Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A04 and A03 are both contenders, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value? This detailed comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A04 edges out the A03 thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset and potentially better overall performance. While both are budget devices, the A04's CPU offers a noticeable improvement in everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the slightly better pick.
| 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 | 2022, August 24 | 2021, November 26 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 10 | Available. Released 2022, January 21 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 76.3 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.36 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 196 g (6.91 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI core 5 |
| 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 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 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, 28mm (wide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 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, Green, White, Copper | Black, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M | SM-A035F, SM-A035F/DS, SM-A035M, SM-A035G |
| Price | About 70 EUR | € 119.90 / £ 88.00 / ₹ 11,990 |
| SAR EU | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) | 0.20 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Slightly better performance
- Potentially improved camera sensor
- Modern chipset
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still a budget device with limitations
Samsung Galaxy A03
- More affordable
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Long battery life
- Less powerful chipset
- Average camera performance
- Older design
Display Comparison
Both phones typically feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. The A04 might have a slightly newer panel, potentially offering marginally improved viewing experience, but the difference is likely minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar, with both phones featuring a triple-camera setup (typically a main lens, ultrawide, and macro). Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The A04 might have a slightly improved main sensor, but real-world differences are likely to be subtle. Low-light performance will be average on both.
Performance
This is where the A04 has a clear advantage. The Mediatek Helio P35, while not a powerhouse, generally outperforms the Unisoc T606. The A04's CPU configuration (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) provides a more consistent performance profile compared to the A03's (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). Expect smoother app loading and slightly better responsiveness on the A04.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization and software updates will play a significant role in actual battery performance. Expect similar battery endurance from both devices.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more processing power for smoother multitasking and light gaming. The Galaxy A03 is a great option for those seeking a reliable, basic smartphone for calls, texts, and essential apps, especially if it's available at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is generally better for gaming due to its slightly more powerful chipset. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance from either device.
❓ Are the cameras significantly different?
Not significantly. Both phones offer decent camera performance for their price range, but the A04 might have a slight edge in image quality due to a potentially improved main sensor.
