Okay, let's dive deep into comparing the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the ZTE Blade V60 Design. I'll put on my tech journalist hat and break this down for you, focusing on the practical implications of each spec.
Smartphone Showdown: Samsung Galaxy A04s vs. ZTE Blade V60 Design
Here's the breakdown, as if we were chatting over coffee about these two devices:
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | ZTE Blade V60 Design | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-22 | 2024-06-01 | The ZTE is much newer, potentially benefiting from advancements. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 | 164.2 x 75.3 x 8.6 | The ZTE is a bit slimmer and narrower, likely feeling more comfortable in hand. |
| Weight (g) | 195 | 198 | Practically the same weight; both feel substantial but not heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.5 | 6.6 | Both have very similar size, a tiny bit bigger on the ZTE, which may be imperceptible for most users. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Similar; both are HD+, fine for most casual use, but not super sharp. |
| PPI | 270 | 267 | Almost identical; both offer similar pixel density. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | IPS LCD | IPS LCD on the ZTE is generally considered better with wider viewing angles and more vibrant colors than the PLS LCD on the Samsung. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both provide a smooth experience, better for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness (nits) | 0 | 0 | This is an oddity; we don't have brightness data, so difficult to determine how each display will fare in bright environments. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | The Exynos 850 is a more efficient chipset using a smaller fabrication process. The ZTE has better performance based on benchmarks |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 240,000 | A substantial difference; the ZTE will feel much snappier, handling apps and light gaming much better. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G57 MP1 | The Mali-G57 in the ZTE is an upgrade and should provide better gaming performance and graphics processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both main cameras have the same resolution and aperture |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP | The ZTE will likely capture more detailed and clearer selfies, especially in good light. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both have same depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not present | The Samsung provides close-up photos with the macro lens, a feature the ZTE lacks. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps | Same video recording, but with slightly different slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, HDR etc.. | PDAF, HDR, Image stab, panorama etc.. | The ZTE has more features including image stabilization and panorama mode, likely offering more versatile photos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should last a full day for most users with moderate use. |
| Charging | 15W Fast | 22.5W Fast | The ZTE will charge faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer is known for better longevity and safety. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The ZTE has a more up-to-date Android version. |
| Max OS Version | Android 14 | Not specified | The Samsung might get a newer OS version |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | a/b/g/n/ac | a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | The ZTE supports dual-band, offering better speeds and stability on compatible networks |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Samsung has more precise positioning |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64/128GB | 256GB | The ZTE offers much more storage, eliminating the need for external storage |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 4/6GB | The ZTE gives more RAM, suitable for more demanding tasks |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio | DTS / DTS X | The ZTE offers better audio quality |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both phones use same fingerprint sensor technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | ZTE offers a broader range of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Blade V60 Design's Advantages:
- Newer Tech: Launched much later, it benefits from more recent tech developments.
- Faster Performance: The superior AnTuTu score and GPU point towards a much smoother user experience for everyday tasks and gaming.
- More Storage & RAM: A big win with 256GB storage and up to 6GB RAM makes the ZTE far more capable for multitasking and large apps.
- Better Display: IPS LCD on the ZTE usually offers better colors and viewing angles compared to Samsung's PLS LCD.
- Faster Charging: 22.5W charging means less time tethered to the wall.
- Better Camera Features Extra camera features such as panorama and image stabilization provides greater flexibility in capturing images.
- More up-to-date OS: Comes with Android 13 out of the box.
- Superior Audio: DTS / DTS X for an enhanced audio experience.
- More Sensors The ZTE has more sensors, opening the way for use in advanced applications and games.
Samsung Galaxy A04s' Advantages:
- Macro Lens: The inclusion of a dedicated macro lens can be beneficial for specific kinds of creative shots.
- Ultrasonic proximity sensor: Offers more precise proximity sensing.
- More precise positioning: Supports QZSS which allows for better location tracking.
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung has a macro lens, but the ZTE has much better performance.
- The Samsung may get another OS upgrade, but the ZTE has a more updated OS out of the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A04s is best for:
- Users who are on an extremely tight budget and need basic smartphone functionality.
- Those who value a macro camera for close-up photography.
- Those that like samsung's UI and might be already used to it.
ZTE Blade V60 Design is best for:
- Users who want a smooth and responsive smartphone experience on a budget.
- Those who value storage, performance and multitasking for apps and light gaming.
- Users who want better selfie and overall camera performance.
- Those who enjoy immersive audio.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Consider these questions:
- How important is smooth performance and multitasking? If you run multiple apps or do light gaming the ZTE is better.
- Do you need a dedicated macro lens for close-up photos? If so, the Samsung has a slight edge.
- How much storage do you need? The ZTE is the clear winner with 256 GB vs up to 128 GB on the Samsung.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- "The Budget Conscious Minimalist": If you are on a tight budget, the Samsung is an option for very basic use.
- "The Everyday User": The ZTE is the clear winner with its better performance, storage, RAM, display and overall more features.
- "The Casual Gamer": The ZTE has the better performance in terms of the chipset and GPU, and the better display, making it the more suitable option.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd go with the ZTE Blade V60 Design without hesitation.
Here’s why:
- Performance Leap: The massive difference in AnTuTu score is a clear indicator of how much smoother and faster the ZTE will feel in everyday use. The better GPU and the better performance also improves multitasking and gaming.
- Storage is King: 256GB is a huge win, removing the worry about running out of space for apps, photos, and videos.
- Modern Experience: The newer Android version, superior display, and faster charging make the ZTE feel like a more current device.
- Audio Upgrade: As someone who enjoys watching videos, the DTS / DTS X feature on the ZTE will be better than the basic audio on the Samsung.
- More Sensors: The additional sensors on the ZTE provide more options, particularly for gamers.
While the Samsung’s macro camera is a unique addition, I'd argue that the overall performance and usability benefits of the ZTE far outweigh that single feature. The ZTE is the superior phone for most users.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
