Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Galaxy A04. These two are close siblings in Samsung's budget-friendly lineup, but there are some key differences that could sway your decision. Let's break it down and see which one might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what these specifications actually mean for day-to-day usage.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | Virtually identical; both are fairly large phones. Will feel the same in the pocket. |
| Weight | 195g | 192g | Barely any difference; both phones are on the heavier side, but should feel comfortable enough to hold. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Large screens are great for media consumption and browsing. Both offer a similar viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Same resolution; this is a basic HD+ display, suitable for daily use but not the sharpest. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 270 PPI | Similar sharpness on both screens; suitable for general use but not for very detailed visuals. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Both use the same technology; expect decent but not exceptional color accuracy and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | 90Hz on the A04s provides smoother animations and scrolling, leading to a more fluid feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same peak brightness, suitable for indoor viewing but may struggle in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) | The Exynos 850 in the A04s is more efficient, generally offering a more responsive feel and better performance compared to the Helio P35. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 124,000 | Benchmarks favor the A04; However, real-world usage will see marginal differences. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G52 in the A04s should provide slightly better graphics performance than the PowerVR GE8320 in the A04. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both have the same main sensor; Expect similar image quality in good lighting conditions but may struggle in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP f/2.2 | 5MP f/2.2 | Same front-facing camera; Suitable for quick selfies, not for detailed photos. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Identical depth sensor on both; both will create decent portrait mode photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The A04s has a dedicated macro lens; allows for close-up shots not possible on the A04. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | Both can shoot basic 1080p video; A04s has slow-mo capabilities |
| Camera Features | PDAF, Triple, etc | Dual Camera, HDR | A04s has PDAF, which should help focus faster while A04 has panorama shooting modes. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh | Identical battery capacity; Both phones should easily last a full day with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Standard Charging | A04s offers 15W fast charging, letting you top up the phone quicker than the A04. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | A04s has better long-term software support with upgrades to Android 14. |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Similar Wi-Fi standards, A04s also supports Wi-Fi display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both support Bluetooth LE for lower power wireless connections. |
| GPS | Full suite | Basic Suite | A04s includes Beidou, QZSS, and Galileo, improving location tracking especially in urban areas. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both phones offer the same storage options; enough for most user needs but could fill quickly depending on usage. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 3/4/6 GB | The A04 has a 6GB RAM option, which is better for multitasking and more demanding apps; A04s caps out at 4GB. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither supports external storage. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | A04s has fingerprint sensor for faster and more secure unlocking; A04 relies on basic security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | A04s has a fingerprint sensor which is more convenient and secure than relying on pin/pattern. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate is a noticeable upgrade, making the UI feel more fluid and responsive.
- More Efficient Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset should offer slightly better all around performance than the Helio P35.
- Better Camera Features: A macro lens, a more advanced autofocus system (PDAF) gives it an edge in image capturing.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging allows you to quickly top up your battery.
- Longer Software Support: Upgrades to Android 14 means it should be supported for longer.
- Fingerprint Sensor: The addition of a fingerprint sensor is a big plus for both convenience and security.
- More robust GPS: More accurate location due to full GPS suite.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Strengths
- Slightly better benchmark score: Has a slightly higher performance rating in tests.
- More RAM Available: A 6GB RAM variant is an option for better multitasking.
- Lower Price: The Galaxy A04 is usually slightly cheaper.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Both phones feature the same low-resolution display which will be a pain point for some.
- Neither phone features expandable storage, meaning you can not increase storage after purchase.
- Camera quality is relatively basic on both, though the A04s has the edge on paper.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best For: Users looking for a smoother daily experience, with a more robust set of camera features.
- Use Case: Casual users who want a better display experience for everyday browsing and media consumption, appreciate quicker battery top ups and a fingerprint sensor.
- Samsung Galaxy A04:
- Best For: Those on a tighter budget who want a basic smartphone for light use.
- Use Case: Users primarily using their phone for calls, messaging, and basic web browsing, but can benefit from more RAM for multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you value a smoother display experience?
- If Yes, the Galaxy A04s with its 90Hz refresh rate is the better choice.
- If No, the 60Hz screen of the A04 is acceptable.
- Do you need more storage capacity?
- If Yes, consider a higher storage model as neither phone features a microSD slot.
- If No, the standard 32GB is adequate for general use.
- Is a fingerprint sensor important to you?
- If Yes, then the Galaxy A04s is the obvious choice, given that is the only one to feature this.
- If No, then the A04 and its basic security measures would be more acceptable.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious Basic User: If you only need a phone for calls, basic browsing, and social media, and are on a tight budget, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is the more economical pick due to the lower price.
- Daily Driver User: For daily use with a better experience overall, including smoother scrolling, a better camera, faster charging, and a fingerprint sensor, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the superior option, offering a more complete and convenient experience.
My Choice
If I were choosing between the two, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
The improved display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a significant advantage for daily use, making scrolling and animations feel much smoother. The addition of a fingerprint sensor provides both added convenience and better security. I find the macro camera and more advanced focus system compelling for a budget phone, and I tend to use these types of features regularly. Finally, the inclusion of fast charging is quite important, and the longer software support means the phone will be relevant longer.
While the Galaxy A04 has a slight edge in benchmarks and offers a 6GB RAM variant, for most everyday users, the refinements in display, camera, and security in the A04s make it the better overall package. The A04 is only suitable for the tightest of budgets, given the benefits the A04s offers.
