1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm | S21 5G is smaller and more pocketable, A04 is larger and may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 192g | S21 5G is lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | A04 has a slightly larger screen; S21 is more compact. |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 | 720 x 1600 | S21 5G has a much sharper and clearer display, ideal for detailed content and text. A04 appears more pixelated. |
| PPI | 421 | 270 | S21 5G offers noticeably sharper text and images; A04 screen may show pixelation. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 5G has superior display quality (better blacks, color, brightness), making media consumption much better. A04's screen is basic LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | S21 5G is much smoother, with seamless animations. A04 may appear choppy in comparison. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is significantly brighter, easier to view outdoors. A04 will be very difficult to see in sunlight (0 nits is likely a data error, typical brightness would be ~400-500 nits, but still less than S21 5G.) |
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G has greater scratch and drop resistance. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Mediatek Helio P35 (12 nm) | S21 5G has a much more powerful processor for faster app loading, smoother multitasking and demanding apps. A04’s chipset is low-end. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 124,000 | S21 5G has dramatically better performance, suitable for gaming, heavy usage; A04 is only for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | PowerVR GE8320 | S21 5G has a significantly more capable GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming. |
| RAM | 8GB | 3/4/6 GB | S21 5G has more RAM, making multitasking smoother and improving app performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 12MP, f/1.8, 1.80µm, Sony IMX555 | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | A04 has higher resolution, but S21's larger pixels and better sensor may result in better image quality overall. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP, f/2.0, 0.80µm, S5KGW2 | None | S21 5G offers a dedicated zoom lens for better zoom quality. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1.40µm, Sony IMX563 | None | S21 5G captures wider scenes and macro shots. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04 adds a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1.22µm, Sony IMX374 | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G takes higher quality selfies with more detail. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 24fps | 1080p 30fps | S21 5G allows much higher quality video, suitable for advanced videography. A04 is limited to standard HD. |
| Video Stabilization | Yes | No | S21 5G has better video stabilization, reducing shake in recorded footage. |
| Slow-motion | Up to 960 fps | None | S21 5G offers slow-motion capture for creative video editing. |
| DXOMARK Score (Mobile) | 111 | Not Available | S21 5G has much better camera quality as per this benchmark. |
| DXOMARK Score (Selfie) | 132 | Not Available | S21 5G has much better selfie camera quality as per this benchmark. |
| Camera Features | 4K/8K Video, OIS, RAW, Night Mode, Zoom | Digital Zoom, HDR, Basic Modes | S21 5G offers many more options and capabilities for advanced photography and videography. A04 is limited to basic photography. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A04 has a larger battery and may have longer battery life, despite having an LCD screen, which is less energy efficient than the AMOLED screen. Actual battery life varies based on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging, Wireless 15W, Reverse Wireless 4.5W | Standard Charging, No Fast Charging | S21 5G charges much faster and has more versatile charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Upgradable to 15) | Android 12 (Upgradable to 13) | S21 5G has more potential software updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 5G offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 (Advanced Features) | 5.0 (Basic Features) | S21 5G offers more advanced features and better compatibility with audio peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, GLONASS | S21 5G has more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both phones support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB/256GB | 32/64/128GB | S21 5G offers more storage capacity with higher base storage for the higher end model. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | S21 5G provides superior audio experience with richer sound and clearer calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Security Features | S21 5G provides biometric security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | S21 5G includes more sensors for advanced features and better functionality. |
| ## 2. Key Differences Analysis |
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED with higher resolution, refresh rate and brightness offering a much better visual experience.
- Much Higher Performance: Significantly faster processor and more RAM, making it better for gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto, wide-angle lenses, 8K video, OIS, and advanced features for better photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 25W fast charging, wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging capabilities.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers, providing richer sound.
- Better Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi standard and Bluetooth version with advanced features.
- Improved Security: Fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
- Better Build: Gorilla Glass Victus for added screen protection.
Practical Implications: The S21 5G is a premium device that excels in all areas, particularly for users who prioritize display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: Potentially longer battery life due to a larger capacity.
- Lower Price Point: Significantly more affordable.
- Higher Resolution Main Camera: 50MP sensor might offer more detail in ideal lighting conditions.
- Depth Sensor: Better portrait shots.
Practical Implications: The A04 is a budget-friendly phone that focuses on basic functionality, suitable for users with simple needs and limited budgets.
Significant Trade-offs:
- S21 5G sacrifices battery capacity for performance, display, and camera features. It is also significantly more expensive.
- A04 sacrifices screen quality, performance and camera features for battery life and affordability.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal User:
- Power User: Someone who uses their phone heavily for multitasking, demanding apps, and gaming.
- Photography Enthusiast: Someone who values a high-quality camera with versatile features for various shooting scenarios.
- Media Consumer: Someone who watches a lot of videos and appreciates a high-quality display.
- Tech Enthusiast: Someone who values cutting-edge technology and faster charging capabilities.
- Professional: Someone who needs a phone with a solid camera system and fast processor.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Mobile Gaming: Smooth performance and graphics for intensive gaming.
- Professional Photography/Videography: 8K video, OIS, and versatile lenses make it suitable for pro-level media creation.
- High-Resolution Media Consumption: The AMOLED display and high refresh rate ensure a premium viewing experience.
- Multitasking: Multiple apps and seamless transitions are possible with the powerful processor and ample RAM.
Samsung Galaxy A04 Ideal User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Someone who needs a basic phone for communication and simple tasks.
- Light User: Someone who mainly uses their phone for calling, texting, and basic browsing.
- Battery Life Prioritizer: Someone who needs their phone to last all day on a single charge.
- First-time Smartphone User: Someone who is transitioning from a feature phone to a smartphone.
Specific Use Cases for A04:
- Basic Communication: Calls, texts, and messaging apps.
- Social Media Browsing: Light browsing and social media updates.
- Casual Photography: Taking everyday snapshots and videos in good lighting conditions.
- Long Battery Life: For users who want a long lasting device on a single charge.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- S21 5G: Offers high value for users who want a premium experience, but comes with a premium price.
- A04: Offers great value for users on a very tight budget who are willing to compromise on features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Primary Use: What will you primarily use the phone for (basic communication, media consumption, gaming, photography)?
- Priorities: What features are most important to you (display quality, performance, camera, battery life)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1 (High Budget, Demanding User): If you have a high budget and prioritize performance, display, and camera quality for gaming and content creation, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the clear choice.
Scenario 2 (Tight Budget, Basic User): If you have a tight budget and need a basic phone for communication, casual social media, and long battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A04 is the more sensible option.
Scenario 3 (Mid-Range User): If you're looking for a middle-ground option (which neither of these phones are) and a balance between price and features, you might want to consider other phones within the price range, for example the A54, which has a larger screen, decent camera, 120hz refresh rate and a great processor.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. While it's an older model, it represents a huge leap in almost every single aspect, when compared to the A04. The vastly superior display alone is a huge upgrade for any kind of media consumption. The performance is also a major factor, as I expect a smartphone to be snappy and responsive. The camera system of the S21 5G also outperforms that of the A04 in every single metric, including software features.
While the A04 has a larger battery, and it may last longer than the S21 5G in practical use, the advantages of the S21 5G outweigh the A04's battery capacity. The fast charging on the S21 also allows the device to be fully charged in a short period of time. The A04 is a good budget phone, but the S21 offers more versatility with its performance, camera system, build quality and display.
