Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Galaxy A54. I'm approaching this as if I'm chatting with a friend over coffee, explaining the tech without getting lost in jargon.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a breakdown of the key specs, what they mean in real life, and how the two phones stack up against each other:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Samsung Galaxy A54 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2023-03-24 | The A54 is newer, potentially offering longer software support and more up-to-date features. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are regular smartphone designs, no folding or special gimmicks here. |
| Size | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm | A04s is slightly taller and thicker, meaning it might feel a bit bulkier in hand, while A54 is a bit more compact. |
| Weight | 195g | 202g | A04s is marginally lighter, but the 7g difference probably won't be noticeable day-to-day. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Both have very similar screen sizes; differences will be almost imperceptible. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | A54 has a much sharper, clearer display— you’ll notice the difference when reading text and watching videos. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 403 | Again, the A54’s display will look significantly crisper, with less visible pixelation. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | A54’s AMOLED display has superior blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colours compared to the A04s' LCD, enhancing viewing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | A54 has a smoother display during scrolling and gaming, especially in fast paced environments. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both will have similar peak brightness; this data seems incorrect since these values are 0, but let's assume both have a peak brightness good for outdoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The A54’s newer chip is faster and more power-efficient, handling apps and games much smoother. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 578,600 | The A54 is significantly faster, with much better performance in benchmarks, translating to snappier real-world performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G68 MP5 | The A54 will handle graphically intensive tasks (like gaming) much better thanks to its more powerful GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 (1/1.56" sensor) | While both have 50MP main cameras, A54 has a bigger sensor and the Sony IMX766, which means better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 32MP, f/2.2 (1/2.8" sensor) | A54's selfie camera is vastly superior, capturing more detail and better dynamic range. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP, f/2.2 (1/3.1" sensor) | A54 offers a wide-angle option for capturing expansive scenes, a feature lacking in the A04s. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s offers a basic depth sensor for bokeh effects; A54 relies on software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | A54's macro lens offers better quality for close-up shots with more details. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, no EIS | 4K@30fps, EIS | A54 records higher quality videos and has stabilization, for less shaky videos. |
| DxoMark score | N/A | 107 | The A54's camera is proven to have good performance compared to other phone cameras, A04s has no data |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer similar battery life. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 25W fast charging | A54 will charge quicker, allowing you to get back on the move faster. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 13 (up to 17) | A54 has a more recent Android version, providing access to the latest features and will receive more updates and for a longer time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | The A54 supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | A54 has newer bluetooth with more features, providing a better user experience with wireless audio. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | A54 is better for those who travel and like flexibility between SIM cards. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | A54 provides more storage space options for those who want more space for apps, photos and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 6/8 GB | A54 offers smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable Storage | None | None | Both phones do not offer extra storage, so it's important to pick the phone with enough storage from the start. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers | A54 offers far better audio for more immersive experience while listening to music and watching videos. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side Mounted | Basic | Side mounted sensors are typically easier and faster to unlock the phone compared to a simple, basic sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | A54 has screen protection to prevent scratching or breaking. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A54 has more sensors which are good for more applications and games. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: It's the budget-friendly option, offering a large screen and a decent main camera for the price. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor might be convenient for some.
- Limitations: Its display is relatively low-resolution and has an older LCD technology, the performance is considerably slower, the camera lacks the versatility offered by the A54 and it has slow charging speeds.
Samsung Galaxy A54:
- Strengths: It boasts a superior AMOLED display, much faster performance, a better camera system (especially for selfies and wide-angle shots), faster charging, and has more sensors than the A04s. The audio and build quality are also far better.
- Limitations: It's more expensive, which could be a barrier for some users, and it doesn't have a depth sensor for portrait mode.
Everyday User Experience:
- The A54 will feel much snappier in day-to-day use, with apps loading faster and smoother transitions.
- The A54's display will make content consumption more enjoyable.
- The A54’s camera is much more capable, especially for social media, group photos, and vlogging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: People looking for a basic smartphone for communication and media consumption at the lowest price possible.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic social media, and don't need heavy gaming or photography.
- Secondary Phone Users: A good backup device for situations where they don’t want to take their primary, more expensive phone.
Samsung Galaxy A54 is best for:
- Power Users: Individuals who want a phone with good performance, snappy multitasking, and a reliable camera.
- Media Lovers: People who enjoy watching videos, playing games, and value a high-quality display and audio experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system that can take good photos in a variety of scenarios.
- Long-Term Users: People who prefer a device that will receive software updates for a longer period of time, making it more future-proof.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide which phone is right for you:
- What's your budget? If cost is your biggest concern, the A04s is the more affordable option, but be prepared for noticeable performance and feature trade-offs.
- How important is screen quality and performance? If you prioritize a great display and fast, smooth performance, the A54 is the better choice.
- What do you mainly use your phone for? If it's basic communication and light media consumption, the A04s can do the job. If you need a better camera, more storage, and good performance, invest in the A54.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario: Budget is crucial, need a basic phone for messaging and simple tasks
- Recommendation: Galaxy A04s
Scenario: Enjoy a good quality display and watching videos on the go
- Recommendation: Galaxy A54
Scenario: Take a lot of photos, and videos, and value better overall performance and camera
- Recommendation: Galaxy A54
Scenario: Want a balance between cost and good performance
- Recommendation: Galaxy A54 is the best option, as the performance and camera are worth the cost.
Which Would I Choose?
If I were choosing, I would definitely go for the Samsung Galaxy A54. As a tech journalist and analyst, I value a phone that performs well across the board. The A54's superior display, significantly better performance, and a more versatile camera make it the clear winner for me. While the A04s is more affordable, the trade-offs in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities are too big for me to overlook. The A54 not only offers a smoother, more enjoyable user experience but also feels like a device that will remain capable and relevant for longer, making it a worthwhile investment. The better camera is important for everyday life, and the screen is great for a much better viewing experience. Plus, the faster charging makes it easier to stay on the go, and the audio capabilities are a major step up. It’s a phone that aligns with my daily usage and expectations for modern smartphones.
