Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Realme 12 Pro+. I'm going to break down the tech specs, discuss what they mean in real life, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | Realme 12 Pro+ is a bit more compact, making it potentially easier to handle. The A04s is slightly larger and thicker. |
| Weight | 195g | 196g | Both feel similar in the hand; weight differences are negligible. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard, non-folding phones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly larger screen, which might be more immersive for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text, images, and videos. |
| Pixel Density | 270 ppi | 394 ppi | Realme 12 Pro+'s screen will appear significantly less pixelated and have a better level of detail. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ has superior display tech with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and better energy efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+'s higher refresh rate offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have an identical peak brightness, but note that "0 nits" is unusual and likely a data error. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more advanced chip, offering vastly better processing power and efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly faster, resulting in quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a superior GPU for better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890 | Both have similar 50MP main cameras, but the Realme 12 Pro+ has a bigger sensor and potentially better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 | Realme 12 Pro+ provides far more detailed and vibrant selfies, along with better low-light performance. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2" Omnivision OV64B | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto camera, allowing for optical zoom and higher quality zoomed photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A04s includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Samsung Galaxy A04s has a dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" Hynix HI-846 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a versatile ultrawide camera, capable of capturing wide scenes and detailed macro shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | Realme 12 Pro+ offers 4K video recording and various frame rate options, with EIS for stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | Advanced features including 4k recording and OIS | Realme 12 Pro+ has more advanced photography features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life on paper. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme 12 Pro+ charges much faster, reducing waiting time significantly. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Differences in battery chemistry may offer slight variations in longevity but are not drastically different. |
| Software & Other | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 (Upgradable to 14) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with the latest Android out of the box and does not come with a promised maximum version. |
| Wi-Fi Versions | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (WiFi 6) | Realme 12 Pro+ supports the latest Wi-Fi standard for faster, more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers better power efficiency and improved codec support for enhanced audio quality. |
| Storage | 32/64/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly more internal storage, good for keeping media on the phone. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has much higher RAM capacity, which results in better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion. |
| Audio | Basic Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio | Realme 12 Pro+ offers better audio features. |
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Samsung A04s has a more advanced side mounted sensor |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both use similar screen protection technology |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Realme 12 Pro+ has more advanced sensor configuration |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
Strengths:
- Affordability: This phone is clearly targeting the budget-conscious consumer.
- Decent Camera for the Price: While not spectacular, the 50MP main camera is respectable for its class.
- Good Battery Life: A 5000mAh battery will provide good endurance for everyday use.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: More advanced than the basic one found in the Realme.
Limitations:
- Underpowered Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset struggles with demanding tasks and multitasking.
- Lower Resolution Display: The 720p screen looks noticeably less sharp than the Realme’s.
- Basic Camera Setup: Lacks versatility, with no telephoto or ultrawide lenses.
- Slow Charging: 15W is notably slower than other options at its class.
Realme 12 Pro+:
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 is a significant upgrade for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and refresh rate offers a much better visual experience.
- Versatile Camera System: The telephoto, ultrawide, and front camera are of high quality, providing more flexibility in different scenarios.
- Fast Charging: The 67W charging significantly reduces downtime.
- Advanced Audio Features: Supports Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio, for better media consumption.
Limitations:
- Price: It will come at a higher price point.
- No Expandable Storage: Limited by the internal storage option you choose.
- No macro lens: Lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Ideal User: A casual user on a very tight budget who mainly uses their phone for basic tasks such as calling, texting, light social media, and simple web browsing. It’s a good option for seniors or as a secondary phone.
- Use Cases: Basic daily communication, occasional photos, browsing.
- Pros: Affordability, good battery life.
- Cons: Underpowered for demanding users.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Ideal User: A user who wants a balance of good performance, a great display, and a flexible camera system without breaking the bank. Great for content creators, gamers, and people who heavily rely on their phone for media.
- Use Cases: Social media, gaming, streaming, photography, and video recording.
- Pros: Superior display, powerful performance, versatile camera, fast charging, better audio.
- Cons: Higher price, no expandable storage.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- What is your budget? If you're on a very tight budget, the A04s might be your only option. However, if you can afford more, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers much better value.
- What do you use your phone for the most? If your primary needs are calling and basic browsing, the A04s is adequate. If you frequently play games, watch videos, or take pictures, the Realme 12 Pro+ will give a far better experience.
- How much do you value future-proofing? The more powerful processor and modern features of the Realme 12 Pro+ will keep it relevant for longer. The Galaxy A04s might feel outdated sooner.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: You’re a student on a budget.
- Recommendation: If you can save a little more, the Realme 12 Pro+ is well worth the investment. But if you're very tight on money, the A04s will do the job.
Scenario 2: You are a content creator who enjoys photos and videos.
- Recommendation: The Realme 12 Pro+ is by far the better choice due to its versatile camera system, superior video capabilities, and large storage options.
Scenario 3: You're a casual user who only needs a phone for the basics.
- Recommendation: The A04s is a cheaper option but bear in mind it will not perform as well as the Realme 12 Pro+ and has a much worse display.
My Choice:
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go for the Realme 12 Pro+. Here's why: As a tech enthusiast, I appreciate a phone that can handle everything I throw at it. The massive difference in performance, combined with the much better display and camera system, is just too significant to overlook. While the Galaxy A04s might be tempting at its lower price point, the experience it provides is in a completely different league. I am more interested in a fluid experience, a bright sharp display, and an adequate camera. The Realme 12 Pro+ ticks all the boxes for me. Yes, it might cost more, but the value you get in return is worth every penny.
