Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy A04s and A12 are popular contenders, offering a blend of features and value. But which one is right for you? This detailed comparison breaks down their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Galaxy A12 edges out the A04s thanks to its brighter display and slightly better performance. While both offer impressive battery life, the A12's overall package provides a more compelling experience for the price. However, the A04s might be a better choice if you prioritize a newer chipset.
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, August 31 | 2020, November 24. Released 2020, December 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 205 g (7.23 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 (~82.1% 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 10, upgradable to Android 12, One UI 4.1 |
| 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 2GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| - | Go |
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| 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, (wide) | 8 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, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| 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 |
| | Virtual Proximity Sensing | 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, White, Blue, Red |
| Models | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M | SM-A125F/DSN, SM-A125F/DS, SM-A125F, SM-A125M, SM-A125U, SM-A125U1, SM-A125N, SM-A125W |
| Price | € 133.89 | € 78.89 / $ 60.00 / £ 69.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body) | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life |
Endurance rating 114h
| Endurance rating 123h |
| Camera |
Photo / Video |
Photo / Video |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 1614:1 |
Contrast ratio: 1363:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker |
-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
|
-30.4 LUFS (Below average) |
| Performance |
AnTuTu: 145123(v9)
GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
AnTuTu: 107189 (v8)
GeekBench: 1034 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 5fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Newer Chipset (Exynos 850)
- Good Battery Life
- Decent Display Contrast
- Lower Brightness Display
- Slightly Slower Performance
- Older Design
Samsung Galaxy A12
- Brighter Display
- Slightly Better Performance
- Established Model
- Good Battery Life
- Older Chipset (Helio P35)
- Less Modern Design
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A12 boasts a brighter display (472 nits vs 389 nits) offering better visibility in sunlight. While both have good contrast ratios (1614:1 for A04s, 1363:1 for A12), the A12's higher brightness gives it a noticeable advantage. Both utilize LCD panels, so don't expect OLED-level colors.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is similar on both devices. Both offer a main camera, ultrawide, and macro lens setup. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Video recording capabilities are standard for the price range.
Performance
The A12's Mediatek Helio P35, while on a slightly older 12nm process, generally offers a bit more responsive performance than the A04s' Exynos 850 (8nm). Both are entry-level chipsets, so demanding tasks will still be a challenge, but the A12 handles everyday use slightly better. Gaming performance is comparable on both.
Battery Life
Both phones deliver exceptional battery life, with endurance ratings of 114h and 123h respectively. You can easily expect a full day of use, and potentially longer, on either device. Charging speeds are identical at 15W wired.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s? Users prioritizing a newer chipset and a slightly more modern design. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A12? Those seeking a brighter display, slightly better performance, and a more established track record.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better gaming performance?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 generally offers slightly better gaming performance due to its marginally faster processor, although both are entry-level devices and won't handle demanding games smoothly.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy A04s worth buying over the A12?
The A04s is worth considering if you prioritize a newer chipset and a slightly more modern design. However, the A12's brighter display and slightly better performance make it the more compelling overall value.
