Alright, let's dive deep into the tech specs and figure out what these two phones, the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, are really all about. We'll break it down piece by piece, focusing not just on the numbers, but on what those numbers mean for you in everyday use.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, highlighting key specs and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-04-29 | The Pura 70 Ultra is significantly newer, so it has the potential to include the latest technologies and features. |
| Dimensions | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | The A04s is slightly larger, wider, and thicker, which might make it feel bulkier in hand compared to the sleeker Pura 70 Ultra. |
| Weight | 195g | 226g | The A04s is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for long periods of use; the Pura 70 Ultra feels more substantial but is heavier in the pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | The Pura 70 Ultra offers a marginally larger screen, great for immersive viewing and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2844 | The Pura 70 Ultra has a much sharper display; text and images look far clearer. The difference here is huge. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 460 | The Pura 70 Ultra's display is significantly sharper, resulting in noticeably less pixilation compared to the A04s |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | The Pura 70 Ultra's OLED panel provides superior contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks compared to the LCD on the A04s. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Pura 70 Ultra offers smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 Ultra's display is incredibly bright, ensuring excellent visibility in direct sunlight. A04s brightness is unlisted and likely lower |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | The Pura 70 Ultra has a more advanced chip, resulting in faster app loading and better multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 869,707 | The Pura 70 Ultra’s performance is in another league, making it far smoother, quicker, and more capable than the A04s. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Maleoon 910 | The Pura 70 Ultra’s GPU offers superior graphics performance, for better gaming and smoother graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.6 (1", Sony IMX989, 1.60µm) | The Pura 70 Ultra’s larger sensor, wider aperture, and more advanced sensor enable much better low-light photos and greater detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 13MP f/2.4 (Omnivision) | The Pura 70 Ultra's selfie cam will capture more detail, though the A04s has a slightly wider aperture which could assist in low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP f/2.1 (Omnivision) | The Pura 70 Ultra offers dedicated zoom capabilities; the A04s lacks this. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 40MP f/2.2 (1/1.7", Omnivision OV40A, 1.00µm) | The Pura 70 Ultra can capture wide-angle shots; the A04s is limited to its main lens. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The A04s has a dedicated sensor for capturing depth, although image quality is likely inferior due to the sensor's low resolution. |
| Macro lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The A04s has a dedicated macro lens. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes | The Pura 70 Ultra offers 4K video recording and stabilization; the A04s is limited to 1080p. |
| Slow-motion | 34 fps | 960 fps | The Pura 70 Ultra can capture very slow motion scenes, the A04s is quite basic. |
| DXOMark Scores | N/A | 163(Mobile), 0(photo), 0(video) | The Pura 70 Ultra demonstrates higher camera scores in the DXOMark test, showcasing its capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | The Pura 70 Ultra has advanced features like OIS, laser autofocus, RAW capture, and much more, offering far more versatility compared to the basic features of the A04s. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5200mAh | The Pura 70 Ultra has a slightly larger battery, which may result in marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 15W | 100W | The Pura 70 Ultra charges dramatically faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Wireless Charging | None | 80W | The Pura 70 Ultra can be charged wirelessly, the A04s doesn't have this feature |
| Reverse Charging | None | Yes, 20W | The Pura 70 Ultra can charge other devices, the A04s doesn't have this feature |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | The Pura 70 Ultra is running on a later version of android out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | The Pura 70 Ultra supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi, enhancing connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 | The Pura 70 Ultra has a newer version of Bluetooth, which can result in more efficient and reliable connections. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced | The Pura 70 Ultra has more sophisticated GPS, supporting more satellite systems for more accurate and quicker location tracking |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 512/1024 GB | The Pura 70 Ultra offers considerably more internal storage for apps, photos, videos, etc. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 16 GB | The Pura 70 Ultra has vastly more RAM, which translates to smoother multitasking and faster performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage options |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Pura 70 Ultra provides a better and immersive audio experience |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | The A04s is said to have a side-mounted fingerprint, which is typically considered more convenient and faster than the front-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Pura 70 Ultra. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint, Gravity, Hall, RGB | The Pura 70 Ultra offers more sensors for a range of functionalities, including advanced motion tracking and environment awareness. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: Its main strength is its affordability. It also has a decently large display, a long-lasting battery, and a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is convenient. It also has a depth sensor and a macro sensor which are often omitted.
- Competitive Advantages: It offers a basic Android experience at a very low price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
- Limitations: Its performance is basic, with the lowest benchmarks. The display is low-resolution and lacks the vibrant colors of OLED. The cameras are decent but are significantly outshone by phones higher up the price ladder.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Pura 70 Ultra is a powerhouse in almost every category. Its display is top-tier, the performance is blazing fast, and the cameras are incredibly capable, especially in low-light conditions. The battery charging is super quick and it features wireless charging along with reverse wireless charging.
- Competitive Advantages: It boasts a flagship-level experience with cutting-edge technology in key areas such as display, camera, performance, and charging.
- Limitations: It is significantly heavier than the A04s and much more expensive. The fingerprint sensor is basic, and may not be as quick or convenient as the side-mounted alternative, it lacks expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texting, and light social media use, without breaking the bank.
- First-time smartphone users: Its simple interface and ease of use make it a good starting point.
- Users who prioritize battery life and light weight: It provides a long-lasting battery and is noticeably lighter than the Pura 70 Ultra.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is best for:
- Enthusiast photographers and videographers: Its advanced camera system will capture incredible photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting situations.
- Power users and gamers: The top-tier performance and smooth display make it a joy to use for demanding apps and games.
- Users who appreciate top-of-the-line technology: Its cutting-edge features and fast charging will be very desirable for these users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide between these two phones, ask yourself these three questions:
- What is my budget? If price is the primary concern, the A04s is the clear choice.
- How important is camera performance? If photography is a priority, the Pura 70 Ultra is leagues ahead.
- What will be my primary use case? If it’s basic communication and light browsing, the A04s is fine. If it’s demanding apps and gaming, the Pura 70 Ultra is your best bet.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For a student on a tight budget: The Samsung Galaxy A04s provides all the essential functionality at a fraction of the cost.
- For a photography enthusiast: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra's advanced camera system will consistently deliver top-notch results.
- For a frequent traveler: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra’s great camera, fast charging, and vivid display will keep you entertained during your travels.
- For a casual user who values long battery life and light weight: The Samsung Galaxy A04s wins in terms of longevity and comfort.
What I would choose and why:
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would go with the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s serves as a budget-friendly option for basic smartphone needs, the Pura 70 Ultra excels in almost every critical aspect.
Here's my reasoning:
- Cutting-Edge Technology: As a tech enthusiast, I’m drawn to the latest and greatest. The Pura 70 Ultra offers a top-tier OLED display with high resolution and refresh rate, along with a powerful processor, and its camera is significantly better.
- Photography Prowess: I value a great camera, and the Pura 70 Ultra’s advanced sensor and optics would allow me to capture amazing photos and videos even in low light.
- Performance and Fluidity: The Pura 70 Ultra’s performance benchmarks clearly show how smooth and responsive the phone would be for any task.
- Long-Term Investment: Despite its higher price, the Pura 70 Ultra’s advanced technology and performance make it a more future-proof option, while the budget Samsung Galaxy A04s would feel outdated in a couple years.
While the A04s has its place for budget-conscious users who don’t need top-tier features, the Pura 70 Ultra offers a premium experience that justifies its higher price, making it the device I would choose.
