Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s vs. Galaxy A04s: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Choosing a budget-friendly Samsung phone can be tricky. The Galaxy XCover 4s offers rugged durability, while the A04s focuses on value and modern features. This comparison breaks down which phone best suits your needs, covering everything from display quality to battery life.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Galaxy A04s wins on overall value with its newer chipset, brighter display, and longer software support. However, the XCover 4s remains a compelling choice for those prioritizing ruggedness and a reliable, albeit older, platform for demanding work environments.

PHONES
Phone Names	Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s	Samsung Galaxy A04s

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Speed	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (2CA) Cat6 300/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE

Launch
Announced	2019, June. Released 2019, July	2022, August 31
Status	Discontinued	Available. Released 2022, September 22

Body
Build	-	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	146.2 x 73.3 x 9.7 mm (5.76 x 2.89 x 0.38 in)	164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)
SIM	Single SIM (Micro-SIM) or Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by)	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	172 g (6.07 oz)	195 g (6.88 oz)
	IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 min) MIL-STD-810G compliant	-

Display
Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density)	720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size	5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.3% screen-to-body ratio)	6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	PLS LCD	PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak)

Platform
CPU	Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A73 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53)	Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Exynos 7885 (14 nm)	Exynos 850 (8 nm)
GPU	Mali-G71 MP2	Mali-G52
OS	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, One UI 3.1	Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM	32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR, panorama	LED flash, panorama, HDR
Single	16 MP, f/1.7, PDAF	-
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	5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
Video	-	720p@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	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
Radio	FM radio	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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity, compass	Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer
	-	Virtual Proximity Sensing

Battery
Charging	-	15W wired
Type	Li-Ion 2800 mAh, removable	Li-Po 5000 mAh

Misc
Colors	Gray	Black, Green, White, Copper
Models	SM-G398F, SM-G398FN/DS, SM-G398FN	SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M
Price	About 260 EUR	€ 133.89
SAR EU	0.91 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body)	0.52 W/kg (head) 1.23 W/kg (body)

Tests
Battery life	-	Endurance rating 114h
Camera	-	Photo / Video
Display	-	Contrast ratio: 1614:1
Loudspeaker	-	-30.3 LUFS (Below average)
Performance	-	AnTuTu: 145123(v9) GeekBench: 1100 (v5.1) GFXBench: 11fps (ES 3.1 onscreen)

Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s

Exceptional durability and ruggedness
Removable battery
Dedicated physical buttons for easy use with gloves
Water and dust resistant (IP68)
Reliable performance for basic tasks

Outdated chipset and performance
Lower display brightness
Less modern camera
Limited software updates
Bulky design

Samsung Galaxy A04s

More modern chipset and performance
Brighter and more vibrant display
Better camera quality
Longer software support
Sleeker design
15W fast charging

Less rugged than the XCover 4s
Non-removable battery
Plastic build feels less premium

Display Comparison

The Galaxy A04s boasts a brighter display (389 nits vs. XCover 4s's likely lower brightness) and a similar contrast ratio (1614:1). While both offer acceptable viewing experiences, the A04s provides a more vibrant and enjoyable visual experience, especially outdoors. The XCover 4s's display is functional but lacks the modern punch of the A04s.

Camera Comparison

While both phones offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, the A04s likely has a more modern camera sensor and image processing, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light. The XCover 4s's camera is adequate for basic snapshots but lacks the detail and dynamic range of the A04s.

Performance

The Exynos 850 in the A04s is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Exynos 7885 in the XCover 4s. The A04s's newer Cortex-A55 cores offer better performance for multitasking and demanding apps. The XCover 4s, while capable, will show its age with more intensive tasks.

Battery Life

Both phones offer impressive battery life, with the A04s claiming an endurance rating of 114h. The XCover 4s also has good battery life, though likely not as exceptional as the A04s. Both should easily last a full day of moderate use.

Buying Guide

Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy XCover 4s? Individuals working in construction, warehousing, or other demanding environments where durability is paramount. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s? Users seeking a modern, affordable phone with a decent display, camera, and battery life for everyday use.