Samsung Galaxy A04 review
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a large display, good battery life, and decent performance. The device features a 5,000mAh battery, which should last for a full day or even multiple days with moderate use. Unfortunately, the phone does not support 5G connectivity, limiting it to 4G LTE speeds. One of the standout features of the A04 is its display, which is only 720p but still looks crisp and clear on its large canvas. The device also gets very loud, making it suitable for watching videos or listening to music. However, the phone's performance is a major letdown, with slow processing speeds that make everyday tasks feel sluggish. The A04 also lacks features like NFC, which means users cannot take advantage of mobile contactless payments. The phone's build quality feels surprisingly premium, considering its low-end status. However, it does pick up fingerprints easily due to its glossy back. The device is made entirely of plastic, except for the glass display. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A04 may not be the most exciting or powerful smartphone on the market, but it could be a viable option for those who want a budget-friendly phone with a large display and good battery life. Its slow performance and lack of features are significant drawbacks, but its price point might make it an attractive choice for some users.
Build Quality and Design
The Samsung Galaxy A04's build quality is a pleasant surprise given its affordable price point. The phone's body is made entirely of plastic, with the exception of the glass display. While this may not be ideal for some users, it doesn't necessarily feel cheap or flimsy in the hand. One of the first things you'll notice about the A04's design is its glossy finish on the back. This makes it prone to fingerprint smudges and can be a bit of a downside. However, this also gives the phone a premium look that's sure to turn heads. The phone's dimensions are compact enough to fit easily in one hand, making it easy to use and maneuver. The volume buttons and power button on the right side are strategically placed for quick access, while the microSD card slot and SIM card tray on the left side provide ample storage and convenience options. On the bottom of the phone, you'll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, USB-C port for charging and data transfer, and a speaker grille. The camera module on the back is a bit chunky, but it's not awkwardly placed or obtrusive. The design of the A04 is certainly inspired by its predecessor model, the Galaxy A33 5G. However, Samsung has taken the best elements of that phone and refined them to create something even better. Overall, the build quality and design of the Samsung Galaxy A04 are commendable given its price point. It's a phone that feels solid in the hand, looks premium, and is easy to use despite some minor drawbacks. While it may not be perfect, it's certainly a good value for those looking for an affordable smartphone option.
Battery Life
One aspect where the Samsung Galaxy A04 shines is its battery life. The device packs a substantial 5,000mAh power internal battery, which translates to several days of moderate use without needing a recharge. In my experience, I was able to get through a full day with about 20% juice left over, and in some cases, even manage to squeeze out an extra day of use. This is impressive considering the device's relatively low-end specs. While not as efficient as some high-end devices, the A04's battery life is certainly on par with other budget smartphones I've tested. It's a nice bonus for users who want a phone that can keep up with their daily activities without needing frequent top-ups. That being said, there are some caveats to consider. The device does support fast charging, which can get you back up to 100% in about an hour or so. However, it's worth noting that the A04 doesn't have a particularly quick charge speed compared to other devices in its class. Overall, while not a game-changer, the battery life on the Samsung Galaxy A04 is definitely a redeeming quality for those looking for a device that can keep up with their daily needs. Just be aware of the potential trade-offs when it comes to charging time and efficiency.
Display
The display is one of the standout features of the Samsung Galaxy A04. While it's only 720p resolution may seem outdated by today's standards, the actual viewing experience is surprisingly good. Firstly, the display is quite large, making it perfect for watching video content or browsing through social media. Colors are vivid and well-balanced, with decent brightness levels that can easily be adjusted to suit any lighting condition. One of the surprising aspects of this phone's display is its crispness and clarity. Despite being a non-HD screen, text and graphics appear sharp and well-defined, making it easy on the eyes. This is a testament to Samsung's ability to optimize their displays for performance, even with lower resolutions. The lack of stereo audio may be a disappointment for some, but the main speaker still manages to produce decent sound quality that can fill a small room. It's not perfect, but it gets the job done. In terms of design, the display is surrounded by a sturdy plastic frame that gives the phone a premium feel. However, this also means that it's prone to fingerprints and smudges. A matte finish would have been a welcome addition to reduce this issue. Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy A04 may not be a powerhouse in terms of performance or features, its display is definitely worth mentioning. It's a great way to enjoy multimedia content on-the-go, and its crispness and clarity are surprising given the lower resolution. If you're in the market for an affordable smartphone with a good display, the Samsung Galaxy A04 might be worth considering. Just be aware of its limitations, especially when it comes to performance and features.
Camera
The camera on the Samsung Galaxy A04 is a decent offering for its price point. It features a dual-camera setup with a primary sensor and an ultra-wide-angle lens, allowing users to capture a variety of shots. In good lighting conditions, the primary sensor produces acceptable results, with vibrant colors and sufficient detail. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles to produce quality images. Noise and grain are noticeable, and even the brightest areas can appear washed out. The ultra-wide-angle lens, on the other hand, performs well, capturing a wide field of view and providing a unique perspective. The front-facing camera is average at best, producing selfies with acceptable detail but lacking in terms of low-light performance. Portrait mode shots are also hit-or-miss, sometimes blurring the subject effectively while other times failing to do so. One notable feature of the A04's camera is its ability to record video in 1080p resolution at 30fps. While it's not the most impressive offering in this regard, it still provides a decent level of quality for casual videographers. In terms of software features, the A04's camera app offers a range of modes and settings, including a dedicated night mode that can help to reduce noise and improve low-light performance. However, these features often feel like afterthoughts, and the overall camera experience feels somewhat lacking compared to more premium Samsung offerings. Overall, the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A04 is an acceptable offering for its price point, but it falls short of being truly impressive. While it's capable of capturing some great shots in good lighting conditions, its limitations become apparent when faced with more challenging scenarios.
Price and Value
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is an affordable smartphone that offers a range of features, including a large display, decent camera capabilities, and a big battery. However, its slow performance and lack of 5G connectivity make it a hard sell for some buyers. Priced around $200-$250, the Galaxy A04 is certainly a budget-friendly option. But does it offer enough value for the price? In our opinion, the answer is yes... but with caveats. On one hand, the phone's large display and good color reproduction make it suitable for watching videos or browsing the web. The camera is also decent, with some nice features like portrait mode and night mode. And, of course, the big battery ensures that you'll get a full day (or more) of usage on a single charge. On the other hand, the phone's performance is sluggish at best. Apps take forever to launch, and navigating through menus can be frustratingly slow. And while we appreciate the inclusion of USBC, the lack of NFC means you won't be able to use your phone for tap-and-pay transactions. So, is the Galaxy A04 worth the price? If you're looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers some nice features, then yes. But if you're willing to spend a bit more for a faster and more feature-rich smartphone, there are better options available. Ultimately, the value of the Galaxy A04 depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you can get it for a really good deal (like under $200), then it might be worth considering. But if you're paying full price ($250 or more), we'd recommend looking elsewhere.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04 is an affordable smartphone that promises to deliver decent performance at an even better price. However, in this review, we'll take a closer look at the phone's performance and see if it lives up to its expectations. Unfortunately, the Galaxy A04 falls short when it comes to speed. With a single core score of 176 and a multi-core score of 838, it's clear that this phone is not a powerhouse. If you're currently using a device that's faster than these scores, then the A04 might not feel like an upgrade at all. The phone's performance is hindered by its slow processor, which makes everyday tasks such as switching between apps and scrolling through social media feel sluggish. Additionally, the phone's lack of 5G connectivity means that you'll be stuck with 4G LTE speeds, which can be a limitation in today's fast-paced digital world. One thing to note is that the Galaxy A04's battery life is quite good, with a large 5000mAh power internal battery that should provide a full day of usage or even multiple days off a single charge. However, this is not enough to make up for its lackluster performance. Overall, while the Samsung Galaxy A04 has some decent features such as a large display and loud speaker, its slow performance makes it feel like a mid-range device at best. If you're looking for an affordable smartphone that can keep up with your daily tasks, then there are better options available. However, if you're on a tight budget and want a phone that gets the job done, then the A04 might be worth considering.