Looking for an affordable Samsung smartphone? The Galaxy M04 and A04 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04 edges out the M04 due to its slightly better overall package, primarily due to potentially better software support and a more refined design. Both share the same core processor, but the A04's subtle advantages make it the preferred 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, December 10 | 2022, August 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, December 16 | 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 + 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 Core 4.1 | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, One UI Core 5.0 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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 | 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 | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS | SM-A045F, SM-A045F/DS, SM-A045M |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.38 W/kg (head) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) | 0.32 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Samsung Galaxy M04
- Potentially longer software support
- Slightly better design and build quality
- Potentially better camera processing
- More widely available in some regions
- Slightly higher price than the M04
Samsung Galaxy A04
- Lower price point
- Decent battery life
- Acceptable display quality
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Potentially shorter software support
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. While the panels are similar, the A04 might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potentially better calibration. Viewing angles are acceptable for the price range.
Camera Comparison
The Galaxy A04 typically features a dual-camera setup (50MP main + 2MP depth) while the M04 often has a similar configuration. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The A04 might offer slightly better image processing.
Performance
Powered by the Mediatek Helio P35, performance is adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. Both phones will feel similar in everyday use.
Battery Life
Both phones typically pack a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. The M04 has 15W wired charging, while the A04 may or may not include a charger in the box, and charging speeds are similar.
Buying Guide
The Samsung Galaxy M04 is a good option for users prioritizing a slightly lower price point and potentially slightly better availability in certain regions. The Samsung Galaxy A04 is ideal for those seeking a more polished experience, potentially longer software support, and a slightly more premium feel, even within the budget category.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A04 generally receives slightly longer software support and updates compared to the M04, although both are budget devices and updates are limited.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
No, neither phone is suitable for demanding games. The Mediatek Helio P35 chipset is designed for basic tasks and light gaming only.
