Samsung Galaxy A04 vs. Motorola Moto G Play (2023): A Detailed Performance and Value Comparison
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing slightly better performance and the convenience of 10W charging, the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) is the superior choice. While both phones share a similar core CPU architecture, the Helio G37 offers a modest GPU advantage, making it more capable for light gaming and smoother daily tasks. However, the A04 remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Motorola Moto G Play (2023) |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / LTE |
| - | CDMA 800 / 1900 | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 24 | 2022, December 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 10 | Available. Released 2022, December 12 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 167.2 x 76.5 x 9.4 mm (6.58 x 3.01 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 203 g (7.20 oz) |
| - | Water-repellent coating | |
| 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~79.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 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 G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 3GB 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, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | - |
| Triple | - | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | Unspecified | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 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 |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Copper | Deep Indigo |
| Models | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M | XT2271-1, XT2271-3, XT2271-5, XT2271-4 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | $ 54.00 / C$ 129.00 |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Potentially lower price point
- Samsung brand recognition
- Likely similar battery life to Moto G Play
- Less powerful GPU (Helio P35)
- Unspecified charging speed
- Potentially slower overall performance
Motorola Moto G Play (2023)
- More capable GPU (Helio G37)
- Standard 10W wired charging
- Slightly smoother performance for light tasks
- May be slightly more expensive than A04
- Motorola's software update track record is less consistent than Samsung's
- Similar basic camera performance to A04
Display Comparison
Neither Samsung nor Motorola provide detailed display specifications for these models. Given their price points, it's safe to assume both utilize LCD panels with 720p+ resolutions. The lack of information regarding peak brightness, color gamut coverage, or PWM dimming rates suggests neither phone will excel in outdoor visibility or color accuracy. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, contributing to a less immersive viewing experience. The display is not a differentiating factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. Detailed sensor information is scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera around 13MP. The Moto G Play (2023) may have a slight edge due to potentially better image processing algorithms, but the overall image quality will be heavily dependent on lighting conditions. The inclusion of 2MP macro or depth sensors on both phones is largely marketing fluff and offers minimal practical benefit. Expect acceptable photos in good light, but significant noise and lack of detail in low-light scenarios.
Performance
Both the Samsung Galaxy A04 and Motorola Moto G Play (2023) are equipped with octa-core CPUs featuring the same core configuration: four Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.3 GHz and four Cortex-A53 cores at 1.8 GHz. However, the key difference lies in the chipset: the A04 uses the Mediatek Helio P35, while the Moto G Play (2023) utilizes the Helio G37. The G37 boasts a slightly more capable GPU, the PowerVR GE8320, compared to the P35’s GE8320. This translates to a modest improvement in graphics performance, making the Moto G Play (2023) better suited for casual gaming and smoother scrolling. Both phones likely feature 3GB or 4GB of RAM, further limiting multitasking capabilities. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low-power chipsets.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not explicitly stated for either device, but both likely house around a 5000mAh battery. The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) supports 10W wired charging, a standard feature that allows for a predictable charging experience. The Samsung Galaxy A04’s charging speed is not officially specified, but it’s likely to be similar or slightly slower. Given the low-power chipsets, both phones should comfortably last a full day of moderate use. The 10W charging on the Moto G Play (2023) provides a tangible benefit over a potentially slower, unspecified charging rate on the A04.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04 if you need a phone primarily for basic communication – calls, texts, and light social media – and are operating on the absolute lowest budget. Buy the Motorola Moto G Play (2023) if you prefer a slightly more responsive experience, occasional light gaming, and the convenience of a standard 10W charging solution, even if it means spending a little more upfront.