Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra. We're looking at two very different beasts here, one a budget-friendly workhorse, the other a foldable marvel packed with cutting-edge tech. Let's break it down.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a look at how these phones stack up, with an emphasis on what these specs actually mean for the user:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Motorola Razr 50 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-06-25 | The Razr 50 Ultra is significantly newer, meaning newer tech, software, and potential future support. |
| Foldable | Standard | Foldable | Razr 50 Ultra folds for pocketability and unique use cases, while A04s is a standard slab phone. |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm, 195g | 171.4 x 74 x 7.1 mm, 189g | Razr 50 Ultra is taller and thinner, with the A04s being wider and thicker. The A04s is also slightly heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.9" | Razr 50 Ultra offers a noticeably larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2640 | Razr 50 Ultra is much sharper, with finer details and crisper text due to higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 413 | A higher PPI on the Razr 50 Ultra results in sharper images and text, which is very noticeable. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | (unspecified) | Razr 50 Ultra is expected to have a vibrant, possibly AMOLED display based on other high-end foldable phones. A04s' PLS LCD is more basic. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 165Hz | Razr 50 Ultra will have buttery-smooth scrolling and animations. A04s is smoother than the typical 60Hz, but noticeably less so. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 3000 nits | Razr 50 Ultra is vastly brighter, with excellent outdoor visibility even in direct sunlight, a huge win. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 (4nm) | Razr 50 Ultra's processor is significantly more powerful, offering faster app loading, smoother multitasking and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 1,625,000 | The Razr 50 Ultra is in a completely different performance league, outscoring the A04s by a factor of over 10x. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 735 | Razr 50 Ultra’s GPU is far more capable for gaming and graphically intensive tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.70µm | Both offer 50MP main cameras, but Razr 50 Ultra has larger sensor for better light sensitivity. |
| Telephoto | None | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | Razr 50 Ultra includes a dedicated telephoto lens, adding versatility in photography. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/3", 0.70µm | Razr 50 Ultra provides much higher resolution selfies. A04s has a slightly wider aperture for better low-light selfies, but the difference is negligible. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s has a basic depth sensor, which is generally used for simulated bokeh effect. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s has a macro camera, but generally these cameras are low quality and its main camera will yield better results. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | Razr 50 Ultra offers far superior video recording, with 4K resolution, higher frame rates, and advanced stabilization features. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | Extensive features | Razr 50 Ultra provides advanced camera features like optical zoom, OIS, RAW capture, and Night Mode, compared to A04s' more basic features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | A04s has a larger battery, likely meaning longer usage between charges given its less demanding specs. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging, 15W Wireless Charging | Razr 50 Ultra charges significantly faster (both wired and wireless) despite its smaller battery, meaning less time tethered to an outlet. |
| Features | None | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging | Razr 50 Ultra has more features in general, such as reverse charging to charge accessories, and also supports wireless charging. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 14 | Android 14, Max 17 | Razr 50 Ultra launches with a newer OS, and will receive more software updates, while the A04s' support has likely come to an end. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 7 | Razr 50 Ultra has much faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with support for newer standards like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Razr 50 Ultra supports a newer Bluetooth standard for better connections, and low energy consumption. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Both phones have reliable GPS features, with slightly different satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano-SIM | Dual Nano-SIM + eSIM | The Razr 50 Ultra adds the flexibility of an eSIM, while the A04s is limited to physical SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 256/512GB | Razr 50 Ultra has dramatically more storage, providing significantly more space for apps, photos, and media. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 12GB | Razr 50 Ultra has vastly more RAM, resulting in much better multitasking and better performance overall. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Razr 50 Ultra has superior audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both offer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and reliable security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Razr 50 Ultra has a significantly more durable screen. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic Virtual | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Proximity: Proximity | Razr 50 Ultra has a more comprehensive suite of sensors, enabling a wider range of features and applications. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: The A04s is all about value. It offers a large screen, a decent main camera, and a large battery, all at a very affordable price. Its large battery makes it a great option for those who prioritise long battery life, and its large screen is good for browsing the web, or watching media, albeit at a lower resolution than many modern devices.
- Competitive Advantages: It’s significantly cheaper than the Razr 50 Ultra, making it an accessible option for budget-conscious users. If long battery life and a large screen are primary priorities, the A04s is the better option of the two.
- Limitations: The A04s’ performance is basic, which translates to longer load times, and some lag when multitasking. Its camera is also basic, and the screen is lower-resolution than most modern smartphones, and is not very bright outdoors.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Razr 50 Ultra is a powerhouse of cutting-edge tech. The foldable design offers a unique form factor and the performance is top tier. Its main camera is very high quality with a versatile telephoto lens. It boasts an incredible 165Hz refresh rate and excellent brightness, a very large, and very sharp display, fast charging and great connectivity features.
- Competitive Advantages: The Razr 50 Ultra’s foldable design, high-end performance, premium display, advanced camera features and superior video capabilities stand out. The premium design, durability, excellent display, and incredibly fast performance make this device an enthusiast's phone.
- Limitations: Its battery is smaller than that of the A04s, and it’s significantly more expensive. It also lacks the expandable storage that some users might want.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Ideal for users on a tight budget, such as students, people who use a phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing, and those who prioritise battery life over everything else. This is a great device for people who are looking to get on a smartphone with a large screen and good battery life without breaking the bank.
- Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: This device is targeted towards tech enthusiasts, early adopters, and users who demand cutting-edge technology. This device excels for content creators, mobile gamers, or those who are seeking a compact yet powerful device with a unique form factor.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to consider:
- Budget: Are you looking for the most affordable option, or are you willing to invest more for premium features?
- Performance Needs: Do you need a device for heavy multitasking and gaming, or are basic functions sufficient?
- Form Factor: Is the foldable design a must-have, or are you content with a standard smartphone?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget-Conscious User If your primary concern is cost-effectiveness, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the obvious choice. It provides a solid set of basic features without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: The Power User If you value high performance and want a device that can keep up with heavy multitasking, gaming, and content creation, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra is the clear winner.
- Scenario 3: The Tech Enthusiast If you’re fascinated by cutting-edge technology and love to be on the forefront of innovation, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra’s foldable design and advanced features will undoubtedly appeal to you.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra without question. While I appreciate the A04s’ focus on affordability and battery life, the Razr 50 Ultra is simply too compelling to pass up. The sheer leap in performance, the innovative foldable design, and that stunningly smooth 165Hz display are irresistible to me. As someone who values fast performance, high quality photography and a premium experience, the Razr 50 Ultra delivers on all fronts, and its cutting-edge nature aligns perfectly with my interest in mobile technology. The unique foldable experience is also something I'm eager to explore, and the phone's great performance makes it a clear choice for me.
The A04s is a good phone at a very specific price point, however, the Razr 50 Ultra offers a much better overall user experience, and the premium price is justified by the cutting-edge features and performance it offers.
