Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison and see what these two phones have to offer. I'm Alex Griffin, and I'll be your guide through the tech specs, cutting through the jargon to give you the real-world picture.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Huawei Pura 70, focusing on what these numbers mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Huawei Pura 70 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 157.6 × 74.3 × 8 mm | A04s is larger and thicker, might be less comfortable for small hands; Pura 70 is more compact and potentially easier to handle. |
| Weight | 195g | 207g | A04s is slightly lighter, but the difference is minimal. Both phones are on the heavier side |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal difference in screen size. Both provide ample screen real estate for media consumption and everyday tasks. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1256x2760 | Pura 70 offers significantly sharper visuals with much higher pixel density. Expect text, images, and videos to look clearer and more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 460 | A significant difference in sharpness. Pura 70 will display much crisper and detailed images and text. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Pura 70 has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors due to OLED tech. A04s will look less vibrant and have weaker blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the interface feel more responsive, whereas 90Hz is still smooth for daily use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 is vastly superior in outdoor visibility, particularly in bright sunlight. A04s is going to be virtually unviewable in daylight, whereas the Pura 70 will remain visible. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | Pura 70 has a more powerful chip that is going to be a whole class above in all aspects of performance. Expect significantly faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 768,000 | The Pura 70 demolishes the A04s in performance, running applications much faster. It is a much more capable device. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 (ARM Mali-G52) | 8 (Maleoon 910) | Pura 70 will offer a much smoother experience when playing graphically intensive games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3" | Pura 70's wider aperture and larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and shallower depth of field. |
| Front Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.4 | Pura 70 offers higher resolution for sharper selfies and video calls |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 12MP, f/3.4 | Pura 70 adds optical zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2 | Pura 70 adds a wider field of view for group shots and landscapes. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; Pura 70 uses software and its other cameras for portrait. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | The A04s allows for taking macro shots; Pura 70 does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K with higher FPS option | Pura 70 records higher resolution video and has higher FPS for more options and capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both have similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | Pura 70 charges much faster, minimizing downtime. Pura 70 has wireless and reverse wireless charging options, the A04s has none of this. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Undisclosed | Different OS and ecosystem. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Pura 70 has support for WiFi 6 and Dual Band which provides faster speeds and more reliable connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Pura 70 offers a more updated, higher fidelity, Bluetooth connection. |
| GPS | Many | More | Pura 70 has more robust satellite support providing better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | Pura 70 offers much higher base storage for apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 12GB | Pura 70 has significantly more RAM for smooth multitasking and faster app load times. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo | Pura 70 offers enhanced audio quality, with immersive sound through its Dolby Atmos technology and dual speaker design. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Both provide basic biometric security. Side fingerprint of A04s is going to be slightly more modern than Pura 70. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Basic + Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Comprehensive | Pura 70 has more sensors that are needed for more advanced features such as compass and gyroscope needed for games. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s
Strengths:
- Budget-Friendly: This phone is designed for the budget-conscious user.
- Decent Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery should provide all-day usage for most light to medium users.
Limitations:
- Basic Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset struggles with demanding applications and games.
- Low-Resolution Display: The 720p PLS LCD screen lacks sharpness and color vibrancy compared to higher-end displays.
- Basic Camera: The single main camera is adequate for basic photos but lacks advanced features and performance.
- Slow Charging: The 15W charging is slow by today's standards.
Huawei Pura 70
Strengths:
- Flagship Performance: The Kirin 9000S1 chipset is a powerhouse, delivering a smooth and responsive experience.
- Stunning Display: The OLED screen with high resolution, refresh rate, and brightness offers exceptional viewing quality.
- Advanced Camera System: The versatile camera setup, featuring wide and telephoto lenses, captures stunning images and videos.
- Fast Charging and Wireless Charging: The 65W charging quickly refills the battery, and it includes wireless charging options.
Limitations:
- Higher Price: This is a premium device, which is reflected in the price.
- No Expandable Storage: The lack of expandable storage might be a limitation for some users.
- Software: The OS is not as well specified.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal User: First-time smartphone buyers, students on a tight budget, or users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light app usage.
- Use Case: Casual social media browsing, basic photography, and multimedia consumption.
- Huawei Pura 70:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, mobile gamers, and anyone seeking a high-performance, premium device.
- Use Case: High-fidelity gaming, advanced photography, content creation, and smooth multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help guide your decision:
- What is my budget? The A04s is significantly cheaper, making it a budget-friendly option. The Pura 70 is a premium device and will cost significantly more.
- How important is performance? If you prioritize smooth performance for gaming and multitasking, the Pura 70 is the clear winner. The A04s will lag behind in resource-heavy use cases.
- How much do I care about camera quality and display? If you want a great camera and display for media consumption and photography, the Pura 70 is much better due to its OLED and varied lenses.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you only have a strict budget and need a basic smartphone for daily use, the Samsung Galaxy A04s might suffice, but you'll have to contend with an overall worse experience.
- Power User: If you prioritize performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, the Huawei Pura 70 will provide a much better experience, it's overall a much better device, though it's significantly more expensive.
- Casual User: If you simply need a phone for calls, texts, and some social media, the Samsung Galaxy A04s can work, but the experience would not be as high. You would greatly benefit from the better experience of Pura 70 if it was in your budget.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Huawei Pura 70.
Here's why: While the A04s might be appealing for its lower price, the Pura 70 provides a far superior user experience in practically every aspect that matters to me. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates high-quality hardware, the Pura 70's premium display, powerful performance, advanced camera system, and fast charging capabilities make it a clear winner. The difference in performance between both devices is such that the experience will be completely different. The A04s is extremely basic in comparison.
While the price jump is substantial, the Pura 70 feels like a more long-term device for someone who wants a great camera, display and processing capabilities. For everyday use, I'd be willing to invest more in it due to its significantly superior capabilities. The A04s, while affordable, compromises so many aspects that for me, it's not a worthwhile trade-off. For a lot of people the A04s may suffice but for a tech journalist, the Pura 70 is the obvious choice.
Let me know if you have any more questions!
