Alright, let's dive deep into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Realme C61. We'll break down the specs, look at the real-world implications, and figure out which phone might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, focusing on what really matters:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 × 76.7 × 9.1 mm | 167.3 × 76.7 × 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is slightly taller but thinner, might feel more modern; the A04s is a bit bulkier, might feel more solid |
| Weight | 195g | 188g | Realme C61 is a touch lighter, potentially more comfortable for prolonged use |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C61's larger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have the same resolution, so sharpness will be similar; text and images may appear slightly less crisp on the larger Realme screen due to lower PPI |
| PPI | 270 | 260 | Both phones provide an adequate display, but it will be slightly sharper on the A04s |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the Realme C61 generally offers wider viewing angles and potentially better color accuracy |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling than standard 60Hz screens |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness figures are the same on both phones, but given these are budget panels, they may not perform very well under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | The Exynos chip in the A04s is more efficient but the Unisoc chip is way more powerful. The Realme C61 should handle everyday tasks and moderate gaming much better |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 252,597 | Realme C61 should offer far better performance for gaming, apps, and multitasking due to a much higher score |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 | Realme C61's GPU is a bit more capable, further enhancing its gaming and graphical performance |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both have the same battery size, so battery life will be similar if brightness and use are the same (The Realme will likely have slightly lower battery life because of the increased performance, but this will come with a much better experience) |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | Realme C61 charges significantly faster, reducing downtime. A04s charges relatively slowly, so this is a major factor for those who want speed. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 32MP (f/1.8) | Samsung has a higher-resolution sensor, but that doesn't always mean better pictures. Low light performance may not be vastly different on either |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.0) | Realme C61's wider aperture may capture slightly better selfies in low light, but both cameras are fairly basic |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have similar depth sensors, with the same capability for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Samsung A04s has a dedicated macro sensor, for closeup photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion: Yes, 34fps | 1080p@30fps, slow-motion: No, 30 fps | Both capture similar quality videos, but the slow-motion is better on the Samsung Galaxy A04s |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 14 | Realme C61 has the newer Android version, meaning improved features and longer software support. Samsung Galaxy A04s is older and therefore will have limited software support |
| Wi-Fi | a/b/g/n/ac | a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac | Realme C61 offers 5GHz Wi-Fi support for faster speeds, which is an important advantage |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Realme C61 has slightly more functionality via Bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Samsung Galaxy A04s includes more satellite navigation systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both offer similar dual SIM capability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Realme C61 offers up to 256GB of storage, better for those with more photos and apps. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 4/6/8 GB | Realme C61 has more RAM which improves multitasking, app loading, and gaming experience. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers a microSD card slot, so choosing a model with sufficient storage will be key. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | Stereo Speakers | Realme C61 offers better audio experience through Stereo Speakers compared to Samsung's basic audio. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Similar side-mounted fingerprint sensors for basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technologies. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | Samsung Galaxy A04s includes an additional sensor for biometric security. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme C61's Strengths: The Realme C61 comes out swinging with a significantly more powerful chipset, a larger, better IPS display, faster charging, and more RAM and storage. The Realme C61's audio experience will be better than the A04s, with stereo speakers. The software is also more up-to-date with Android 14, while the A04s ships with Android 12.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s' Advantages: It has a better Macro camera for close-up photography, and more robust GPS support. The ultrasonic proximity sensor is unique in this comparison, providing more accurate detection.
- User Experience: The Realme C61 feels like a more complete package in most areas. It offers a significantly smoother experience in day-to-day tasks and gaming. The A04s feels like a budget device, in contrast, but has additional biometric sensors and a macro lens.
- Trade-offs and Limitations: Both phones are missing a microSD card slot. The Samsung Galaxy A04s is much less powerful than the Realme, and feels outdated because of older software.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Realme C61: This phone is excellent for budget-conscious users who prioritize performance, screen size, and fast charging. It’s perfect for casual gamers, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a smooth, modern experience without breaking the bank.
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: If you need to do a lot of GPS location tracking, or if you enjoy macro photography, then this could be a great choice. However, it really lacks in key areas such as performance, and newer software, making it seem less like a complete device when compared to the Realme.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to ask yourself when choosing between these phones:
- How important is performance and speed to you? If you need a snappy phone for everyday use and some gaming, the Realme C61 is the clear choice. If you just need to run some basic apps and your budget is very constrained, then the A04s is a possible pick.
- Do you value a modern display and sound? The Realme C61 has an IPS display which is generally better than a PLS panel, and has stereo speakers which add to the immersion. The A04s, in contrast, has a basic audio experience.
- What features do you need most in your camera and are they enough? If you just need a capable standard and selfie camera, both options will suffice. If you really need that macro camera, or slow-motion video recording, then the A04s has it, but otherwise, both are similar in their capability.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Tech-Savvy Shopper: If you value cutting-edge technology within a budget, the Realme C61 is your best bet. It packs the most punch for your money, offering features like fast charging and a powerful processor.
- The Casual User: If you just need a basic device, the A04s could be enough if you're very budget conscious. However, the Realme C61 is only slightly more expensive and the experience is much improved.
- The Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy A04s will be for you, but only if you absolutely need that macro camera. Otherwise, the camera experiences on both phones will be similar, so the performance edge on the Realme is better.
What I Would Choose
If I were choosing between the two, I'd go for the Realme C61, without a second thought. Its significantly better performance, larger display, faster charging, and newer Android version make it the more compelling device by far. Although the Galaxy A04s has a macro camera and some extra sensor features, these do not outweigh the importance of general performance, display, and software.
The Realme C61 is simply a smoother and more modern device. It provides a significantly more complete experience, making it the clear winner in this comparison for most users, including myself.
