Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Sony Xperia 5 IV. These two phones, while launching on the same day, are targeting vastly different user needs. I'll be breaking down the specs, highlighting what these differences mean in real life, and help you decide which might be right for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Sony Xperia 5 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 | 156 x 67 x 8.2 | A04s is bulkier, less pocketable. Xperia 5 IV is more compact, easier for one-hand use. |
| Weight (g) | 195 | 172 | Xperia 5 IV is lighter making it more comfortable for longer periods. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are standard slab-style. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.5 | 6.1 | A04s has a larger screen for media consumption. Xperia 5 IV is smaller for more comfortable grip. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2520 | Xperia 5 IV's screen is noticeably sharper with more detail. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 449 | Xperia 5 IV has much clearer text and images. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | OLED | Xperia 5 IV has better contrast, colors, and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Xperia 5 IV's screen is smoother for scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | Both have same peak brightness. (likely inaccurate, consider real-world reviews) |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia 5 IV offers significantly faster app loading, better multitasking, and high-end gaming. |
| Antutu Score | 117,300 | 1,021,542 | Xperia 5 IV provides a vastly smoother overall experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 730 | Xperia 5 IV's GPU handles demanding games and graphic-intensive tasks much better. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity (mAh) | 5000 | 5000 | Both offer similar battery life due to capacity. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 30W Fast Charging | Xperia 5 IV charges faster, reducing downtime. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass, Reverse, Non-removable | Xperia 5 IV has more battery management options. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 12MP, f/1.7 | A04s has higher MP, but Xperia 5 IV has superior image quality due to better sensor and processing. |
| Main Sensor Size | N/A | 1/1.7" | Xperia 5 IV’s larger sensor gathers more light, leading to superior low-light performance. |
| Main Pixel Size | N/A | 1.80 µm | Xperia 5 IV pixels capture more light, leading to better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | Xperia 5 IV has a better front-facing camera. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.4 | Xperia 5 IV allows for zooming without significant loss of detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP, f/2.2 | Xperia 5 IV allows for wider shots, fitting more in the frame. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s has a dedicated depth lens for better portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | A04s has a dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia 5 IV offers much higher quality video recording, along with more advanced features like HDR, OIS, and EIS. |
| Camera DxO Score | N/A | 119 (Mobile), 121 (Photo), 113 (Video) | Xperia 5 IV has a capable camera, scoring quite well in DXO mark testing |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, PDAF, HDR, etc. | Optical Zoom, OIS, EIS, RAW, etc. | Xperia 5 IV has more advanced features for better photos and videos. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (up to 14) | Android 12 (up to 13) | A04s gets the most recent OS update. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Xperia 5 IV offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Xperia 5 IV has more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, etc. | GPS, A-GPS, (L1+L5), etc. | Xperia 5 IV has more accurate location services with dual-band GPS. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | Xperia 5 IV supports both physical and digital SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Xperia 5 IV has a larger minimum storage option. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8 GB | Xperia 5 IV has more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage, which is a downside. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia 5 IV provides an superior audio experience with higher quality and spatial audio. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both phones have side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia 5 IV has stronger screen protection against drops and scratches. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Xperia 5 IV offers an enhanced suite of sensors useful for gaming and more accurate environment monitoring |
2. Key Insights
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: This phone is designed for budget-conscious users who want a large screen and decent battery life for everyday tasks. It's a basic smartphone that gets the essentials right, but doesn't excel in performance or camera capabilities. Its larger screen may appeal to some, however, its lower resolution and LCD panel aren't ideal for those looking for premium visual experiences. The presence of macro and depth cameras are a welcome, if basic, addition.
- Sony Xperia 5 IV: The Xperia 5 IV is a compact powerhouse focusing on high-end performance and excellent multimedia capabilities. Its strengths lie in its superior OLED display, flagship-level chipset, advanced camera system with multiple lenses, and enhanced audio. While it lacks a few niche cameras, it excels in main, wide and telephoto shots. Its more compact design makes it perfect for one-handed use, though its lack of storage expansion is a notable disadvantage.
Key Competitive Advantages:
- Xperia 5 IV: The OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, superior camera system (particularly video), Hi-Res audio, and more modern connectivity technologies make it a clear step up in terms of quality and performance.
- Galaxy A04s: It offers a larger screen, a lower price, and a dedicated macro and portrait lens that some might find useful.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Xperia 5 IV: The lack of expandable storage is a downside, and its price is significantly higher.
- Galaxy A04s: Limited performance, lower quality display, and less capable cameras make it less suitable for demanding tasks.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Best For: Casual users on a tight budget, individuals who prioritize screen size over quality and performance, and those needing a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, browsing, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Watching YouTube videos, scrolling social media, casual mobile gaming, and general daily phone use.
Sony Xperia 5 IV:
- Best For: Power users, photography and videography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, and those who value premium features in a compact phone.
- Use Cases: Creating high-quality video content, mobile gaming, professional photography, multimedia consumption, and general use where speed and quality matter.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Help You Decide:
- What is your budget? The A04s is much more affordable, while the Xperia 5 IV is a premium-priced device.
- What do you value most? If your focus is large screen and saving money, the A04s makes sense. If performance, display quality, and camera capabilities are your priorities, the Xperia 5 IV is the better choice.
- What are your typical use cases? If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks, the A04s will suffice. However, for more intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, and detailed photography, the Xperia 5 IV is essential.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're looking for the most affordable option and don't need high-end features, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the obvious choice.
- Multimedia Consumer: If you want a superior display and audio experience for watching videos and listening to music, the Sony Xperia 5 IV is a much better fit.
- Mobile Photographer/Videographer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV is the clear winner with its advanced camera system and video recording capabilities.
- Power User/Gamer: The Sony Xperia 5 IV's flagship performance and high-end features make it the superior option for power users and gamers.
My Choice and Why
If I were to choose, I would go with the Sony Xperia 5 IV. While it comes with a much higher price tag, the overall experience it delivers justifies the cost. The combination of the excellent OLED display, the blazing-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, the advanced camera capabilities, and superior audio, make it a much more capable and enjoyable device to use on a daily basis. I prioritize performance and overall quality, and in my eyes, the Xperia 5 IV makes a more compelling case for an outstanding modern smartphone experience. Though, I recognize, for someone who just needs the basics, the A04s is a great choice.
