Samsung A04s Review and Modern Alternatives

When it comes to budget-friendly smartphones, Samsung has consistently introduced devices that offer value-for-money features. Samsung A04s is one such device, boasting competitive specs at an affordable price point. This review takes an in-depth look at the A04s and also suggests some contemporary alternatives for your consideration.

Device Specifications

Samsung A04s has some impressive specifications that help it stand out in the crowded budget smartphone market:

• Display: 6.5-inch PLS IPS with 720 x 1600 pixels;
• CPU: Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53;
• RAM: 2GB / 3GB;
• Storage: 32GB / 64GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD);
• Camera: 13 MP (main) + 2 MP (depth) on rear, 5 MP (front);
• Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 5000 mAh battery;
• Operating System: Android 11, One UI 3.1.

Design and Display

Samsung has consistently been at the forefront of innovative smartphone design and display technology, setting the bar high for other industry players. The Samsung A04s, one of the newer entrants in their affordable A-series line-up, adheres to the brand’s minimalist aesthetic while packing in an assortment of features for an immersive viewing experience.

A Masterclass in Minimalist Design

The Samsung A04s’ design philosophy seamlessly blends functionality with a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Key design attributes include:

• Texture and Feel: The plastic back of the device showcases a textured finish, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also improves the grip, minimizing chances of accidental slips. The use of plastic keeps the device lightweight without compromising on sturdiness. The build quality is robust, with no discernible creaking or flexing when subjected to pressure;
• Color Variants: Catering to different consumer preferences, the A04s is available in three color variants – Black, Blue, and Red. Each color choice subtly reflects the personality of the user, from the professional and sleek Black, the cool and sophisticated Blue, to the energetic and passionate Red;
• Device Layout: The layout of the Samsung A04s follows a practical and user-friendly design. The power button and volume rocker are located on the right, offering easy access. A 3.5mm headphone jack is included, much to the delight of wired audio aficionados, while a Type-C USB port enables fast charging.

Impressive Display on a Budget

When it comes to display technology, Samsung has never shied away from delivering top-tier quality, even in its budget offerings. The A04s is no exception, boasting a large 6.5-inch PLS IPS display. While it offers a resolution of only 720p (1600×720 pixels), the display manages to punch above its weight in many aspects:

• Color Reproduction: Samsung’s PLS (Plane-to-Line Switching) technology provides vibrant color reproduction. The display brings out rich and deep hues, making images and videos come alive, although the colors may not be as accurate as those offered by higher-end AMOLED displays;
• Brightness Levels: The screen brightness on the A04s is decent enough to offer a good viewing experience in most lighting conditions. Whether you are scrolling through social media feeds indoors or watching videos in a moderately lit room, the screen performs well;
• Viewing Angles and Outdoor Visibility: The viewing angles on the A04s are somewhat limited – a common trait of IPS displays. The screen’s visibility under direct sunlight is also not the best, given the display’s limited peak brightness.

Table: Samsung A04s Display Specifications

Display Type	PLS IPS
Size	6.5 inches
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels
Aspect Ratio	20:9
Pixel Density	270 ppi

A Balance of Aesthetics and Functionality

In summary, the Samsung A04s delivers a compelling package of design and display on a budget. Its minimalist design, combined with a decent display, makes it a viable choice for consumers looking for affordability without significant compromises on aesthetics or functionality.

While its design assures a comfortable and sturdy grip, the display, despite its limitations, manages to provide an enjoyable viewing experience for casual use. However, it’s worth noting that users seeking higher resolution displays or better outdoor visibility might need to explore options further up Samsung’s product lineup.

Performance

The Samsung A04s offers decent performance for everyday tasks thanks to its Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The phone comes in two variants, one with 2GB of RAM and another with 3GB of RAM. While the 2GB variant may struggle with multitasking, the 3GB variant provides a smoother experience when juggling between apps.

Operating System

The Samsung A04s runs on the Android 11 operating system, providing users with access to the latest features and improvements. Additionally, Samsung’s One UI 3.1 enhances the user interface, offering a clean and intuitive experience.

Here is a comparison table showcasing the performance specifications of the Samsung A04s and its competitors in the same price range:

Phone Model	Processor	RAM	Operating System	Performance
Samsung A04s	Quad-core 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53	2GB or 3GB	Android 11	Adequate
Competitor 1	Octa-core 2.0 GHz	4GB	Android 10	Better
Competitor 2	Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55	3GB	Android 11	Similar
Competitor 3	Octa-core 1.6 GHz	2GB or 3GB	Android 10	Similar

Note: The performance levels indicated in the table are subjective and based on general user experiences.

Usage Scenarios:

The Samsung A04s is suitable for most day-to-day tasks, such as web browsing, social media, and light gaming. Here are some scenarios where the phone’s performance shines:

• Web Browsing: The Samsung A04s offers a smooth web browsing experience, allowing users to surf the internet and load web pages quickly;
• Social Media: Managing social media accounts, scrolling through feeds, and posting updates is effortless on the Samsung A04s;
• Light Gaming: Casual and less demanding games run smoothly on the device. However, graphically intensive games may experience occasional lag or frame drops;
• Multimedia Consumption: The phone handles multimedia playback, including streaming videos and music, with ease.

Limitations

While the Samsung A04s performs well for its price range, it does have some limitations:

• Heavy Gaming: Playing graphics-intensive games with high system requirements may result in lower frame rates and occasional lag on the Samsung A04s;
• Multitasking: The 2GB RAM variant may struggle with multitasking, causing apps to reload when switching between them. Opting for the 3GB RAM variant can provide a better multitasking experience;
• Intensive Apps: Running resource-intensive applications simultaneously may lead to slower performance and reduced responsiveness.

The Samsung A04s offers adequate performance for most day-to-day tasks such as web browsing, social media usage, and light gaming. It is a budget-friendly device that provides a smooth user experience within its limitations. Users looking for a device that handles heavy gaming and multitasking may need to consider higher-priced alternatives.

Camera

The Samsung A04s comes equipped with a dual-camera setup at the rear, consisting of a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Let’s delve into the details of the camera performance:

Rear Camera

The 13MP main sensor captures decent photos in well-lit conditions, considering the phone’s price range. Here are some key aspects of the rear camera:

• Photo Quality: The camera delivers acceptable image quality with accurate colors and decent details in good lighting conditions;
• Depth Sensor: The 2MP depth sensor assists in capturing portrait photos with a pleasing background blur effect, adding depth to the images;
• Low-Light Performance: The camera struggles in low-light environments, resulting in grainy and less detailed images. It’s recommended to use additional lighting or switch to the phone’s dedicated night mode for improved low-light photography.

Front Camera

The Samsung A04s sports a 5MP front camera, which is primarily geared towards video calling and casual selfies. Here’s what you can expect from the front camera:

• Video Calling: The 5MP front camera provides adequate video quality for video calls, ensuring clear communication with others;
• Selfies: For casual self-portraits, the front camera delivers satisfactory results. However, it may lack the level of detail and sharpness seen in higher-end smartphone cameras.

Camera Usage Scenarios

The camera capabilities of the Samsung A04s make it suitable for various scenarios. Here are some common usage scenarios:

Usage Scenario	Camera Performance
Daylight Photography	The rear camera performs well in well-lit environments, allowing you to capture vibrant and detailed photos during the day.
Portrait Photography	The depth sensor enables you to capture pleasing portrait shots with a blurred background, adding a professional touch to your photos.
Video Calling	The 5MP front camera provides adequate video quality for video calls, ensuring clear communication with friends, family, or colleagues.
Casual Selfies	The front camera is suitable for capturing casual self-portraits, allowing you to document your experiences and share them with others.

Limitations

While the camera on the Samsung A04s performs decently for its price range, it does have some limitations:

• Low-Light Photography: The camera struggles in low-light conditions, resulting in grainy and less detailed images. Additional lighting or the dedicated night mode can help mitigate this limitation;
• Front Camera Quality: The 5MP front camera is adequate for basic usage but may not deliver exceptional image quality compared to higher-end smartphones.

The Samsung A04s offers an acceptable camera performance for its price range. The dual-camera setup, featuring a 13MP main sensor and 2MP depth sensor, delivers decent photos in well-lit conditions and allows for portrait photography with a pleasing background blur effect. However, the camera performance suffers in low-light environments, and the front camera is geared more towards video calling and casual selfies rather than high-quality self-portraits.

Battery

One of the key selling points of the Samsung A04s is its massive 5000mAh battery. It easily lasts a day and a half with moderate use, and the bundled 15W fast charger refills it in about 3 hours. This is a major plus for those who require longevity from their device.

Modern Alternatives

While the Samsung A04s is a solid choice for a budget-friendly smartphone, there are other options in the market offering different features and strengths.

Redmi 9C

• Display: 6.53-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels;
• CPU: Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53);
• RAM: 2GB / 3GB / 4GB;
• Storage: 32GB / 64GB (expandable);
• Camera: 13 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP (rear), 5 MP (front);
• Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable;
• Operating System: Android 10, MIUI 12.

The Redmi 9C offers a slightly faster processor and a third macro camera for close-up shots. However, it runs on an older version of Android.

Realme C25

• Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels;
• CPU: Octa-core (4×2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4×1.8 GHz Cortex-A53);
• RAM: 4GB;
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB (expandable);
• Camera: 48 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP (rear), 8 MP (front);
• Battery: Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable;
• Operating System: Android 11, Realme UI 2.0.

The Realme C25, with its octa-core processor, larger storage options, superior camera setup, and a massive 6000mAh battery, stands as a stronger alternative. However, it is slightly more expensive than the A04s.

Conclusion

Samsung A04s offers good value for its price, with an ample battery and decent performance. While it won’t handle heavy gaming or multitasking, it’s a reliable option for basic smartphone use. Modern alternatives like Redmi 9C and Realme C25 are worth considering if you seek a bit more power or camera performance at a slightly higher price point.

For a more detailed understanding and visual representation of what we’ve discussed, here’s a video link for your convenience:

FAQ