Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03 and A04s are popular contenders, but which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison breaks down their key features to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04s is the clear winner. While the A03 is a budget option, the A04s boasts a significantly more powerful processor, improved camera, brighter display, and faster charging, making it a worthwhile upgrade 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 26 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, January 21 | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| 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) | 164.7 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 196 g (6.91 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| 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, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| 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 |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual Proximity Sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 15W wired |
| 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-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | 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) |
Samsung Galaxy A03
- Very affordable
- Long battery life
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak processor
- Basic camera
- Low brightness display
- Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Faster processor
- Improved camera
- Brighter display
- Faster charging
- More modern design
- Slightly more expensive
- Still a budget phone (not flagship performance)
Display Comparison
The Galaxy A04s features a brighter display (389 nits vs A03's likely lower brightness) and a similar contrast ratio (1614:1). While both offer decent visuals, the A04s provides a more enjoyable viewing experience, especially outdoors. The A04s likely has a slightly larger screen as well, though exact dimensions vary by region.
Camera Comparison
While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the A04s generally has a more advanced camera system. It likely includes a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional lenses (like a macro or depth sensor) not found on the A03. Image quality, especially in low light, will be superior on the A04s.
Performance
The Exynos 850 in the A04s is a substantial upgrade over the Unisoc T606 in the A03. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness on the A04s. Gaming performance will also be significantly improved.
Battery Life
Both phones boast impressive endurance ratings (114h), suggesting excellent battery life. However, the A04s's 15W wired charging is faster than the A03's likely slower charging speed, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is ideal for users on a very tight budget who prioritize basic functionality and long battery life. The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a better choice for those seeking a smoother experience, better camera quality, and a more modern display, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04s worth the extra money?
Yes, the A04s offers a significant upgrade in performance and camera quality, making it a worthwhile investment for most users.
❓ What is the battery life like on both phones?
Both phones offer excellent battery life, with endurance ratings around 114 hours. You can expect a full day of use, or even longer, on a single charge.
❓ Can I play games on the Samsung Galaxy A03?
While you can play some basic games on the A03, performance will be limited. The A04s is a better choice for gamers.
