Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the Tecno Spark Go 2023. It's a classic showdown of two budget-friendly contenders, each with its own set of strengths and trade-offs. As always, we'll look beyond the spec sheet and focus on what these differences mean for your daily life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of these two devices, with a focus on real-world implications:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Tecno Spark Go 2023 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm | The A04s is slightly wider but both are similarly sized; the Tecno is a hair thinner |
| Weight | 195g | 0g | The A04s is 195g, making it feel more solid in hand; While Tecno lists the phone weight at 0g, this is a known inaccuracy and is not correct. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both offer good screen sizes for media consumption, Tecno has a negligible 0.1" advantage. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1600 | Both have a standard HD+ resolution, which is typical for this price range. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 267 PPI | Similar pixel density for both, which means they have roughly the same sharpness |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS is generally considered superior to PLS LCD, offering slightly better viewing angles and color reproduction |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The A04s has smoother animations, making scrolling and transitions look more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have similar peak brightness; may be hard to see in direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) | The A04s has a more powerful and efficient chipset that enables slightly faster apps loading and overall better performance |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 92,140 | The A04s delivers a noticeable performance boost, making the system more responsive |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 | The Mali-G52 offers better graphics for smoother gameplay in some mobile games. |
| Camera | |||
| Rear Camera (Main) | 50MP (f/1.8) | 13MP (f/1.85) | The A04s captures more detailed photos in good lighting conditions due to its higher megapixel count. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 5MP (f/2.0) | Tecno has a slightly wider aperture, allowing a bit more light for better selfies in dim conditions. |
| Additional Rear Cameras | 2MP Depth, 2MP Macro | None | The A04s offers more creative options with a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots and a macro lens for close-ups. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow Motion | 1080p@30fps | Both can record standard 1080p video, but the A04s has slow-motion capability that the Tecno does not have. |
| Features | Triple Camera, PDAF | Dual Camera | The A04s offers more advanced focusing. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable endurance |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | The A04s recharges faster, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion Polymer | |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 12 | The A04s will have the option for the newest version of Android 14. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | 802.11n | The A04s supports faster Wi-Fi standards for quicker downloads and browsing. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 4.2 LE | The A04s has a more modern Bluetooth version, offering better connection stability and battery efficiency. |
| GPS | QZSS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The A04s provides more comprehensive satellite support, which may result in more accurate positioning in some regions. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 64GB | The A04s is available in larger storage sizes which might be better for people with a lot of pictures and videos. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 3GB | The 4GB option on the A04s enables slightly better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable Storage | Not Available | Not Available | Neither phone provides microSD slot for expanded storage. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Rear-mounted | The side-mounted sensor on A04s is often seen as a more convenient option. |
| Additional Sensors | Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Proximity | Both phones have proximity sensor functionality |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | Basic Audio | Both offer basic audio functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s Strengths:
- Stronger Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset offers a noticeable performance edge, making everyday tasks feel smoother and apps load faster.
- Better Display (in some ways): The 90Hz refresh rate offers a smoother user experience
- Higher Quality Main Camera: With its 50MP main sensor, it can capture more detailed images, a real benefit for those who use their phone for photos.
- Versatile Camera System: The inclusion of dedicated depth and macro lenses provides greater creative flexibility.
- Faster Charging: The 15W fast charging is a welcome feature.
- More Modern Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Better OS Support: It will support Android 14, the most up to date version of Android OS.
- Storage Options: The 128GB storage option provides additional space.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 Strengths:
- Slightly Larger Display: The 6.6" screen may be appealing to some users, but by only 0.1", not really that different.
- Slightly better Selfie Camera: The f/2.0 aperture of its selfie camera means that it captures marginally more light than the Samsung, which can help when taking pictures in darker places.
- Lighter Device: The Tecno weights significantly less and is a lighter device than the A04s.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Tecno: Slower chipset, less versatile camera, older Bluetooth standard, slightly lower screen refresh rate.
- Samsung: It weighs more, the display technology is not as good.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for:
- Users who want the best performance in a budget phone. If you run a lot of apps and want them to run smoothly, the Exynos 850 will definitely be your friend
- Those who want to take quality photos. The better main camera and additional lenses make it suitable for those who use their phone as their primary camera.
- Users who prefer a fast refresh rate. If you like your phone to be extra responsive, the 90Hz will be preferable to a 60Hz display.
- Users who need more storage. If you have a lot of apps, pictures and videos you'll want the storage that the A04s offers.
Tecno Spark Go 2023 is ideal for:
- Users on the tightest of budgets. The Tecno phone is priced competitively.
- Those who need a light phone. The Tecno is much lighter than the Samsung and will be easier to hold for long periods.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide between these phones:
How important is performance to you?
- If you want smooth everyday performance and better multitasking, go for the Samsung Galaxy A04s.
- If you're just doing basic tasks and are willing to compromise, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 is sufficient.
What kind of photos are you going to take?
- If you like to take detailed photos in different scenarios, the A04s is the way to go.
- If you want a phone to mainly take the occasional selfie, the Tecno is good.
How much weight will affect your decision?
- If you want a heavier phone, the Samsung A04s is the better option.
- If you want a lighter device, the Tecno is the better pick.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious User Needing the Basics: The Tecno Spark Go 2023 will get you by on a daily basis.
Scenario 2: Performance and Camera Lover: The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the clear winner here, offering significant performance and camera benefits.
Scenario 3: Long-Term User Who Wants Future Updates: The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the better option since it will support future OS updates.
My Choice
If I had to pick one, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s. While both devices are targeting the budget market, the A04s simply offers better everyday performance thanks to its superior chipset. The camera system is also much more flexible, providing more creative opportunities with the extra sensors. The faster refresh rate and newer connectivity standards all add up to a more complete, future-proof package. Ultimately, I value long term performance and camera versatility, and the A04s delivers more in these areas. The Tecno is a good device, but if you have a little more budget, the Samsung is a better choice.
