The Samsung Galaxy A04s arrived as a definitive entry-level smartphone designed to balance essential features with an affordable price point. Released in late 2022, it succeeded the A03s, bringing a few notable upgrades, most specifically in the display's refresh rate and the primary camera sensor. While it is no longer the newest member of the Galaxy A family, it remains a frequent sight in the refurbished market and among users seeking a reliable secondary device.

Positioned firmly within the budget segment, the Galaxy A04s does not pretend to be a powerhouse. Instead, it focuses on delivering a consistent user experience for social media browsing, messaging, and light productivity tasks. Its combination of a high-capacity battery, a decent main camera, and Samsung’s refined software ecosystem creates a value proposition that is hard to ignore for specific demographics.

Display Performance and Visual Experience

One of the most surprising features of the Samsung Galaxy A04s is its 90Hz refresh rate. In an era where budget phones often cut corners on display technology, Samsung managed to include a smoother scrolling experience than many of its direct competitors at the time of launch.

The 6.5-inch Infinity-V Panel

The device features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel with an HD+ resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While the pixel density sits around 270 ppi—meaning it won't offer the razor-sharp clarity of an FHD+ OLED screen—it performs admirably for daily content consumption. The colors are natural, and the 90Hz refresh rate significantly improves the perceived speed of the One UI interface. Whether you are scrolling through a news feed or navigating the settings menu, the reduced motion blur is a welcome touch.

Outdoor Visibility and Build Quality

The screen reaches a peak brightness of approximately 400 nits. This is sufficient for indoor use and overcast days, though you may find yourself squinting or seeking shade when using the phone under direct midday sunlight. Structurally, the display uses the Infinity-V notch design for the front-facing camera, which has become a hallmark of Samsung's entry-level aesthetics.

The build itself is entirely plastic, which is expected for this price range. However, the Galaxy A04s feels sturdy in the hand. The back has a subtle gloss finish with a slight texture that helps with grip, though it is prone to picking up fingerprints. The rounded corners and slim 9.1mm profile make it comfortable to hold for long periods, which is essential for a device intended for heavy social media usage.

Processing Power and Real-World Usage

The heart of the Galaxy A04s is the Exynos 850 chipset. Built on an 8nm process, this octa-core processor is optimized for power efficiency rather than raw speed. It features eight Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz, paired with the Mali-G52 GPU.

Multitasking and RAM Management

In our hands-on testing, the device handles basic apps like WhatsApp, Spotify, and Chrome without major issues. However, the limits of the Exynos 850 become apparent when you have multiple heavy apps open simultaneously. Devices equipped with 3GB of RAM may experience more frequent app refreshes in the background compared to the 4GB variant. For the smoothest experience, we recommend looking for the 4GB RAM / 64GB storage model or higher.

Gaming Capabilities

If you are a mobile gamer, it is crucial to set realistic expectations. The Galaxy A04s is perfectly capable of running casual titles like Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, or Among Us. However, demanding games such as Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile will struggle even on the lowest settings. You will likely encounter frame drops and significant loading times. This device is a tool for communication and information, not a dedicated gaming rig.

Camera System: The 50MP Main Sensor

Samsung significantly upgraded the optics on the A04s by introducing a 50MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This is a substantial jump from the lower-resolution sensors found in previous iterations of the A0-series.

Day-Time Photography

In well-lit environments, the 50MP sensor produces surprisingly detailed images. Samsung's post-processing tends to boost saturation slightly, giving photos a vibrant look that is ready for social media. The Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF) is relatively quick in daylight, allowing you to capture candid moments without significant shutter lag.

The Supporting Cast: Macro and Depth

Accompanying the main sensor are two 2MP lenses: a macro camera and a depth sensor.

  • Macro Lens: This allows for close-up shots of flowers or textures from about 4cm away. While the resolution is low, it adds a layer of creative flexibility.
  • Depth Sensor: This assists the portrait mode by blurring the background (bokeh effect). In our tests, the edge detection is decent, though it occasionally struggles with complex shapes like stray hairs.

Video and Low Light

Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30 frames per second. Without optical image stabilization (OIS), the footage can be shaky if you are walking while filming. In low-light or night settings, the camera struggles with noise and a loss of detail. There is no dedicated Night Mode, so you will need to rely on ambient light or the LED flash to get usable shots in the dark.

Battery Life and Charging Endurance

The standout feature for many users will be the 5,000 mAh battery. Because the screen resolution is relatively low and the processor is highly efficient, the Galaxy A04s easily lasts through two full days of moderate use.

Real-World Longevity

For a typical user who spends their day on messaging, light web browsing, and occasional video streaming, the battery is almost impossible to drain in a single day. This makes it an excellent choice for seniors who might forget to charge their phone every night, or for students who need a device that stays alive throughout a long school day.

The 15W Charging Limitation

While the battery lasts a long time, replenishing it requires some patience. The A04s supports 15W wired charging via USB Type-C. A full charge from 0% to 100% can take upwards of two hours. Since most users will charge the device overnight, this may not be a dealbreaker, but it is something to keep in mind if you are in a hurry. It is also worth noting that in many regions, the charging brick is no longer included in the retail box, following Samsung's environmental sustainability initiatives.

Software, Connectivity, and Security

The Samsung Galaxy A04s launched with Android 12 and One UI Core 4.1. The "Core" version of One UI is a streamlined variant of Samsung's skin, designed specifically for budget hardware to ensure the system remains responsive.

Modern Features and Updates

Samsung has been commendable with its update policy even for budget devices. The A04s is eligible for several years of security patches and has seen upgrades to Android 13 and Android 14. This longevity gives the device a longer shelf life compared to many other budget brands that abandon their entry-level models shortly after launch.

Connectivity Options

  • Network: This is a 4G LTE device. It does not support 5G, which is a trade-off for its lower price point.
  • Audio: It retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, a feature increasingly rare in modern smartphones. It also supports Dolby Atmos when using headphones, enhancing the audio experience for movies and music.
  • Security: The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button. It is surprisingly fast and more reliable than some under-display sensors found in more expensive phones.

Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s?

Understanding the target audience is key to evaluating the Galaxy A04s. It is not a flagship, and it doesn't try to be.

Ideal Use Cases:

  1. The Secondary Phone: If you need a reliable backup device for work or travel that has great battery life and access to the full Google Play Store.
  2. Seniors: The large 6.5-inch screen and simple One UI interface make it easy to read and navigate. The long battery life also reduces "range anxiety."
  3. Young Students: It provides all the necessary tools for education and communication without the high price tag and associated risks of loss or damage to an expensive flagship.
  4. Budget-Conscious Users: For those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, the A04s provides the essentials under a trusted brand name.

Summary

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is a testament to how far budget smartphones have come. While it lacks 5G, an OLED screen, and high-end gaming performance, it compensates with a smooth 90Hz display, a very capable 50MP main camera, and exceptional battery endurance. It represents a "safe" purchase—a device that does the basics well and benefits from the robust software support that comes with the Samsung name. If you can find it at a discount or as a certified refurbished unit, it remains a practical choice for non-power users.

FAQ

Does the Samsung Galaxy A04s support 5G?

No, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is a 4G LTE device. It uses the Exynos 850 chipset, which does not include a 5G modem. If you require 5G connectivity, you would need to look at the Galaxy A14 5G or higher models.

Can I expand the storage on the Galaxy A04s?

Yes, the device features a dedicated microSD card slot. You can expand the internal storage by up to 1TB, which is ideal if you plan on taking many photos or storing large music and video libraries offline.

Is the Samsung Galaxy A04s waterproof?

No, the Galaxy A04s does not have an official IP rating for water or dust resistance. It is recommended to keep the device away from water and use a protective case to prevent damage from accidental splashes.

How many cameras does the Galaxy A04s have?

The phone features a triple-camera setup on the rear (50MP main, 2MP macro, and 2MP depth) and a single 5MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

Does it support fast charging?

The Galaxy A04s supports 15W charging. While Samsung labels this as "Fast Charging" within the budget category, it is significantly slower than the 25W or 45W charging found on higher-end Galaxy models. A full charge will take approximately 130 to 150 minutes.