Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Oppo Reno11. As always, we'll focus less on the raw numbers and more on how these specs impact your day-to-day experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the specs, along with real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Oppo Reno11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 162.4 × 74.3 × 7.9 mm | Oppo Reno11 is slightly smaller, narrower, and thinner; easier to handle one-handed. A04s is bulkier, potentially less comfortable for extended use. |
| Weight | 195g | 182g | Oppo Reno11 feels lighter, likely more comfortable in pockets and during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Oppo Reno11 offers a more immersive viewing experience with a slightly larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Oppo Reno11 has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, crisper images, and more detailed video content. A04s is visibly less sharp. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 394 | Oppo Reno11's higher PPI means much finer detail and less noticeable pixelation. The A04s will look more pixelated. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Oppo Reno11's AMOLED panel delivers superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Oppo Reno11 gives slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Both offer a good experience, but the difference is noticeable |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1400 nits | Oppo Reno11 is significantly brighter, making it much more usable in direct sunlight. The A04s will struggle outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Oppo Reno11 features a significantly more powerful and efficient chip. Expect smoother performance, faster loading times, and better gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 923,559 | Oppo Reno11 is drastically faster. It handles demanding apps and games much more efficiently. The A04s may struggle with heavy tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Oppo Reno11 features a newer GPU, which provides superior graphics performance for better gaming and app rendering. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/2" Sony LYT-600, 0.7µm pixel | Oppo Reno11 benefits from a higher-quality sensor with larger pixels, likely resulting in superior low-light performance and better dynamic range. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709, 0.8µm pixel | Oppo Reno11 has much better selfies due to higher resolution sensor with larger pixels. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709, 0.8µm pixel | Oppo Reno11 offers zoom capabilities, expanding creative possibilities. The A04s has no zoom lens. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355, 1.14µm pixel | Oppo Reno11 offers the ability to capture more of a scene. The A04s lacks the ultrawide perspective. |
| Depth Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A04s offers the ability to capture portrait photos with background blur. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A04s offers the ability to capture detailed close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No; Slow-motion: Yes, 34 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS, 1080p@480fps with EIS, 720p@960fps with EIS; Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | Oppo Reno11 shoots higher-quality videos with advanced stabilization and slow motion options. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4800mAh | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a slightly larger battery, but real-world battery life will depend more on software optimization and usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Oppo Reno11 charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. The A04s will be slower to recharge. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12, upgradable to 14 | Android 14 | Oppo Reno11 comes with a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features. The A04s is a bit behind, although has a guaranteed update to Android 14 |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64/128GB | 256/512GB | Oppo Reno11 has far more storage space to store media, apps, and documents. A04s offers considerably less. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 8/12GB | Oppo Reno11 is much better at handling multitasking with ample RAM. The A04s will struggle with multiple apps open. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device supports expandable storage so choose wisely on which internal storage version you go for |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: The A04s's primary advantage is its slightly larger battery, however, this will not translate to better battery life due to its less efficient processor. It also has a few extra cameras like the dedicated depth and macro lenses. The main advantage of the A04s is its low price point.
- Trade-offs: It's a budget phone with very clear limitations. The screen is low resolution, not bright, and uses older LCD technology. Performance is basic, and the camera system is limited in versatility compared to other more premium devices.
Oppo Reno11:
- Strengths: The Reno11 excels in display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed. The AMOLED display is a game changer compared to the A04s's LCD. The processor is significantly more powerful for smooth usage and better gaming. It also has a better and more versatile camera system with dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses. Fast charging is also a major plus.
- Trade-offs: It has a slightly smaller battery compared to the A04s, but the faster charging makes up for it. The phone comes at a higher price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best for: Users on a tight budget, those who need a basic phone for calls, messages, and light browsing.
- Use Cases: First-time smartphone users, backup phone, very light usage.
- Recommendation: If you prioritize affordability over all else, the A04s is a viable option.
- Oppo Reno11:
- Best for: Users who value a high-quality display, robust performance, versatile camera system, and fast charging.
- Use Cases: Social media users, mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, those who like consuming a lot of media.
- Recommendation: The Reno11 provides a significantly better user experience and justifies its premium, making it a solid recommendation for most users.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to guide your decision:
- How much do I prioritize display quality? If a sharp, bright, and vibrant screen is essential, the Oppo Reno11's AMOLED display is a clear winner.
- How important is performance? If you need a phone that can handle multitasking and games smoothly, the Reno11's more powerful chipset is the way to go.
- How much do I care about camera versatility? The Reno11 offers far more creative options with its telephoto and wide-angle lenses, and overall it has a significantly better camera performance in all aspects.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual User
- Need: Basic phone for daily communication, browsing, and some photos.
- Recommendation: If you're on a strict budget, the A04s can work. However, you'll find the Reno11's enhanced display and performance make it a significantly more enjoyable choice.
- Scenario 2: Power User
- Need: Smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and multimedia.
- Recommendation: The Oppo Reno11 is the better choice here with its superior processor, display, and faster charging.
- Scenario 3: Photography Enthusiast
- Need: Versatile camera for various shooting scenarios.
- Recommendation: The Oppo Reno11 offers dedicated telephoto and ultrawide lenses, along with a higher-quality main camera sensor.
My Choice
I would choose the Oppo Reno11. Here's why:
While the Samsung Galaxy A04s is undoubtedly the budget option, the trade-offs are simply too significant. The Oppo Reno11 offers a dramatically superior experience across almost every metric: display quality, performance, camera versatility, and fast charging. Even though it may come at a higher price, the overall user experience and long-term usability of the Reno11 make it the more reasonable choice. As someone who values smooth performance, high-quality visuals, and camera capabilities, the Oppo Reno11 aligns much better with my preferences. The faster charging is the icing on the cake.
