The Wiko Y81 and Samsung Galaxy A04s represent the very bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. However, even at this price point, significant differences exist. This comparison dissects the key specifications to determine which device delivers the most bang for your buck, focusing on real-world performance implications rather than raw numbers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Wiko Y81’s Helio A20, translating to a smoother user experience and better app responsiveness. While both offer similar battery endurance, the A04s’ faster charging and brighter display further solidify its advantage.
| 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, 40 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 18. Released 2020, August 18 | 2022, August 31 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, September 22 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 157.9 x 76.1 x 8.3 mm (6.22 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) | 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 166 g (5.86 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761D Helio A20 (12 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8300 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 12, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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 | 13 MP, AF | - |
| 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | - | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | 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 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Deep Blue, Gold, Green | Black, Green, White, Copper |
| Models | - | SM-A047F, SM-A047F/DS, SM-A047F/DSN, SM-A047M |
| Price | About 80 EUR | € 133.89 |
| SAR EU | 0.56 W/kg (head) 1.61 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) |
Wiko Y81
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life
- Functional for basic tasks
- Significantly underpowered processor
- Likely poor display quality
- Limited software support
Samsung Galaxy A04s
- Much faster processor for smoother performance
- Brighter and more usable display
- Faster 15W charging
- Samsung’s brand reputation and software support
- Still an entry-level device with limitations
- Camera quality is likely average
- May be slightly more expensive than the Wiko Y81
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04s boasts a significantly more usable display experience. While both share a 1614:1 contrast ratio, the A04s achieves a measured peak brightness of 389 nits, crucial for outdoor visibility. The Wiko Y81’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a lower brightness level. This difference is particularly impactful for users who frequently use their phones outdoors or in brightly lit environments. The lack of detailed display information for the Wiko Y81 suggests it’s a cost-cutting measure, likely resulting in a less vibrant and less readable screen.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having Photo/Video capabilities, but detailed camera specifications are absent. Given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The absence of specific sensor details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on the A04s is a common marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution. The A04s likely benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, potentially delivering slightly better image quality, but a significant difference is unlikely.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is substantial. The Samsung Galaxy A04s’ Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is a clear upgrade over the Wiko Y81’s Mediatek Helio A20 (12nm). The Exynos 850’s octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) provides significantly more processing power than the Helio A20’s quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. The 8nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling during sustained use. The Wiko Y81 will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Both the Wiko Y81 and Samsung Galaxy A04s achieve an endurance rating of 114 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the A04s offers 15W wired charging, a significant advantage over the likely slower charging capabilities of the Wiko Y81 (charging speed not specified). This means the A04s can be topped up more quickly, minimizing downtime. While both will likely last a full day for moderate users, the A04s’ faster charging provides added convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Wiko Y81 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s if you want a more responsive device capable of handling multiple apps, occasional gaming, and benefit from a brighter, more visible display, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Samsung Galaxy A04s get hot during extended use, like gaming?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient. While it will warm up during prolonged gaming sessions, it's unlikely to experience significant thermal throttling like more powerful chips. The Wiko Y81’s Helio A20 is more likely to struggle and throttle due to its less efficient 12nm process.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on the Samsung Galaxy A04s actually useful for taking close-up photos?
Generally, 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited benefit. The low resolution results in images lacking detail and sharpness. It can be fun to experiment with, but don't expect professional-quality macro photography. The Wiko Y81's camera specs are unknown, but it's unlikely to offer a superior macro experience.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A04s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
The Samsung Galaxy A04s can run PUBG Mobile, but you'll likely need to stick to low or medium graphics settings to maintain a playable frame rate. The Exynos 850 isn't a gaming powerhouse, but it's significantly more capable than the Wiko Y81’s Helio A20, which would likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A04s with the 15W charger?
With the included 15W charger, the Samsung Galaxy A04s should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Wiko Y81’s charging time is unknown, but is likely to be considerably longer due to the lack of fast charging support.
