Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Galaxy A05. I've got my tech specs ready, and I'm excited to break down what these two phones offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First things first, let's get into the nitty-gritty with a detailed spec table. This will give us a clear view of where each phone stands on paper, and more importantly, what that translates to in your daily usage.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Samsung Galaxy A05 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 168.8 x 78.2 x 8.8 mm | A05 is slightly larger and thinner; A04s is a bit more compact |
| Weight | 195g | 195g | Both feel similar in hand |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A05 offers a slightly larger viewing area for media and browsing |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both offer the same level of clarity, fine for everyday use |
| PPI | 270 | 262 | Negligible difference in pixel density, hard to perceive with the naked eye |
| Technology | PLS LCD | PLS LCD | Identical display tech, expect similar color and viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | A04s has smoother scrolling and animations |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No info given, both may struggle under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm) | A05's chipset provides a significantly more powerful and efficient user experience |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 225,154 | A05 offers a much faster user experience, great for smoother gaming and everyday use |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MC2 | A05's GPU provides better graphics performance, suitable for basic to moderate gaming |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both should take similar quality photos in good lighting |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.0 | A05 has slightly better and brighter selfies |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both are comparable for depth effects |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | A04s allows for close-up shots, a nice to have feature |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps, 1080@60fps | A05 has a better recording option for everyday videos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer a full day's worth of battery life |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A05 charges faster, meaning less time plugged in |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 | A05 offers a more up to date OS out of the box |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac dual band | A05's dual band support may provide better connections |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A05 has a more efficient Bluetooth for accessories |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A04s has access to more satellite systems for better accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64/128GB | Both offers good storage capabilities, but with a higher minimum option for the A05 |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4/6GB | A05 offers better multitasking capabilities |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither allow storage upgrades |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Side Fingerprint sensor | Basic security features | A04s provides fingerprint unlock, a more convenient option |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Motion: Accelerometer; Proximity: Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | A04s includes additional biometric sensors |
2. Key Insights
Okay, so what do all these specs really mean? Let's break down the core strengths of each device:
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate is the standout feature here, providing a smoother experience when navigating the UI, scrolling through social media, or gaming.
- Extra Camera Lens: The macro lens can be useful for close up pictures of small objects.
- Fingerprint Sensor: The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers a convenient and secure way to unlock the device.
- GPS Capabilities: Supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy, which is great for navigation.
Samsung Galaxy A05:
- Performance Boost: The Mediatek Helio G85 chipset offers a significant leap in performance compared to the A04s, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. This is a major advantage if you tend to use your phone for more than just the basics.
- Superior Selfie Camera: The 8MP front camera with a wider aperture will capture better selfies, especially in low-light situations.
- Faster Charging: The 25W fast charging will get you back up to speed faster, a great feature for those always on the go.
- Better video recording: The option to record at 1080p@60fps ensures a better video experience.
- Modern Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.3 provides more efficiency when using accessories.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- A04s: While the 90Hz display is nice, the slower chipset and overall performance can make the user experience laggy or slow.
- A05: Sacrifices the smoothness of a higher refresh rate display (90hz vs 60hz), it is not a major problem for the average user. Lacks fingerprint sensor for faster unlocking.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Based on the above, here are some user profiles and scenarios where each phone shines:
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- The Casual User: If you're someone who primarily uses your phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, social media, and light browsing, the A04s is a decent entry-level choice. The fingerprint sensor will be convenient for some.
- The Budget Conscious: If you have a tight budget and want a simple device with a slightly smoother display, the A04s could be suitable, keeping in mind it has less performance power than the A05.
Samsung Galaxy A05:
- The Everyday Power User: For anyone who wants a phone that can handle multitasking, some gaming, and a bit more demanding tasks, the A05 is the clear winner. The faster charging and superior performance will also be great.
- The Social Sharer: If you care more about taking better selfies and videos, the A05’s improved front camera and video capabilities are valuable features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Still on the fence? Here are three crucial questions to ask yourself:
- How much does the phone performance matter to you? If you need a phone that can handle more than basic tasks, the A05 is a better choice. If you only need a phone for basic tasks the A04s will be suitable for your needs.
- Do you value display smoothness over better overall performance? If the fluidity of the 90Hz display is a must-have for you, the A04s is your choice. But consider if the added performance and updated features of the A05 are a better fit overall.
- Do you value a fingerprint sensor over other features? If you prefer the comfort of the fingerprint sensor, the A04s is the best choice for you. However, if you value other features, then the A05 should be considered.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a basic phone for calls, texts, and social media."
- Recommendation: A04s could work but A05 is a much better pick due to its higher performance. The smoother display of the A04s is an easy trade off for the A05's boosted processing power.
- Scenario 2: "I want to play some games and use multiple apps at the same time."
- Recommendation: A05 is the obvious choice due to the superior processing power, higher amount of ram and better GPU.
- Scenario 3: "I want a device with a smoother screen for browsing and social media."
- Recommendation: A04s has a better refresh rate, but A05 still has a better screen experience due to better processing, which makes the overall experience better. The fingerprint sensor is another factor to consider if important to you.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two devices, I would personally go with the Samsung Galaxy A05. The boost in performance offered by the Helio G85 chipset and the significantly higher benchmark score is a game-changer for day-to-day usability. I can live without the 90Hz refresh rate and the macro lens for the advantage of a phone that feels more responsive and capable overall. While the fingerprint sensor and the better GPS is nice on the A04s, the other features of the A05 offer more value. Plus, the faster charging and better front camera are practical upgrades that I appreciate, which makes the A05 the perfect choice for my needs.
