Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Nokia G22. Both phones are vying for attention in the budget-friendly category, but they have some significant differences that could sway your decision. As always, my aim is to cut through the tech jargon and give you a clear picture of what these phones offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two devices stack up, focusing on practical implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Nokia G22 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 165 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm | The Nokia G22 is slightly thinner, making it a bit more pocketable and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 195g | 196.2g | Both are virtually the same weight, meaning they feel similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen size, good for media consumption and everyday tasks. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both offer HD+ resolution, suitable for most use cases but not the sharpest out there. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 270 PPI | Similar sharpness, meaning no significant difference in visual clarity. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on Nokia offers better viewing angles and color accuracy than the PLS LCD on A04s. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both have smooth scrolling and animations due to the 90Hz refresh rate. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness not given, but generally, these will be adequate for indoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Nokia's Unisoc is significantly more powerful resulting in noticeably better app loading and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 253,300 | The Nokia G22 has significantly better performance in the real world. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Nokia's better GPU translates to smoother gaming experiences. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both have a decent main camera, but the Nokia has a superior sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Nokia G22 captures higher-resolution selfies with a wider aperture. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar macro lenses, good for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps (Slow-mo Yes) | 1080p @ 30fps (Slow-mo No) | Both offer basic 1080p video, but only the Samsung Galaxy A04s provides slow-motion capabilities. |
| Features | PDAF, HDR, etc... | Continuous shooting, Panorama, Front Flash, HDR, etc... | Nokia has more photo capture options, including panorama and continuous shooting. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5050 mAh | Battery life will likely be comparable, providing all-day usage for most. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Nokia G22 charges slightly faster, reducing the time you spend plugged into the wall. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable, In-box 10W Charger | The Nokia G22 comes with a charger in the box unlike Samsung. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Up to 14) | Android 12 | Samsung has a clear roadmap to the newest Android version, the Nokia doesn't. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Dual Band, Wi-Fi Display | The Samsung has more modern WiFi standards. The Nokia G22 is dual band. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both phones support basic Bluetooth standards. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Samsung supports additional GPS, meaning more accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM cards for managing multiple lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Nokia provides more storage options and higher capacity in 256GB variation. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 4/6 GB | Nokia provides more RAM, meaning better multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone provides expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | 2 Microphones | Nokia G22 has a slightly better microphone setup for clearer voice. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Both phones provide standard fingerprint security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G22 has superior screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung A04s has additional ultrasonic proximity sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Strengths: The Samsung A04s has a focus on the software experience with a clear upgrade path to Android 14. It also boasts slightly more accurate GPS.
- Competitive Advantages: Brand recognition and the potential for longer-term software support are the most prominent advantages. Its slow-motion video recording is a small advantage.
- Trade-offs: Underwhelming performance, no screen protection, and a basic main camera sensor are the downsides.
Nokia G22
- Strengths: The Nokia G22 excels with much better performance thanks to its Unisoc chipset, better selfie camera, and a faster-charging battery. The inclusion of a screen protector is a valuable bonus.
- Competitive Advantages: The G22 has a higher benchmark score, faster charging, better build quality, more RAM, more internal storage options, and more camera features.
- Trade-offs: Lacks a roadmap to future Android updates, lacks slow-motion video recording, and doesn't have the brand recognition of Samsung.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best for: Users who prioritize brand familiarity, software support and want to capture slow-motion video.
- Use Cases: Basic social media, browsing, and calls.
- Nokia G22:
- Best for: Users who want the best performance at the price point, better camera for selfies, and a device that offers more memory and better storage.
- Use Cases: Social media, basic gaming, content consumption, and everyday tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- Do you value brand reliability and long term software updates? If yes, the Samsung A04s might be more suitable.
- Is performance a top priority for you? If so, the Nokia G22 is a significantly better option.
- What is your primary use case for the phone? If its social media, everyday tasks, and light gaming, the Nokia G22 delivers a superior experience overall.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Shopper: The Nokia G22 is the winner due to its better performance, higher storage options, more camera features and a much better screen protection with the Gorilla Glass 3.
- Casual User: The Nokia G22 is still the winner, offering more value for the money due to its superior performance.
- Tech Enthusiast: The Nokia G22 is the better option with a far superior AnTuTu score and a more capable chipset.
My Choice
Given the detailed comparison, I would choose the Nokia G22. Here's why:
- Performance: The significantly higher AnTuTu score and the more capable chipset in the Nokia G22 make it a far better choice for day-to-day use, and especially for tasks like light gaming and multitasking. This makes the device feel much more snappy.
- Camera: The better selfie camera in the G22 is valuable, and it offers a wider aperture for better performance in low-light situations, offering more shooting options and a front-facing flash.
- Build Quality: The inclusion of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 is a very important plus as it makes the phone much more durable in the real world, and offers an advantage to someone that isn't used to screen protectors.
- Practicality: The Nokia G22 comes with a charger in the box and faster charging at 20W which offers a more comprehensive experience.
- Value: Overall, the Nokia G22 delivers more for the money, offering a better user experience than the A04s, and more memory and internal storage.
While the Samsung A04s has the advantage of a clearer software upgrade path, the Nokia G22’s superior performance, battery, and build quality make it the more compelling choice overall for anyone looking for a good budget smartphone that delivers a smoother experience.
