Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison and see how these two budget contenders stack up. I’ll put on my tech-journalist hat and break it all down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the key specifications, translated into real-world implications for you, the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Motorola Moto G (2023) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-05-25 | The Moto G (2023) is newer, potentially with more recent software features. |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 164 x 75 x 8.4 mm | The Moto G is slightly more compact, making it a bit more comfortable for one-handed use. The A04s is thicker. |
| Weight | 195g | 189g | The Moto G is lighter, which is noticeable during extended use; The difference is small. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same screen size, making them suitable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both offer the same basic HD+ resolution, providing acceptable sharpness for daily use. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 270 PPI | Pixel density is identical on both, so you'll get the same level of screen detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Moto G usually provides better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 120Hz on the Moto G gives you smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experiences, although in this budget range the difference might not be a game changer. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Neither display offers a high peak brightness rating. This is a serious limitation for outdoor visibility, though the actual brightness performance might differ under real-world conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | The Snapdragon chipset in the Moto G is substantially more powerful, resulting in snappier performance, especially in gaming and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 380,000 | The Moto G's benchmark score is significantly higher, indicating better overall speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 619 | The Adreno GPU in the Moto G provides better graphics performance, particularly noticeable in more demanding apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 48MP f/1.7 | Both cameras will offer good detail in good light. The Moto G's wider aperture allows slightly better low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 8MP f/2.0 | Moto G's selfie camera will likely have better image quality due to the higher resolution and wider aperture. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | N/A | The A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos, which is missing on the Moto G. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have the same macro lens for close-up shots; they are similar in most regards. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion 34 fps | 1080p@30fps, Slow-motion No | Both record video at 1080p 30fps. A04s has slightly better slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, PDAF, HDR | Dual camera, Digital stabilization, PDAF, HDR | A04s has a triple camera. The Moto G offers digital image stabilization and additional features for photo editing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, promising all-day battery life for most users. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 15W fast charging | Both support 15W fast charging, which is average for this segment. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | The Moto G ships with a newer Android version out of the box, though the A04s can be upgraded to the same version or even more. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac , dual band | Both have similar Wi-Fi features but the Moto G has dual-band support for faster speeds on a compatible router. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE, EDR | Moto G has a slightly more advanced version of Bluetooth with EDR for faster and more stable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | A04s offers QZSS while Moto G uses SUPL. Both offer very similar overall GPS capabilities. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano + Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Moto G supports an eSIM for greater flexibility with mobile carriers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 128GB | Both have 128 GB version available with the A04s offering lower capacity versions. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4GB | Both offer 4GB configurations with the A04s offering a 3GB option. 4GB is suitable for basic multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not expandable | Not expandable | Neither phone allows you to expand storage, so choose carefully when picking capacity. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic audio features | Stereo Speakers, 2 mics | The Moto G's stereo speakers provide more immersive audio. The dual mics offer better voice pickup for calls and recordings. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | side-mounted | side-mounted | Both use convenient side-mounted fingerprint sensors for quick unlocking. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar, unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | The Moto G comes with more sensors, which will be important for advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Dedicated Depth Camera: The inclusion of a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode is a plus if you want to take more professional-looking portrait shots.
- More Satellite Systems for GPS: The A04s comes with QZSS which results in better location accuracy.
- Slow motion The A04s has slightly better slow motion capabilities for recording videos.
Motorola Moto G (2023) Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset provides significantly faster performance, especially noticeable in app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
- Smoother Display: The 120Hz display offers smoother animations, making the user experience more enjoyable.
- Better Display Technology: The IPS LCD display typically offers better colors and viewing angles than PLS LCD.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers provide a much more immersive experience than a basic speaker.
- eSIM Support: The Moto G's eSIM support allows for greater flexibility with carrier switching.
- More Camera Features: Digital image stabilization and editing features.
- More Sensors: Gyroscope, compass and proximity for advanced features and gaming.
- More Modern Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, dual-band Wi-Fi support for better connectivity.
Trade-offs:
- The Galaxy A04s includes a triple camera system, while the Moto G has a dual camera.
- The Galaxy A04s is slightly wider and thicker, but there is only a slight difference.
- The Samsung has slightly better slow-motion video recording.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best for: Users on a very tight budget, focusing on the most affordable options. Those who are loyal to the Samsung ecosystem, prefer the portrait mode.
- Use Case: Basic tasks, social media browsing, casual photography with portrait mode.
- Price-to-Value: The price is typically lower but it doesn't offer as much for the price as the Moto G.
Motorola Moto G (2023):
- Best for: Users seeking a smooth, modern experience, who prefer better performance and enhanced multimedia.
- Use Case: Smooth navigation, gaming, media consumption, using a mobile wallet, or simply enjoying better app performance.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a significantly better price-to-value ratio, even if slightly more expensive, it packs a lot more for your buck.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance? If you value smooth performance and fast app loading, the Moto G is the clear winner. If you only need basic smartphone usage, A04s might work fine for you.
- Do you value multimedia experience? The Moto G has a superior display and stereo speakers, providing a significantly better experience for media consumption.
- What's your budget? The Samsung Galaxy A04s might be slightly cheaper, but the Moto G offers more features and significantly better performance for a small jump in price.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Basic User: If you only need a phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, both are adequate, but consider A04s if the portrait camera is your priority.
Multimedia Enthusiast: The Moto G with its stereo speakers, 120Hz display, and better performance makes it the clear choice.
Gamer: The Moto G’s significantly more powerful chipset and better GPU makes it the only option for any type of gaming.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Motorola Moto G (2023). While both phones sit in the budget range, the Moto G offers a much better user experience with its superior performance, smoother display, and improved audio. The slightly higher price is justified by the significant enhancements in overall functionality and performance, making it a better long-term investment. The improved performance and a better screen make it a much better phone that is very worth it. For only a small increase in price, it offers a lot more for your buck.
The A04s is a good budget phone for those who don't really need much out of their device, or prioritize portrait mode, but the Moto G (2023) is overall a better device and my clear choice between the two.
