Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Galaxy A35. I'll break down the specs, discuss their real-world implications, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table highlighting the key technical differences between the two phones, along with explanations of what these differences mean for everyday users.
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 161.7 x 78 x 8.2 mm | A04s is slightly taller and thicker, while A35 is wider. A35 might feel more premium and compact due to thinner profile. |
| Weight | 195g | 209g | A04s is lighter by 14g, which might be noticeable in long periods of use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Minimal size difference; both are comfortable for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | A35 offers a significantly sharper display with much more detail, crucial for crisp text and images. |
| PPI | 270 | 390 | A35 has much higher pixel density, providing a noticeably sharper and clearer image. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A35's AMOLED screen has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors, making media consumption much more enjoyable. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A35's 120Hz provides smoother scrolling and animations, enhancing user interface fluidity. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both screens have an identical peak brightness, but AMOLED might feel brighter due to contrast ratio |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Exynos 1380 (5nm) | A35's newer, more efficient chipset provides significantly better performance in tasks like gaming, app loading, and multitasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 578,500 | A35 is much faster in benchmarks, indicating a very noticeable difference in daily performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35 has a much more powerful GPU, giving it better graphics rendering and gaming capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life, but the more efficient chipset of the A35 might give it a small edge. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | A35 charges notably faster, which is more convenient for quick top-ups |
| Removable | No | No | Neither phone allows for battery replacement by the user. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.96", Samsung GN8, 0.80µm | Both have 50MP standard cameras, but A35's larger sensor and pixel size give it the edge in image quality. |
| Selfie | 5MP, f/2.2 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | A35's selfie camera has significantly higher resolution resulting in detailed selfies |
| Wide Angle | Not Available | 8MP, f/2.2 | A35 can capture wide shots, offering a more versatile photography experience |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not Available | A04s has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4, 1.12µm | A35 can capture higher-resolution macro shots |
| Video | 1080p@30fps; No EIS, Slow-motion: Yes, 34 fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS; Slow-motion: Yes, 240 fps | A35 shoots much higher-quality video, with stabilization, while A04s has lower quality video |
| DXOMark | - | 104 (Overall), 107 (Photo), 110 (Video) | A35 has a better-rated camera. A04s has no ratings. |
| Camera Features | PDAF | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Panorama, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDR | A35 has numerous advanced camera features, including OIS and AI enhancements, providing vastly superior results |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (Max 14) | Android 14 (Max 18) | A35 is more up to date with the latest version of Android, and is guaranteed to get more updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | A35 has Wi-Fi 6, which provides much faster wireless speeds and better performance in crowded environments |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.3 | A35 has the latest Bluetooth, giving it improved battery life and connection stability |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Both support the same location standards |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM capability |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | A35 comes with higher internal storage options, crucial for storing large media files and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 6GB/8GB | A35 has more RAM, making multitasking smooth and efficient. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | A35 offers high quality spatial audio, improved immersion, and high fidelity audio |
| Security | |||
| Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | A04s offers more advanced fingerprint technology |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | A35 has a premium screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A35 has more sensors, for advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: This phone is a budget-friendly option with a decent-sized display and a long-lasting battery. Its primary strengths are its affordability and good basic functionality. However, it has significant limitations in display quality, performance, and camera capabilities. The 90Hz refresh rate is a plus over budget 60Hz phones, but struggles with a 720p resolution.
- Samsung Galaxy A35: This is a much more advanced device with a significantly superior display (AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rate), a much faster chipset, and a greatly improved camera system. It offers a more premium feel and experience but comes at a higher price point. The A35 doesn't have a portrait mode camera, but that is compensated with the better selfie camera and main camera.
Real-World Experience Differences:
- Display: The A35's AMOLED screen with its higher resolution and refresh rate is a night and day difference. The A04s' screen looks relatively dull and grainy by comparison.
- Performance: Navigating the A35 is much snappier, apps load faster, and you can handle more demanding tasks without lag. The A04s can feel sluggish, especially during multitasking.
- Camera: The A35 can capture much higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions. Its wide-angle lens adds a lot of versatility. The A04s' camera is adequate for basic shots but struggles with detail and low-light performance.
- Software: A35's newer version of Android guarantees more features and a more modern look and feel.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s: This phone is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those who need a functional smartphone for basic tasks and are not concerned with premium features.
- First-time smartphone users: People who are new to smartphones and need a simple, affordable device.
- Secondary phone users: Those who need a backup phone or a device for specific tasks like calling and texting.
- Users with limited requirements: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and very light browsing.
Samsung Galaxy A35: This phone is ideal for:
- Users who prioritize display quality and performance: Those who watch a lot of videos, play games, or demand a smooth user experience.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system that can capture high-quality photos and videos.
- Users who value long-term performance: The newer chipset and software make it more future-proof.
- Users who appreciate a more premium user experience: The AMOLED display, better build quality and faster performance make the A35 feel more premium.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these two phones:
- What is your budget? The A04s is significantly more affordable, while the A35 comes with a much higher price tag.
- How important are display quality, performance, and camera capabilities to you? If you value these features, the A35 is the clear winner.
- What do you primarily use your phone for? Basic communication tasks are fine on the A04s, but media consumption, gaming, and photography will be much better on the A35.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- If you are on a strict budget: The Samsung Galaxy A04s will meet your needs for basic smartphone functionality, as long as you can live with a lower-quality display and less powerful performance.
- If you value a smooth and immersive multimedia experience: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is the superior choice due to its AMOLED display, higher refresh rate, and improved performance.
- If photography is important to you: The Samsung Galaxy A35 is significantly better, thanks to its superior camera system, more features, and advanced capabilities like Optical Image Stabilization (OIS).
- If you want the phone that will last longer: The Samsung Galaxy A35 has a newer, more powerful processor and will receive software updates for a longer time.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely go with the Samsung Galaxy A35. Even though it comes at a higher price, the improvements in display quality, performance, and camera are simply too significant to ignore. The AMOLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate, and vastly improved processing power offer a much more fluid and enjoyable user experience. For someone like me, who uses their phone for media consumption, photography, and various tasks throughout the day, the A35 is a clear winner. I'm willing to pay more for the premium feel, high-quality display, better performance, and improved camera capabilities. The better software support and newer technology are also a major plus for me. The A04s is a decent device, but the A35 is a much better overall phone that will provide a more premium experience for the user.
