Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Realme 12x. I'll break down the specs, offer key insights, and provide user-focused recommendations to help you decide which phone is right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-04-07 | Realme 12x is a significantly newer device, likely benefiting from newer technologies and design philosophies. |
| Size | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 165.6 × 76.1 × 7.9 mm | Realme 12x is slightly taller and narrower but significantly thinner, making it feel more modern and potentially more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 195g | 190g | Realme 12x is lighter, which can be more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Realme 12x offers a slightly larger screen, which could be better for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1604 | Both phones have very similar resolutions, resulting in similar sharpness. |
| PPI | 270 | 264 | The pixel density is very close, so you're unlikely to notice much difference. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | Realme 12x has superior display technology (IPS LCD vs PLS LCD), which typically offers better viewing angles and color accuracy. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12x has a smoother display, which leads to more fluid animations and a better gaming experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same peak brightness, which is a bit of a bummer, neither is likely to excel in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | Realme 12x has a significantly more advanced chipset, resulting in faster processing and improved energy efficiency. |
| Antutu Score | 117,300 | 442,599 | The Realme 12x scores almost four times higher, implying significantly better performance in gaming, app loading, and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Realme 12x's GPU is more powerful, enhancing its gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both phones feature identical 50MP main cameras, but real-world performance will vary due to software processing. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.1 | Realme 12x's front-facing camera has higher resolution and a wider aperture, suggesting better quality selfies, especially in low light. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have identical depth sensors, leading to similar bokeh effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Samsung A04s includes a macro lens for close-up photography, something that the Realme 12x is lacking. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both phones offer 1080p video recording at 30fps, suitable for most social media needs. |
| Slow-Motion | 34 fps | 120 fps | Realme 12x excels in slow-motion video recording, producing far more dramatic results. |
| Features | Triple Camera, PDAF | Dual Camera, Digital Image Stabilization, Continuous Shooting | The A04s offers Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), and a triple camera setup, while the Realme 12x has Digital Image Stabilization for video and continuous shooting for photos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have identical battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W Fast | 15W Fast | Both devices have a limited 15W charging capacity, which means it will take longer to get back to full. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer batteries tend to be more energy-dense and less prone to thermal issues. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 | Realme 12x comes with a newer version of Android out of the box, meaning a longer support life and more features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (Dual band) | Both phones offer similar Wi-Fi capabilities; The Realme 12x adds dual-band support, enabling faster and more reliable connections, especially on congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12x has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better performance and power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The A04s supports QZSS for more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones offer the ability to use two SIM cards simultaneously. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 256/512 GB | Realme 12x offers significantly more storage space, catering to those who keep a lot of media on their device. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 12 GB | Realme 12x has significantly more RAM, providing for better multitasking and overall performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows expandable storage, meaning that the built-in storage is the maximum for both devices. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Realme 12x offers superior audio quality, thanks to Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for a better audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both devices feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing similar speed and accessibility for biometric authentication. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | No information is given about the screen protection on either device. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Realme 12x has a more comprehensive sensor suite, which means that it could support more advanced features and gaming, which it is likely that the A04s will be less capable of. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Macro Camera: The inclusion of a dedicated macro camera offers creative options for close-up photography, which the Realme 12x lacks.
- QZSS Support for GPS: The addition of this allows for more accurate location tracking.
Realme 12x Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Dimensity 6100+ chipset and 12GB of RAM deliver significantly faster performance for gaming, multitasking, and overall responsiveness.
- Larger, Smoother Display: The 120Hz IPS LCD display is larger, smoother, and potentially more color-accurate than the A04s.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 8MP front camera is better in resolution and light-gathering capability.
- Modern Software: The Realme 12x ships with Android 14, a more recent operating system with more features.
- Enhanced Audio: Hi-Res audio and stereo speakers provide a better audio experience for music, movies, and gaming.
- Storage Advantage: The Realme 12x comes with much larger 256GB or 512GB storage options which is helpful if you are a heavy media user.
- Comprehensive Sensor Suite: This is an important differentiator as the comprehensive sensor suite enables more advanced functionalities and potentially better gaming experiences.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Samsung A04s: The older chipset, lower RAM, and PLS LCD will make this phone a slower and less fluid experience.
- Realme 12x: Lacks a macro camera, which might be important for some users. Both have low fast-charging speeds and neither can expand their storage, so the base storage option you choose is the max for both phones.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for the absolute lowest price.
- Casual Users: Who need basic smartphone functionality without high demands.
- Macro Photography Enthusiasts: Those who value the macro lens for close-up shots.
Realme 12x is best for:
- Performance-Focused Users: Those who want a smoother, more responsive phone for apps and games.
- Media Consumers: Users who watch videos, listen to music, or want a better visual and audio experience.
- Future-Proofing: Users who value a more modern Android version and a longer support life.
- Selfie Lovers: Users who take frequent selfies and value the higher resolution and wide aperture front-facing camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to ask yourself:
- How important is performance to you? If you need a phone for heavy multitasking, gaming, and fast responsiveness, the Realme 12x is a must. If not, the Samsung A04s will be functional.
- What is your media consumption style? If you watch videos or listen to music a lot, the Realme 12x with its better display, stereo speakers, and higher audio quality will greatly enhance your experience.
- Are you a selfie taker or love close-up shots? If you are a big selfie taker the 8MP selfie camera in the Realme 12x is much better than the Samsung A04s, if you like to take macro photos then the Samsung has that going for it.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Basic User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s if budget is your primary concern and you only need basic phone functions.
- Everyday Media and Gaming User: Pick the Realme 12x for its superior display, performance, and multimedia features. This will ensure a far more enjoyable and smoother user experience.
- Mobile Photography Enthusiast: If you value macro photography then the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the better option, if you love taking selfies then the Realme 12x is better.
What I Would Choose and Why
Personally, I would choose the Realme 12x. While I do appreciate the macro lens on the Samsung Galaxy A04s, the superior performance of the Realme 12x is a game-changer. The faster processor, significantly more RAM, and the smoother 120Hz display offer a far more enjoyable experience. The larger built-in storage also means I would be less concerned about filling my device up. For me, the improved audio and newer software are added benefits that tip the scales decisively in favor of the Realme 12x.
