Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Blackview A96. Buckle up, because while they might seem similar at a glance, there are some significant differences under the hood that will impact your daily use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specs, broken down into categories with a "Real-World Implications" column:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Blackview A96 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 161.8 x 74.2 x 8.6 mm | A04s is slightly taller, wider, and thicker, so feels a bit larger and bulkier in hand |
| Weight | 195g | 193.9g | Both feel similar in terms of weight, with Blackview being marginally lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size on both phones. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | A96 provides significantly sharper text, images, and videos due to higher resolution. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 405 | A96's display will look much clearer with a higher pixel density. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | A96 likely offers better viewing angles and color reproduction. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A96's screen provides slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices might struggle outdoors on bright sunny days. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | A96's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 423,393 | A96 is MUCH faster, able to run apps more smoothly and multitask with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | A96's GPU will deliver better graphics performance in games and other demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 48MP, f/1.6 | A96's wider aperture might perform slightly better in low-light conditions. A04s has a slightly higher MP count though. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 16MP | A96 takes significantly sharper selfies due to higher resolution. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.4 | A96 offers more versatile shooting with an additional wide angle lens. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s has a dedicated depth sensor which is useful for more natural portraits |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable macro performance on both. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps | A96 supports higher resolution video, providing sharper more detailed video. |
| Camera Features | Various, incl. PDAF | Various, incl. Front Flash | A96 offers a few more software features, especially the Front Flash for better selfies in the dark. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4380mAh | A04s has a larger battery, so it will probably last longer on a single charge. |
| Charging | 15W | 18W | A96 charges slightly faster, but A04s might require charging less often. |
| Battery type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is usually a bit lighter, has slightly longer lifespan, and quicker charge rate. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 256 GB | A96 has significantly more storage, which is great for storing photos and other files. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12 GB | A96 has way more RAM, which is crucial for smooth multitasking and gaming. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | The A96 comes with a slightly newer version of Android out of the box, but A04s will be upgraded to 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | A96 offers Dual band connectivity for more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 | A04s has LE support for lower power devices |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | A04s supports more GPS standards for more accurate location |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo speakers | A96 gives a richer, fuller audio experience because of stereo speakers |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Standard fingerprint sensor for convenient access |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The A96 offers more comprehensive motion sensors for a richer experience. |
2. Key Insights
- Blackview A96 Dominates Performance: The A96 is the clear winner in terms of performance. Its Mediatek Helio G99 chipset and higher RAM translate to significantly better app loading, multitasking, and gaming experiences.
- Superior Display on the Blackview: The A96 features a higher resolution, sharper display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother animations and a more visually appealing experience.
- A96 offers more Camera Versatility: The Blackview A96 gives you a wide-angle lens for more dynamic landscape shots and more front facing features such as a front-facing flash and higher MP counts for selfies.
- Samsung A04s Holds the Battery Edge: The Galaxy A04s boasts a larger battery capacity, likely providing longer battery life, but it lacks fast charging speed.
- Storage Disparity: The Blackview A96 comes with 256GB of internal storage by default, a huge advantage compared to the A04s's options of 32GB, 64GB or 128GB.
- Software Differences: The A96 comes with a newer Android version, however the A04s is upgradable.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is Best For:
- Basic Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, light browsing, and social media.
- Battery Life Prioritizers: Users who prioritize longer battery life over performance or image quality.
- Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Those seeking the most affordable option with decent basic functionality.
Blackview A96 is Best For:
- Performance Seekers: Users who prioritize fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and better gaming capabilities.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who enjoy watching high-resolution videos or playing graphically intensive games on their phones.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those wanting a good front-facing camera, wide-angle options for versatile landscape shots, and faster video capture speeds.
- Users who need more storage: The 256 GB storage will allow you to store more photos and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is raw performance to you?
- If it's crucial, the Blackview A96 is the clear choice.
- If you're mostly doing basic tasks, the Galaxy A04s may be adequate.
- Do you watch a lot of videos or take many pictures?
- If yes, the A96's higher resolution display and superior camera array will significantly enhance your experience.
- If not, either display will do just fine, but the 120hz will provide slightly smoother animations in comparison to the 90hz.
- Do you need a lot of storage?
- If yes, the A96 provides 256 GB which can store a plethora of photos and videos.
- If not, the A04s has options for 32GB, 64GB or 128GB which might be adequate for your needs.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Casual User on a Tight Budget: Go for the Samsung A04s. It covers the basics and offers good battery life at a lower cost.
- Student or Casual Gamer: The Blackview A96 provides much faster performance, a more enjoyable gaming experience, and more storage for all your files.
- Social Media Enthusiast: The Blackview A96's camera array and overall better performance make it the better choice for capturing higher quality content.
- Media Enthusiast: The Blackview A96 offers a better screen and speakers for media consumption.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd personally go with the Blackview A96. While the Samsung A04s has a slightly larger battery, the A96's far superior performance, higher resolution display, larger storage, better cameras and more comprehensive set of sensors make it the clear winner for me. As someone who values smooth performance, high-quality display for media consumption, and a versatile camera system, the A96 offers a lot more value for daily use. The price difference is worth the leap in overall experience it provides.
