Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A03s and A04s are both strong contenders in the budget category. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A03s edges out the A04s with a slightly brighter display and marginally better battery life. While the A04s boasts a newer chipset, the A03s' superior screen and endurance make it the slightly 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, LTE | 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 | 2022, August 31 | 2021, August 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 22 | Available. Released 2021, August 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 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 |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 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 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 Core |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash |
| 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 | 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, (wide) | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | 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 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| | Virtual Proximity Sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, White, Copper | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M | SM-A037F, SM-A037F/DS, SM-A037M, SM-A037G, SM-A037U, SM-S134DL, SM-A037W, SM-A037U1, SM-S135DL |
| Price | € 133.89 | $ 65.65 / £ 82.99 / ₹ 10,800 |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 114h
|
Endurance rating 122h
|
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
Contrast ratio: 1718:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
-27.4 LUFS (Good)
|
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 103465 (v8), 101299 (v9)
GeekBench: 889 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5.5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Newer Chipset (Exynos 850)
- Potentially better future software updates
- Decent display contrast
- Lower peak brightness than A03s
- Slightly shorter battery life than A03s
- Camera performance is average
Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Brighter display (488 nits)
- Longer battery life (122h endurance)
- Good value for money
- Excellent contrast ratio
- Older chipset (Helio P35)
- Potentially fewer software updates
- Camera performance is average
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A03s takes a slight lead in the display department. It boasts a measured peak brightness of 488 nits compared to the A04s' 389 nits, resulting in better visibility in bright sunlight. Both offer excellent contrast ratios (1718:1 vs 1614:1), ensuring deep blacks and vibrant colors. The A03s' slightly higher brightness is a noticeable advantage.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature similar camera setups, typically including a main sensor and a depth sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable for the price range, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Low-light performance is a weakness on both devices. Detailed camera reviews would be needed to determine a clear winner, but both are comparable.
Performance
The A04s features the Exynos 850 chipset, a newer and generally more efficient processor than the A03s' Mediatek Helio P35. While both are entry-level chips, the Exynos 850 offers a small performance boost in everyday tasks and potentially better gaming performance. However, the difference isn't massive and won't be noticeable for casual users.
Battery Life
The A03s holds a slight advantage in battery life, achieving an endurance rating of 122 hours compared to the A04s' 114 hours. This translates to slightly longer usage between charges, a valuable asset for budget phone users.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s? Users prioritizing a slightly newer chipset and potentially better future software updates. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A03s? Those seeking a brighter display and longer battery life without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A04s has a slightly newer chipset (Exynos 850) which offers a small performance advantage over the A03s' Helio P35.
❓ Is the display difference noticeable?
Yes, the A03s' brighter display is noticeable, especially when using the phone outdoors in sunlight.