while the Zenfone 11 Ultra offers cutting-edge features like wireless charging, hi-res audio, 8k recording, and more.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-conscious student: Get the Samsung Galaxy A04s. It's affordable, reliable, and perfect for basic tasks, like homework and keeping in touch.
- Scenario 2: Mobile gamer: Get the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. The blazing-fast processor, massive RAM, amazing display, and great speakers will give you a competitive edge.
- Scenario 3: Casual user: It depends. If you are okay with basic functions, the Samsung Galaxy A04s will be okay. However, for an overall better experience, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is better in all aspects.
- Scenario 4: Photography enthusiast: Get the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. Its top-tier camera system, packed with features, is perfect for anyone serious about mobile photography and videography.
My Choice:
If I were making this decision for myself, I'd choose the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra. It's not even a close contest, actually. As someone who relies heavily on my phone for both work and play, the Zenfone’s superior performance, incredible display, and high-end camera are well worth the investment. While the A04s is a good budget phone, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is in a completely different league, and it’s an investment in a better user experience. I enjoy gaming, editing photos, and watching high-resolution content on the go, so the Zenfone offers exactly what I need. The advanced features like wireless charging and better audio are icing on the cake.
Ultimately, both phones are good for their intended use. It's up to you to decide what experience you want from your smartphone.
