Alright, let's dive deep into the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. We'll break down the specs, discuss what they mean for you, and figure out which phone is the better fit for different needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a side-by-side comparison, focusing on what these specs actually mean for your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 161.7 x 76.3 x 8.5 mm | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is slightly smaller, thinner, and might be more pocket-friendly. The A04s is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | Negligible difference in weight. Both feel substantial in hand, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is a tad lighter. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a slightly larger screen, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is significantly sharper and clearer, making text and images look much better. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 395 PPI | Noticeably sharper on the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Details look crisp. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus boasts deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers smoother scrolling and animations, making it feel more responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1300 nits | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is far better in bright sunlight, easily visible outdoors. The A04s's brightness was not provided. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7350 Pro (4 nm) | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a significantly more powerful and efficient chipset. Expect much snappier performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 805,721 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is dramatically faster, with much better performance in games and demanding apps. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G610 MC4 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a more capable GPU, leading to better gaming performance and graphics. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer a full day of battery, depending on usage. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 50W Fast Charging | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus charges much faster, great for topping up in a hurry. |
| Charger included? | Yes | No | The Samsung includes the charger in the box, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus does not |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, Samsung GN9 sensor | Similar resolution, but the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus's larger sensor likely captures better detail and low-light performance. |
| Front Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.2, Samsung S5KJN1 sensor | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a far superior selfie camera, great for video calls and social media. |
| Additional Rear Camera | 2MP depth, 2MP macro | 50MP Wide Angle + Macro, Samsung S5KJN1 | The Samsung A04s offers dedicated depth and macro cameras, while the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a wide angle camera. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus supports much higher video resolution with EIS. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers much better video stabilization for better video quality. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 (up to 17) | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has a more current OS with guaranteed updates for longer. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has faster and more stable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has newer Bluetooth with better audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC System | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has more precise location tracking with dual-band GPS and NavIC. |
| Storage & Audio | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 256GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers much more storage. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 12GB | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has far more RAM, allowing for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for microSD card expansion. |
| Audio Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 3 mics | Nothing Phone (2a) Plus provides better audio quality for music, movies, and video calls. |
| Security & Build Quality | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Basic | Samsung uses a better-positioned fingerprint sensor, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has an unspecified type. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus has better screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 5. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: The A04s is a budget-friendly option with a decent 90Hz display and a large battery. It comes with a charger in the box.
- Competitive Advantages: It has a more advanced fingerprint sensor and dedicated depth and macro lenses.
- Limitations: It has a lower resolution display, weaker performance, slower charging, and a less capable camera compared to the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Its software is older, and it lacks many connectivity and storage features.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Strengths: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus shines with its AMOLED display, powerful processor, fast charging, and superior cameras and software. It has much more RAM and storage for smooth multitasking.
- Competitive Advantages: It has a significantly better screen, performance, camera quality, audio setup, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, more RAM and Storage, and better screen protection.
- Limitations: Does not come with a charger in the box. It lacks dedicated depth or macro lenses.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best For: Users with a tight budget who prioritize a long-lasting battery and a large display for basic use. This is great for someone who needs a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- Use Cases: Perfect for students, seniors, or anyone needing a secondary phone, and who may not need advanced features.
- Nothing Phone (2a) Plus:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, social media users, mobile gamers, and anyone who values performance, display quality, a better camera, and up-to-date software.
- Use Cases: Ideal for content creation, mobile gaming, streaming media, multitasking, and anyone wanting a smooth, responsive experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a phone?
- If Budget is limited: The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the more budget-friendly option.
- If Budget allows: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers a significantly better experience for the extra money.
- Performance Needs: How important is smooth performance, gaming, and multitasking?
- If Performance is not a priority: The Samsung Galaxy A04s will suffice for basic tasks.
- If Performance is Key: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the clear winner with its powerful processor and generous RAM.
- Display and Camera Quality: How important are vibrant visuals, sharp images, and video quality?
- If Display and Camera are not a priority: The Samsung Galaxy A04s has a usable display and a decent primary camera.
- If Display and Camera are important: The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the better choice with its superior AMOLED display and higher-quality cameras.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Scenario 1: The Budget-Conscious User
- You need a reliable phone for basic tasks and long battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the economical choice that won't break the bank.
- Scenario 2: The Tech Enthusiast
- You want the best performance, a stunning display, and an excellent camera. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is the obvious choice, offering a more premium experience.
- Scenario 3: The Casual User
- You need a phone for everyday tasks, media consumption, and occasional photos. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus offers more value, delivering a much better all-around experience.
My Pick
If I were choosing, I'd absolutely go with the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus. Here's why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I'm acutely aware of how much daily performance matters. The difference in processing power between these two phones is massive. I appreciate the premium AMOLED display, especially when working with images and videos. The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus simply provides a more fluid, responsive, and future-proof experience. Although it does not include a charger, the fast 50W charging speed makes this a non-issue for me. The camera quality also matters to me; The camera is far superior to the A04s, making it a great choice for both photos and high quality 4K video.
While the Samsung A04s has its place as an entry-level option for the most budget-conscious users, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus elevates the user experience significantly with its superior performance, display, camera, and build quality.
In my experience, the extra investment in the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus translates to a more satisfying and efficient everyday experience, which is what truly matters to me.
