Samsung's budget phone lineup can be confusing. The Galaxy F04 and A04 are both affordable options, but what are the key differences? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy F04 and A04 are remarkably similar, sharing the same processor. The F04's inclusion of 15W fast charging gives it a slight edge for those prioritizing quicker battery top-ups. Otherwise, the choice often comes down to price and availability.
| 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 | 2023, January 04 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 12 | Available. Released 2022, October 10 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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 | 188 g (6.63 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 12, One UI | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| 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 | 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | 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 | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Jade Purple, Opal Green | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-E045F, SM-E045F/DS | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | - | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy F04
- Faster 15W Charging
- Slightly more availability in some regions
- Decent battery life
- Performance can be sluggish with demanding tasks
- Camera quality is average
- Limited video recording features
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Generally more affordable
- Familiar Samsung UI
- Good battery life
- Slower charging (typically 10W)
- Performance can be sluggish with demanding tasks
- Camera quality is average
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar in size and resolution, slight variations in color accuracy and brightness may exist, but these are unlikely to be significant differences for everyday use. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A04 typically features a dual-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth) while the F04 has a similar configuration. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera is likely a 5MP unit on both.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Mediatek Helio P35 chipset. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. The 3GB/4GB/6GB RAM options available for both models will influence multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Both phones typically come with a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the Galaxy F04 includes 15W wired charging, while the A04 may only support standard 10W charging, resulting in faster charging times for the F04.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy F04 is ideal for users who want a slightly faster charging experience on a budget. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a great choice for those prioritizing affordability and a familiar Samsung experience, especially if fast charging isn't a must-have.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy F04 worth the extra cost over the A04?
If faster charging is a priority, then the F04's 15W charging is worth the slight premium. Otherwise, the A04 offers similar performance at a potentially lower price.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
Both phones are not ideal for demanding games. They can handle lighter titles, but expect reduced graphics settings and potential lag.
