The Realme V20 and Samsung Galaxy A04s represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a low price point, they take different approaches. The V20 prioritizes processing power with its Dimensity 700, while the A04s focuses on providing a solid, all-around experience with a focus on battery endurance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Realme V20 is the better choice thanks to its more powerful Dimensity 700 chipset. However, the Samsung Galaxy A04s offers comparable battery life and a slightly brighter display, making it ideal for users who primarily need a reliable device for basic tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 13 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 13 | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.1 x 8.1 mm (6.47 x 2.96 x 0.32 in) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 12, ColorOS 12 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Unspecified | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | Yes | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | RMX3611 | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | About 160 EUR | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 114h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Realme V20
- More powerful processor for smoother performance
- 7nm chipset offers better efficiency
- Potentially better image processing
- Slower charging speed (10W)
- Display specifications not provided
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Comparable battery life with 114h endurance
- Faster charging at 15W
- Slightly brighter display (389 nits)
- Less powerful processor for demanding tasks
- 8nm chipset may run warmer under load
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04s boasts a measured peak brightness of 389 nits and a 1614:1 contrast ratio, providing a reasonably viewable experience in most indoor conditions. While the Realme V20’s display specifications are not provided, it’s likely to be in a similar range given its price point. The identical contrast ratios suggest similar panel technology. Neither phone is expected to offer exceptional color accuracy or HDR support, but the A04s’ slightly higher brightness gives it a marginal advantage in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack detailed camera specifications. Given the price bracket, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on software processing. The absence of information regarding sensor size or aperture makes a direct comparison difficult. It’s safe to assume both phones will feature a primary camera alongside basic depth or macro sensors, the utility of which is questionable. The Realme V20’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Dimensity 700 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Realme V20 utilizes the Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a more efficient 7nm process, featuring a dual-core Cortex-A76 setup for performance and a hexa-core Cortex-A55 cluster for efficiency. This contrasts with the Samsung Galaxy A04s’ Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, and employing an entirely Cortex-A55 octa-core configuration. The A76 cores in the V20 provide a significant performance uplift in CPU-intensive tasks and gaming, while the 7nm process should translate to better thermal management. The A04s will be adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Realme V20 and Samsung Galaxy A04s achieve an endurance rating of 114 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Galaxy A04s supports 15W wired charging, while the V20 is limited to 10W. This means the A04s will recharge faster, reducing downtime. While both offer sufficient battery life for a full day of moderate use, the A04s’ faster charging provides a practical advantage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme V20 if you need a phone capable of handling moderate multitasking, streaming video, and light gaming without significant lag. It's best suited for users who value performance over all else. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s if you prefer a phone that will reliably last a full day on a single charge and offers a slightly more polished software experience, even if it means sacrificing some processing power. This is the phone for essential communication and media consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A04s overheat during prolonged use, like video recording or gaming?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is not known for excessive heat generation. However, it's not a powerhouse either. Expect some throttling during extended gaming sessions or prolonged video recording, leading to reduced performance. The Realme V20’s 7nm Dimensity 700 is likely to handle these tasks more efficiently.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget smartphones are of limited utility. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. They are often included as a marketing feature rather than providing a genuinely useful photographic experience. Don't base your purchase decision on the presence of a macro camera.
❓ Can the Realme V20 handle popular games like PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates?
The Realme V20’s Dimensity 700 chipset should be capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with a stable frame rate. However, don’t expect to max out the graphics settings. The Exynos 850 in the A04s will likely struggle to maintain a consistent frame rate even at lower settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A04s with the 15W charger?
While the A04s supports 15W charging, the actual charging time will vary depending on usage. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Realme V20’s 10W charging will take considerably longer, likely exceeding 4 hours.
