Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Realme 11. We'll break down the specs, discuss real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, translating technical specs into real-world user experiences:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Realme 11 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 165.7 x 76 x 8.1 mm | Realme 11 is slightly taller and thinner, making it feel a bit more modern and potentially more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | Realme 11 is a touch lighter, which can make a difference during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.72" | Realme 11 offers a slightly larger display, offering a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 11's higher resolution means sharper images and text, making it better for media consumption and reading. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 392 | The higher pixel density on the Realme 11 results in a noticeably crisper display with finer details. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD screens typically offer better viewing angles and color reproduction than PLS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 11's 120Hz refresh rate results in smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1000 nits | Realme 11 will be significantly more readable in bright sunlight. Samsung A04s' brightness is not listed and likely inferior. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 11's chipset is more modern and powerful, resulting in faster app loading and overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 389,600 | Realme 11 is significantly faster in benchmarks, showing much better performance in daily tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 11's GPU will deliver smoother graphics, making a big difference in gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 64MP, f/1.79 | Realme 11 has a higher resolution sensor with a wider aperture, promising better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Front Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme 11's front camera should deliver better selfies with higher detail and better low light performance. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both offer a similar depth sensor for portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the Realme 11 lacks. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion 34fps | 1080p@30fps; slow-motion 120fps | Realme 11's can record higher frame rate in slow motion videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life under similar usage. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 33W fast charging | Realme 11's fast charging capability means it will recharge much faster, which is convenient for daily use. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradable to 14) | Android 13 | Realme 11 comes with a newer version of Android out of the box. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Realme 11 offers significantly more base storage and a higher max option. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12 GB | Realme 11 has significantly more RAM for better multitasking and smoother app usage. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, meaning you're stuck with what you choose. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Dual band) | Realme 11 supports dual-band WiFi for potentially faster speeds and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.1 LE + APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | Realme 11 has a newer Bluetooth version and supports more advanced audio codecs, improving the audio experience with wireless headphones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 11 has superior screen protection against scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate, Proximity | The Realme 11 offers more sensors and will provide a better experience for games and apps with sensor dependent features |
2. Key Insights
- Realme 11's Strengths: The Realme 11 is the clear winner in terms of performance, display quality, and charging speed. The higher resolution screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and superior brightness make for a much better visual experience. Its newer chipset and substantially higher AnTuTu score translate to snappier performance and better gaming capabilities. Fast 33W charging is a huge advantage over the slower 15W charging on the A04s.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s' Strengths: The A04s is not without its merits. It has a dedicated macro lens, which the Realme 11 lacks. It offers a very basic, budget friendly experience.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Realme 11: A superior display, performance, faster charging, more RAM, and better Bluetooth capabilities make it a strong contender for anyone looking for a balanced experience.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: It is an entry level phone with a basic and reliable set of features.
Trade-offs:
- Realme 11: It is slightly larger and does not have a dedicated macro camera lens.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: It's noticeably slower, has a lower quality display, and slower charging. Its outdated software and the lack of screen protection also hold it back.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme 11 is best for:
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, browse social media, or play games will appreciate the better screen and performance.
- Multitaskers: Those who juggle multiple apps and need smooth multitasking will benefit from the extra RAM.
- On-the-Go Users: The fast charging and solid battery life make it great for people who are often away from an outlet.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who are primarily looking for a very basic smartphone at a lower price.
- Basic Functionality Seekers: Users who need a phone for basic communication, web browsing and taking occasional pictures, and prefer an entry level device.
- Use Cases:
- Realme 11: Ideal for students, young professionals, or anyone who consumes media and is looking for a good daily driver.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: A practical choice for users who only need a basic smartphone, or those who want a cheap backup device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How much do you prioritize performance and display quality? If you need smooth performance, sharp visuals, and fast charging, the Realme 11 is the way to go. If not, A04s might be ok for your needs.
- Do you need a phone for media consumption and gaming? The Realme 11's display and processor make it much better for media and gaming than the A04s
- What's your budget? If you have a very tight budget, the A04s will be the cheaper option. If you can afford the extra cost, the Realme 11 is worth the investment.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: A student on a budget:
- Realme 11: You can enjoy media, game, and multitask while paying more.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: You can do all your basic tasks with a device that will last you the day but don't expect high performance.
- Scenario 2: A casual user who needs a reliable phone for daily tasks:
- Realme 11: Provides much better performance, screen, and features with much less loading times.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: You will get your basic tasks done with less performance.
- Scenario 3: A tech enthusiast who wants a phone with better performance:
- Realme 11: It is the clear winner due to higher specs all around.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: This phone is not built for this purpose at all.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely go with the Realme 11. Here's why:
The difference in performance is massive, with the Realme 11 scoring over three times higher in benchmark tests, which reflects real-world usage, meaning significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capabilities. The display is much more vibrant, with a higher resolution, higher refresh rate and much better brightness. It will simply be much more pleasurable to use. Finally, the 33W fast charging makes a big difference, and it's a feature I value highly. I would definitely recommend spending a bit more to get the Realme 11.
While the Samsung A04s has its place, its limitations are too many for me. It's a very basic phone, and in my view, not a great value. The Realme 11 is a significantly better device across the board, with much better display, performance, charging speed and overall experience. It offers more value for money if you can afford it.
