Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Samsung Galaxy A04s
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | S21 5G is more compact, easier to handle with one hand. A04s is larger and may be less comfortable for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 195g | S21 5G is lighter, feels more comfortable for extended use. A04s is noticeably heavier. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | A04s has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 5G has a much sharper display, resulting in clearer text and images. |
| PPI | 421 | 270 | S21 5G provides significantly finer details, sharper images and text. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | S21 5G has vibrant colors, deep blacks, superior contrast and is more efficient for dark themes. A04s has standard LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G offers smoother scrolling and animations, making the user experience feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G is significantly brighter outdoors, making the screen visible in direct sunlight. A04s brightness info missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | S21 5G offers much faster performance, quicker app loading, and better multitasking due to its more powerful processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 117,300 | S21 5G is dramatically faster, handles demanding tasks with ease, making the phone a premium experience. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G52 | S21 5G provides much better graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A04s has a larger battery, potentially offering longer battery life depending on usage. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges faster, reducing time spent tethered to a charger. |
| Battery Features | Reverse Charging, Wireless Charging, Non-removable | Non-removable | S21 5G offers more battery management options including wireless and reverse wireless charging, while A04s is limited to wired charging only |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Rear | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" Sensor, 1.8µm pixels | 50MP, f/1.8 | A04s has a higher resolution, but S21 5G's larger pixels typically result in better low-light images. |
| Telephoto Lens | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" Sensor, 0.8µm pixels | None | S21 5G offers optical zoom capabilities, better for portraits and distant shots. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" Sensor, 1.4µm pixels | None | S21 5G provides the ability to capture more in each shot. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" Sensor, 1.22µm pixels | 5MP, f/2.2 | S21 5G provides higher resolution selfies for better detail. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s offers the ability to take close-up shots. |
| Depth Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s offers the ability to take portrait shots with blurred backgrounds. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, EIS | 1080p@30fps | S21 5G captures much higher quality video with higher frame rates and electronic image stabilization (EIS). |
| DxOMark (Mobile) | 111 | Not Tested | S21 5G has a tested quality rating, implying better image quality. A04s doesn't have a public rating for comparison. |
| DxOMark (Selfie) | 132 | Not Tested | S21 5G has a tested selfie rating, implying better quality than A04s. A04s doesn't have a public rating for comparison. |
| Camera Features | 4K, 8K video, Optical Zoom, OIS | None | S21 5G has far more camera features and better hardware for versatile photography. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12, Upgradable to 14 | A04s ships with a newer Android version but the S21 5G will get newer updates till android 15. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11ac | S21 5G supports faster Wi-Fi standards for better network speeds and performance. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX | Bluetooth 5.0 | S21 5G has advanced audio profiles for better sound quality. |
| GPS | L1+L5, E1+E5a | QZSS | S21 5G has more precise location capabilities, useful in areas with tall buildings. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Both support dual SIM for managing multiple numbers. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 32/64/128 GB | S21 5G offers more storage for apps, media, and files, with 256 GB variant. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 3/4 GB | S21 5G provides better multitasking with more RAM, keeping apps in memory for faster switching. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers, Noise Cancellation | Basic | S21 5G delivers a richer audio experience with spatial audio and clearer voice calls. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | basic fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted sensor | A04s offers a more modern and ergonomic side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 5G uses superior glass for scratch and drop protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Proximity | Ultrasonic Proximity virtual | S21 5G has a richer set of sensors, supporting more advanced features and gaming. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides a much faster and smoother experience compared to the Exynos 850. This is evident in the AnTuTu benchmark score difference (749,100 vs. 117,300), translating to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution (1080x2400), a pixel density of 421 PPI, 120Hz refresh rate, and 1300 nits brightness, offers a more vibrant, sharper, and smoother viewing experience, and is much better outdoors.
- Better Cameras: The S21 5G has a more versatile camera system with a telephoto lens for optical zoom, a wide-angle lens, better sensors with larger pixels for improved low-light performance, and 8K video recording. The tested DxOMark scores highlight this.
- Enhanced Audio: The S21 5G features stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos support and a noise cancellation microphone resulting in a more immersive and clearer audio experience.
- Advanced Features: S21 5G includes features like wireless and reverse wireless charging, more robust connectivity (WiFi 6), and a more comprehensive sensor suite, enhancing overall usability.
- Premium Build: Gorilla Glass Victus provides better screen protection than the unknown protection of the A04s.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery offers potentially longer battery life, though real-world endurance depends on usage.
- Potentially Lower Price: Typically, the A series is more budget-oriented and will be cheaper.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Scanner: While subjective, some users prefer the side-mounted fingerprint scanner to the in-display type.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Performance vs. Battery: The S21 5G trades battery life for significantly better performance, while the A04s prioritizes battery life over performance.
- Display Quality: The S21 5G has a premium display, while the A04s uses a basic LCD, which is a huge difference in daily use.
- Camera Capabilities: The S21 5G has far superior camera hardware and software for versatile photography, the A04s is very basic in comparison.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is ideal for:
- Power Users: Individuals who demand high performance for multitasking, gaming, and running resource-intensive apps.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who value high-quality photos and videos with versatility and advanced features.
- Multimedia Consumers: Users who want a vibrant display with smooth animations and great audio for watching videos, movies, and gaming.
- Users who value premium features: Those who require premium features like wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and advanced connectivity.
Specific Use Cases for S21 5G:
- Mobile gaming with smooth graphics and high frame rates.
- Professional photo and video capture, including 8K recording.
- Extensive multitasking with multiple apps running simultaneously.
- Outdoor use where screen visibility is crucial.
Samsung Galaxy A04s is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Individuals who need a functional smartphone without the need for top-tier performance.
- Users who prioritize Battery Life: Those who value having a long-lasting battery, as it can last longer due to the lower performance.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Users who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, browsing, and social media.
Specific Use Cases for A04s:
- Basic everyday tasks like calls, texting, and browsing.
- Long battery life for extended periods away from a charger.
- Basic social media browsing and media consumption.
- Users who want to use it as a secondary phone with a big screen and long lasting battery.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- The S21 5G provides a premium experience with a significant edge in performance, display and camera capabilities. Its higher price reflects these benefits.
- The A04s is designed to be a budget phone that covers the basics. It offers decent value for simple usage, but lacks in performance, display quality and camera abilities.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming, Photography, Basic tasks)
- What is your budget? (Are you willing to pay for premium features?)
- How important is battery life? (Do you value a long-lasting battery, or is fast charging sufficient?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Performance is critical
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Its superior chipset, display, and overall features make it a no-brainer for heavy users.
- Scenario 2: Budget is the main concern
- Recommendation: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A04s. It covers the basics, offers decent battery life, and won't break the bank.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Usage with Focus on Battery
- Recommendation: Consider the Samsung Galaxy A04s if a lower price point and a big battery are more important than performance or display quality.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G.
Here's why:
While the Galaxy A04s offers a bigger battery and a lower price tag, the S21 5G presents a far superior user experience that I value more highly. The difference in performance alone is enormous (749,100 vs 117,300 on AnTuTu), making the S21 5G significantly faster and smoother for daily tasks, multitasking, and especially gaming. This performance difference isn't just about numbers - it translates to a noticeably more enjoyable experience in virtually every interaction.
Beyond the processing power, the display on the S21 5G is a major draw. The AMOLED screen is not only far sharper (421 PPI vs 270 PPI) with a higher resolution, but also offers vastly superior contrast, colors, and viewing angles, not to mention its higher refresh rate of 120Hz and brightness of 1300 nits. This difference would be significant, especially in daily use where I consume a lot of content and am always out and about.
The camera capabilities of the S21 5G also appeal strongly to me. Having a telephoto lens for optical zoom and wide angle lens gives me more versatility, and the improved sensors, better low-light performance and the ability to record in 8k are very important to me.
Additionally, while the A04s has a larger battery, the S21 5G's 25W fast charging and wireless charging capabilities offer plenty of convenience. The inclusion of stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience too.
While the A04s might suit those on a very tight budget or users with very basic needs, for my usage, the S21 5G is the obvious choice due to its superior overall performance, display, and camera, making it the much better value in my opinion.
