Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Motorola Edge (2022). I'll approach this as if we're chatting over coffee, breaking down the specs in a way that makes sense for anyone, whether you're a tech enthusiast or just looking for your next phone.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the key differences between the two phones, focusing on what they mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Motorola Edge (2022) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 160.9 x 74.2 x 8 mm | A04s is noticeably larger and bulkier; Edge (2022) is more compact and pocketable. |
| Weight | 195g | 170g | Edge (2022) is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible difference in size; both offer a comfortable viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Edge (2022) has a much sharper display (125% more pixels); text and images will appear clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 399 | Edge (2022) has a significantly crisper screen, ideal for detailed viewing. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Edge (2022)'s OLED display will offer better contrast, richer colors, and deeper blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 144Hz | Edge (2022) will have much smoother animations and scrolling, particularly noticeable in gaming and fast-paced apps. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness, making comparisons difficult without testing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | MediaTek Dimensity 1050 (6 nm) | Edge (2022) has a more advanced and powerful chip, leading to faster performance and better energy efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 522,375 | Edge (2022) performs significantly better, loading apps faster and handling demanding tasks and games with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Arm Mali-G610 MC3 | Edge (2022) has a superior GPU, resulting in better graphics performance for gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 (1/1.55" sensor) | Both have a 50MP main camera but the Edge (2022) has a larger sensor that should capture more light and detail |
| Selfie | 5MP f/2.2 | 32MP f/2.45 | Edge (2022) takes significantly higher-resolution selfies, better for detail and cropping. |
| Wide Angle | None | 13MP f/1.5 | Edge (2022) provides an ultra-wide option for capturing broader scenes. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP f/2.4 | None | A04s has a depth sensor that helps in portrait mode, but overall quality is not outstanding. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 20MP f/2.4 (1/2.83" sensor) | Edge (2022) provides a high-resolution macro lens for detailed close-up photography |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@120fps | Edge (2022) shoots significantly higher-resolution videos, offering more creative possibilities with higher fps options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, implying comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Edge (2022) charges much faster, reducing the time you're tethered to a charger. |
| Features | Non-removable | Wireless Charging, Reverse charging | Edge (2022) offers convenient wireless and reverse charging capabilities. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, up to 14 | Android 12, up to 13 | A04s has a slight edge with the potential to reach Android 14 |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Edge has the newer wi-fi 6 for faster speeds and lower latency |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Edge has slightly newer bluetooth version |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A04s supports more satelite systems for accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Nano | Dual SIM Nano + eSIM | Edge has the newer eSIM option for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Edge (2022) offers more storage, allowing you to store more photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 6/8GB | Edge (2022) has more RAM for smoother multitasking and better overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, so choosing the right variant is critical. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Edge has significantly better sound quality with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | Samsung has the more advanced fingerprint location |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Edge has better screen protection against scratches and impact |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Magnetometer | Edge has more sensors for better user experience |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths
- Lower Price: This is likely the biggest draw for the A04s. It's designed to be a budget-friendly option.
- Good Battery Life: With a 5000mAh battery, it will likely last a full day for most users.
- Side-mounted Fingerprint: More convinient location
Motorola Edge (2022) Competitive Advantages
- Superior Display: The OLED panel with a 144Hz refresh rate offers a far better viewing experience.
- Much Faster Performance: The Dimensity 1050 chipset offers significantly better performance.
- Enhanced Camera System: More versatile and feature-rich, from the selfie cam to video recording.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Convenient 30W fast charging, as well as wireless charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: The Dolby Atmos powered stereo speaker will sound miles better than basic speakers.
- Better Build Quality: With screen protection and additional sensors, the edge will be more durable.
Trade-offs & Limitations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: It's a budget phone, which means it sacrifices a lot in terms of performance, display, and camera quality compared to the Motorola Edge (2022).
- Motorola Edge (2022): It's a premium device and thus a more expensive option. No expandable storage may be limiting for some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users who prioritize affordability above all else.
- Basic smartphone users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light social media.
- Users less concerned about performance or camera quality: Those who don't need top-tier performance or high-resolution photography.
- Users who would like the side-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Motorola Edge (2022) is perfect for:
- Power users: Those who need a phone that can handle demanding apps, multitasking, and gaming smoothly.
- Multimedia enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality display, immersive audio, and versatile camera capabilities for content consumption and creation.
- Tech-savvy individuals: Those who want the latest features, faster performance, and a premium experience.
- Users who need to charge their phone faster and potentially without cables
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much does a smooth and fluid display matter to me? If you frequently watch videos or play games, the difference between 90Hz LCD and 144Hz OLED will be very noticeable. The difference in resolution is also significant in terms of crispness.
- How important is performance and future-proofing? The Motorola Edge (2022) has significantly faster performance thanks to its chipset and more RAM, which means it'll be more future-proof if you tend to hold on to your phones for several years.
- What is my budget and how much does advanced features matter? The Samsung A04s is cheaper, but it lacks wireless charging and stereo speakers that would make everyday usage more convenient, while the edge comes at a premium price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User: If you just need a basic phone for calls, texts, and occasional browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A04s will be sufficient and will save you money.
- Scenario 2: Content Creator/Enthusiast: If you're interested in high-quality photos, videos, and a great display for content consumption, the Motorola Edge (2022) is the clear winner with its better cameras, screen, and audio.
- Scenario 3: Gamers: The Motorola Edge (2022) is much better suited for gaming with its stronger chipset and smoother 144Hz display.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones, I would absolutely go with the Motorola Edge (2022), and here's why:
As someone who uses their phone for everything from mobile gaming and video editing to browsing the web and reading books, the Motorola Edge provides an experience that caters to my needs. While both phones share a similar battery capacity, the Edge's faster charging (30W vs 15W) would prove much more convenient in my busy life. Additionally, the display quality is very important to me - an OLED screen with 144hz refresh rate will always be a better viewing experience. The sheer performance difference also cannot be understated. With an almost 4x difference in AnTuTu score, the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 provides an experience closer to a premium device, while the Samsung is more closer to the entry level category.
While the Samsung Galaxy A04s is a great option for those who have a very strict budget, if you have the funds to purchase the edge, you would be much more satisfied with your purchase in the long run.
