Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 and A04 are popular contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs, performance, and features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A04 edges out the A03 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and improved camera capabilities. While both are budget phones, the A04 provides a more polished experience, making it the better overall choice for most users.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 26 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 21 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.51", 0.7µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Decent battery life
- Lower performance
- Basic camera
- Less RAM/Storage options
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Better performance
- Improved camera
- Larger display
- More RAM/Storage options
- Slightly larger size
- Still a budget phone
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. The A04 might offer slightly improved color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel upgrades, but both will be adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing angles and overall display quality.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A04 generally boasts a more capable camera system. While both likely feature a primary 50MP sensor, the A04 may include additional lenses (like a macro or depth sensor) and improved image processing algorithms. Expect better low-light performance and more detailed photos from the A04.
Performance
The Galaxy A04's MediaTek Helio P35 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the A03's Unisoc T606. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the A04. Gaming performance will also be better on the A04, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the A04's more efficient chipset might translate to slightly better real-world battery performance. Charging speeds are likely similar, around 15W.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is a good option for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and a compact design. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is ideal for those seeking a slightly better performance, a more versatile camera, and a larger display without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04 worth the extra money compared to the A03?
Yes, the A04's improved performance and camera make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially if you use your phone for more than just basic tasks.
❓ Can I play games on the Samsung Galaxy A03 or A04?
Both phones can handle casual games, but demanding titles will struggle. The A04 offers a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset.
