Okay, let's dive deep into this comparison of the Samsung Galaxy A04s and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. We're not just looking at specs; we're figuring out what these phones are actually like to use day-to-day.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed breakdown of the key specs, presented in a way that shows their real-world impact:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy A04s | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Similar size overall, but the A04s is slightly thicker, which may be noticeable in the hand. |
| Weight | 195g | 246g | The A04s is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. The Z60 Ultra has a more substantial feel, potentially indicating more robust build quality. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Z60 Ultra screen has an increased resistance to scratches and cracks, A04s does not offer protection information |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | The Z60 Ultra offers a slightly larger screen, offering more screen real estate for content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1116 x 2480 | The Z60 Ultra’s higher resolution results in a sharper, clearer display, with significantly more detail visible. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 400 PPI | The Z60 Ultra's higher pixel density means text and images are noticeably sharper and crisper. |
| Technology | PLS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Z60 Ultra delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to the LCD of the A04s, resulting in a more visually pleasing experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz on the Z60 Ultra results in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Z60 Ultra's screen has significantly better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. A04s likely is not suitable for use in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | The Z60 Ultra's processor is significantly more powerful, resulting in much faster performance in everyday tasks and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 117,300 | 2,017,588 | The Z60 Ultra's benchmark score is dramatically higher, indicating a huge difference in overall system speed and responsiveness. |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Adreno 750 | The Adreno 750 GPU in the Z60 Ultra provides significantly better graphics performance, essential for smoother gameplay and advanced visual tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 54MP, f/1.6 | The Z60 Ultra's main camera features a larger sensor and aperture for better low-light performance and a bit more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.0 | The Z60 Ultra's selfie camera will capture more detailed images with more light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3 | The Z60 Ultra's dedicated telephoto lens enables optical zoom capabilities, which the A04s lacks. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/1.8 | The Z60 Ultra’s wide-angle camera offers a much wider field of view, suitable for landscapes and group shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A04s has a dedicated depth camera, which can improve the quality of portrait shots by creating a blur effect, the Z60 ultra has to generate this through software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The A04s has a dedicated macro lens, which will allow it to take close-up photos of very small subjects, the Z60 ultra does not support. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | Up to 8K@30fps | The Z60 Ultra is capable of much higher-resolution video, making it better for recording professional-grade videos. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 6000mAh | The Z60 Ultra has a larger battery, suggesting potentially longer battery life, but this depends heavily on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Z60 Ultra charges significantly faster, getting you back up and running much quicker. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12, Max 14 | Android 14 | The Z60 Ultra will benefit from being a newer phone with a more updated OS, while the A04s is not getting further updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/be | Z60 Ultra has newer WiFi standards for improved speed and efficiency. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 | Z60 Ultra has the newest Bluetooth standard for improvements in range and speed, also improved audio transmission standards. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), BeiDou (B2), NavIC System, QZSS (L1 + L5), GPS (L1+L2+L5), QZSS (L1+L2+L5) | Z60 Ultra supports more systems for improved location accuracy in varied environments. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32GB/64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Z60 Ultra offers significantly more storage for media, files, and apps. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | The Z60 Ultra offers much more RAM for better multitasking and gaming capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | Basic | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Z60 Ultra has a significantly improved audio configuration that will offer clearer audio and richer sound output. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Basic | Side-mounted is generally more ergonomic and natural to use |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Z60 Ultra has a more comprehensive sensor suite for better gaming and augmented reality experiences. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Strengths: Its main strength is its affordability. It offers a basic smartphone experience with a decent display and a respectable main camera for a budget device. The 5,000 mAh battery is respectable. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor offers a more intuitive user experience.
- Competitive Advantages: The most compelling reason to consider the A04s is its lower price tag. It offers a functional, no-frills smartphone experience for users with very basic needs. The macro and depth cameras offer very basic additional camera functionality at this price point.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The A04s suffers from a weaker processor, lower-resolution display, basic camera performance, and slower charging. It is outdated and does not have advanced features.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra:
- Strengths: The Z60 Ultra is a powerhouse with a high-end processor, a gorgeous AMOLED display, an impressive camera system, a large battery with fast charging and advanced audio capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: The Z60 Ultra's strengths are its performance, display quality, camera versatility, and battery with fast charging, making it a very capable device for power users and enthusiasts. It is also the newer phone with an updated OS and features.
- Trade-offs/Limitations: The Z60 Ultra is a heavier device which can make extended use fatiguing. It does not offer a macro or portrait camera and relies on software instead. It is likely much more expensive than the Samsung option.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Samsung Galaxy A04s: Best suited for users who are on a tight budget, need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light app use, and are not bothered by modest performance or display quality. Ideal for first-time smartphone owners, those who need a secondary phone, or for users with basic needs on a limited budget. Its user experience is not taxing and straightforward, which is suited for users looking for a basic phone.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: Perfect for power users, gamers, photography enthusiasts, and those who demand top-tier performance and cutting-edge features. This phone is suitable for individuals who need a device that can handle demanding applications, high-quality multimedia, and offer a premium user experience. Its advanced features like 8K video recording, optical zoom, and a vibrant display make it ideal for users that like to push their devices to the limit.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone? If you have a limited budget, the A04s is the only one that fits. If you are willing to pay more, the Z60 Ultra offers much more advanced features and capabilities.
- Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for basic tasks, or do you want a high-performance machine for demanding applications, gaming, and content creation? If you have light needs, the A04s fits the bill. For more intensive needs, the Z60 Ultra is the only choice.
- Features: Are camera capabilities, display quality, and battery life very important to you? The Z60 Ultra offers premium camera features, a high quality display and fast charging. The A04s provides basic functionality for these features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-Conscious Basic User: If you prioritize cost over features and performance, and need a very basic phone for communication and light browsing, the Samsung Galaxy A04s will serve your purpose.
- Scenario 2: Performance-Oriented Enthusiast: If you want a high-performance device with excellent camera capabilities, a top-tier display, fast charging and can afford a premium smartphone, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: Casual User with Enhanced Needs: If you're looking for a balance between performance and price, but want more than the basics, the Z60 Ultra will provide a better user experience with its enhanced display, cameras and audio quality.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two, I'd go for the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra, without hesitation. As a tech journalist and analyst, I heavily rely on my smartphone for everything from research to content creation. The Z60 Ultra's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip will handle my multitasking needs with ease. The AMOLED display's clarity and brightness mean I can work comfortably outdoors, while the advanced camera system will allow me to capture high-quality photos and video wherever I go. The 8K video recording is also something I really like, since video quality is very important for my work. While it's a more expensive device, the performance gains, along with the newer software and all the extra features, are well worth the investment for a user that requires this much from their device.
The Galaxy A04s is great for the basics, but it won't cut it if you need a device to keep up with modern demands.
