Samsung's A-series consistently delivers affordable smartphones, but navigating the options can be tricky. The Galaxy A03s and A04 represent two closely positioned contenders, both aiming for the budget-conscious consumer. While seemingly similar, subtle differences in display characteristics and minor CPU clock speed adjustments dictate which phone offers the better overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A03s offers a slightly better value proposition. Its demonstrably brighter display (488 nits vs. an assumed similar value for the A04, given lack of data) and proven 122-hour endurance rating provide a more tangible benefit than the A04's marginal CPU clock speed increase.
| 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 |
| | 2, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 14, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 - SM-A037U | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 18 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 18 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | 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 |
| 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 (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core | 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 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 | - | 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 |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| 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 | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, White | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 122h
| - |
| Camera |
Photo / Video | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
| - |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Proven 122-hour battery endurance
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.35 GHz)
- Older model
- Potentially slower software updates
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Newer model
- Slightly higher CPU clock speed (2.3 GHz)
- Potentially longer software support
- Uncertain battery life
- Likely similar display brightness to A03s
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits and a 1718:1 contrast ratio. While the A04's display specifications are not provided, it's reasonable to assume similar characteristics given their shared target market. The A03s' higher brightness is a significant advantage for outdoor visibility, reducing strain in direct sunlight. Both phones likely utilize LCD panels, and the lack of high refresh rate technology means scrolling and animations won't be as fluid as on more expensive devices. The contrast ratio suggests adequate black levels for casual viewing, but neither phone will deliver the vibrant colors of an AMOLED display.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given their price point, it's highly probable that both phones feature basic camera systems with limited low-light performance. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit. Expect acceptable image quality in well-lit conditions, but don't anticipate flagship-level photography.
Performance
Both the Galaxy A03s and A04 are powered by the Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) chipset. However, the A04 features a slightly higher CPU clock speed – 2.3 GHz versus 2.35 GHz on the A03s for the high-performance cores. This difference is likely negligible in real-world usage, as the Helio P35 is a relatively low-powered processor designed for basic tasks. Both phones will struggle with demanding games and multitasking. The lack of information regarding RAM configuration and storage type (eMMC vs. UFS) further complicates the performance comparison, but it's safe to assume both phones will feel similarly sluggish under heavy load.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A03s has an endurance rating of 122 hours, indicating excellent battery life. The A04's battery capacity and endurance rating are not provided. Both phones support 15W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. The A03s' proven endurance suggests it will comfortably last a full day of moderate use, while the A04's battery life remains uncertain without further data. The slower charging speed means topping up the battery will take a considerable amount of time.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s if you prioritize a brighter, more visible display for outdoor use and longer battery life between charges. This phone is ideal for users who primarily browse the web, use social media, and make occasional calls. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 if you are looking for the absolute newest model and are willing to potentially sacrifice some display brightness and battery endurance for a slightly newer processor revision, though the real-world impact will be minimal.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio P35 chipset struggle with popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio P35 is a low-end processor and will likely struggle to run PUBG Mobile smoothly, even on the lowest graphics settings. Expect significant frame rate drops and potential lag, making the experience less than ideal. These phones are better suited for less demanding games and applications.
❓ Is the 15W charging speed sufficient for daily use?
15W charging is relatively slow by today's standards. Expect it to take over two hours to fully charge the battery from 0% to 100%. While sufficient for overnight charging, it's not ideal if you frequently need to quickly top up your battery during the day. The A03s' longer battery life mitigates this somewhat.
❓ How much storage does each phone have, and is it expandable?
The context data does not specify storage capacity. However, based on typical configurations for these price points, both phones likely start with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. Both models almost certainly include a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space as needed.
