Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Motorola Moto G04s. As usual, we'll be focusing on practical impacts instead of just raw specs. Here’s the breakdown:
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison, focusing on what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Motorola Moto G04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 163.5 x 74.5 x 8 mm | Motorola is slightly more compact and thinner; more comfortable. |
| Weight | 195g | 178.8g | Motorola is noticeably lighter, making it more pocketable. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.56" | Very similar screen size; negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Both have similar HD+ resolution; basic clarity for everyday use. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 269 PPI | Similar sharpness; not the sharpest, but decent for the price. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Motorola's IPS LCD usually offers better viewing angles and color. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling compared to standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have limited display brightness, which can struggle in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Motorola's Unisoc T606 generally provides better performance, and it's more modern. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 220,000 | Moto G04s is significantly faster for app loading, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Moto G04s has a better GPU for slightly better gaming and graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Main cameras are similar on paper. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Both should provide adequate selfies in good lighting. |
| Depth/Macro Lens | 2MP / 2MP | None | Galaxy A04s has extra depth and macro lenses, but quality can be questionable. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No stabilization | 1080p@30fps, Yes stabilization | Both shoot in 1080p; Moto G04s has video stabilization and 120fps slow-mo. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR, various modes | OIS, LAF, Panorama, White balance, ISO settings | Moto G04s has superior features like Optical Zoom, OIS and Panorama. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should provide all-day battery for typical use. |
| Charging | 15W | 15W | Standard 15W charging is decent but not particularly fast. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Moto G04s ships with the latest Android version right out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac dual-band | Both support standard WiFi; Moto G04s has dual-band support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Standard Bluetooth for wireless audio and connections. |
| GPS | QZSS, etc | SUPL, etc | Both offer GPS, but they have minor differences in satellite systems. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 64/128/256GB | Moto G04s offers significantly more storage options (up to 256GB). |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4GB | Both phones are limited to 4 GB of RAM (base configuration for Samsung) and may struggle with multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | Basic features | Dolby Atmos | Moto G04s has Dolby Atmos for superior audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both use the same side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick unlock. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Moto G04s offers better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Gyroscope | Moto G04s includes a more typical proximity sensor and gyroscope. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G04s Strengths:
- Better Performance: The Unisoc T606 chip and better benchmark scores indicate faster everyday usage and smoother gaming.
- Superior Display Tech: The IPS LCD offers improved viewing angles and color reproduction over the PLS LCD.
- More Storage Options: Up to 256GB of internal storage gives significantly more room for apps and media.
- Modern Software: The G04s ships with a newer version of android.
- Better Video Recording: The Moto G04s has video stabilization, which is crucial for capturing decent video.
- Superior audio features: The Moto G04s has Dolby Atmos.
- Better build quality: The Moto G04s uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Extra Camera Lenses: The additional depth and macro lenses might be appealing for those who enjoy experimenting with photography on a budget, but image quality is questionable..
Trade-offs:
- Samsung's Older Tech: The Galaxy A04s uses older chipset, display and doesn't have video stabilization.
- Storage Limitation: Samsung's max of 128 GB of internal storage is more limiting in the long run.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Motorola Moto G04s:
- Ideal For: Budget-conscious users who want the best possible performance and software for the price. Great for users who will use the phone for media consumption, social media, and light gaming.
- Use Cases: Everyday use, social media, multimedia consumption, light gaming, and users who are looking for a phone that ships with the latest OS.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal For: Users looking for a very basic smartphone with slightly more camera features on paper for very simple photography, who prefer Samsung's brand and ecosystem and are willing to sacrifice performance.
- Use Cases: Basic communication, casual browsing, those who want to try out macro photography or are fans of the brand.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- Do you prioritize performance? If yes, the Moto G04s offers a much better everyday experience and has the newest OS.
- Do you need a lot of storage? If yes, the Moto G04s is the better choice, with up to 256GB of internal space.
- How important are extra camera features? If the additional depth and macro lenses on paper are appealing, you may prefer the A04s, keeping in mind the sacrifice in other departments.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Gamer: The Moto G04s is the obvious pick for better gaming performance with its superior chipset and GPU.
- Media Enthusiast: The Moto G04s with Dolby Atmos, an IPS display, and more storage is ideal for movies, music, and social media.
- Casual User: For basic tasks, the Moto G04s still offers a smoother experience.
- Brand Loyalist: If you must stick with Samsung, then the A04s will work, but you might get a better experience with the Moto G04s.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I'd definitively go for the Motorola Moto G04s. The performance difference is significant, making it a better choice for everyday use, gaming, and multi-tasking. The improved display tech, audio experience with Dolby Atmos, better build quality with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and larger storage options seal the deal. Although Samsung's macro lens and depth camera sound nice in theory, these are of questionable quality. In the real-world, the benefits of the Motorola in everyday usage outweigh Samsung's offering for the typical user. Additionally, it ships with the latest Android version right out of the box.
