Okay, let's break down the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra and the Samsung Galaxy A04s, focusing on what these specs mean for you in your everyday life.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | ZTE Axon 40 Ultra | Samsung Galaxy A04s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 73.6 x 8.4 mm | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm | Axon 40 Ultra is slightly smaller and thinner, feeling more compact in hand. A04s a tad bigger and thicker, may feel less comfy in pocket. |
| Weight | 204g | 195g | Both are fairly weighty; A04s is 9 grams lighter, making a very small difference. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.8" | 6.5" | Axon 40 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area, great for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1116 x 2480 | 720 x 1600 | Axon 40 Ultra's display is significantly sharper, with much more detail. A04s display is visibly less detailed. |
| PPI | 400 | 270 | Axon 40 Ultra has a much crisper and less pixelated image quality. |
| Technology | AMOLED | PLS LCD | Axon 40 Ultra has deeper blacks, better contrast, and more vibrant colors. A04s display is less vibrant and has washed-out blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Axon 40 Ultra has slightly smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 0 nits | Axon 40 Ultra is far more visible in bright sunlight. A04s is likely going to be hard to see outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Exynos 850 (8nm) | Axon 40 Ultra is incredibly faster and more powerful for games, multitasking, and demanding apps. A04s is slower for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,061,300 | 117,300 | Axon 40 Ultra offers vastly superior performance overall and will handle pretty much anything you throw at it. |
| GPU | Adreno 730 | Mali-G52 | Axon 40 Ultra has a much more powerful GPU for graphic-intensive applications and gaming. A04s has a basic GPU. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.6 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Axon 40 Ultra is likely better in low light and has more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Axon 40 Ultra takes better-quality selfies with higher resolution and a wider aperture. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/3.5 | None | Axon 40 Ultra has optical zoom capabilities for sharper zoomed-in shots. A04s does not have optical zoom. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 64MP, f/2.3 | None | Axon 40 Ultra can take great wide-angle shots and close up macro shots. A04s does not have a wide angle lens. |
| Depth Camera | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s has a dedicated depth sensor, for better portrait mode bokeh. Axon 40 Ultra does not have a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | A04s has a dedicated macro lens for very close-up shots. Axon 40 Ultra does not have a dedicated macro lens. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | 0.3MP | None | Axon 40 Ultra has a ToF sensor to aid focusing for AR and depth mapping. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@30fps with HDR | 1080p@30fps | Axon 40 Ultra can record very high-resolution videos, with much more flexibility and options. A04s is limited to 1080p video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both should offer similar battery life (unless differences in software or chipset make a difference). |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | Axon 40 Ultra charges up significantly faster, a great convenience. |
| Other | |||
| Storage | 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | 32GB/64GB/128GB | Axon 40 Ultra offers much more storage, suitable for media and demanding apps. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB/16GB/18GB | 3GB/4GB | Axon 40 Ultra is better for heavy multitasking and demanding apps. |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Axon 40 Ultra has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 5.2 | 5.0 | Axon 40 Ultra has a more advanced and reliable Bluetooth connection. |
| Audio | DTS/Stereo Speakers | Basic Audio | Axon 40 Ultra has better audio quality for music, movies, and calls. |
| Fingerprint | Basic sensor | Side-mounted sensor | A04s side-mounted fingerprint scanner is likely more convenient. |
| Operating System | Android 12, up to 13 | Android 12, up to 14 | A04s will likely get one more Android OS upgrade, so may have more features, security and optimizations for longer. |
2. Key Insights
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: This phone is a powerhouse. It boasts a stunning AMOLED display with high resolution and refresh rate, a flagship-level Snapdragon processor, incredibly fast charging, and a versatile camera system with 8K video recording. The under-display camera also offers a clean and futuristic look. The Axon 40 Ultra is built for users who want top-tier performance and capabilities.
Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a beast, making the phone incredibly fast and smooth for all types of use.
- Exceptional Display: The AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness makes for an amazing visual experience.
- Versatile Camera System: With its telephoto and ultrawide lenses, along with 8K video, the Axon 40 Ultra's camera is incredibly capable.
- Fast Charging: 65W charging means you spend less time plugged in and more time using your phone.
Samsung Galaxy A04s: This phone is an entry-level device focused on affordability. It offers a basic feature set with a focus on battery life and a large display for media consumption. While lacking the advanced capabilities of the Axon 40 Ultra, it provides essential smartphone functions at a much lower price point.
Strengths:
- Affordability: It's a budget-friendly option, ideal for users who need a functional smartphone without spending a lot.
- Solid Battery Life: The 5000mAh battery ensures it can last through a day of typical use.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: A more convenient unlocking method than on the Axon 40 Ultra.
Trade-offs: The A04s has a much lower resolution display, a slower processor, a much more basic camera and lack of a number of features, all in favour of a much lower price point.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
ZTE Axon 40 Ultra:
- Power Users: Ideal for gamers, content creators, and anyone who needs a phone that can handle demanding tasks without breaking a sweat.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who appreciate cutting-edge technology and the best possible user experience will love this device.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: The powerful and versatile camera system will be greatly appreciated for both photo and video recording.
- Users Who Consume Media: The high-resolution and high refresh rate screen, with the inclusion of stereo speakers, makes watching content on this phone a delight.
Samsung Galaxy A04s:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Perfect for those who want a basic, reliable phone without spending a lot of money.
- First-Time Smartphone Owners: The A04s is an easy-to-use, affordable device for those new to smartphones.
- Users with Simple Needs: It’s suitable for users who mainly make calls, text, browse the internet, and use basic apps.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: The large battery will see it last through the day.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three questions to help you decide:
- What is my primary use case for this phone? (e.g., gaming, content creation, basic communication)
- What is my budget? (The Axon 40 Ultra will be a lot more expensive)
- How much do I care about the quality of the screen and camera?
Scenario-based recommendations:
Scenario 1: Casual User on a Budget: If you just need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, and you don’t want to spend much, then the Samsung Galaxy A04s is a practical choice.
Scenario 2: Content Creation & Gaming: If you are a gamer, content creator, or generally someone who demands the best performance and camera capabilities for heavy use, then the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra is the only real choice between these two.
Scenario 3: Mixed Use with a Focus on Media Consumption: If you watch a lot of content on your phone but are okay with a slower chipset, then the Samsung Galaxy A04s could suffice. However, the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra offers a far superior experience in almost all respects, and if that is what you value, then this is the only option.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would unequivocally go for the ZTE Axon 40 Ultra. While the Samsung Galaxy A04s has its place as an affordable entry-level device, it simply cannot compete with the power, display quality, camera versatility, and overall user experience offered by the Axon 40 Ultra.
As a tech journalist, I appreciate the cutting-edge technology and performance, and I know it would make the experience of using the phone that much better for the long term. The Axon 40 Ultra is a device that would let me do whatever I want, whenever I want, without compromise. If price is not a major factor, then the Axon 40 Ultra would be my phone of choice.
