Galaxy A04s

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is an affordable smartphone that offers great value for money in Qatar. As of September 2024, the price of the Samsung Galaxy A04s in Qatar ranges from QAR 369 to QAR 547, depending on the storage variant and the retailer. Popular stores like Lulu Hypermarket and Jarir Bookstore offer competitive prices, with the 64GB variant available for around QAR 379 at most locations. This price point makes the Galaxy A04s an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable Samsung device with decent features.

Detailed Specifications

Design and Display

The Samsung Galaxy A04s boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its affordable price tag. With dimensions of 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1mm, it’s a comfortable size for most hands, though it may be a bit large for those with smaller palms. The phone weighs 195 grams, which gives it a solid feel without being too heavy.

The front of the device is dominated by a 6.5-inch HD+ Infinity-V Display. This screen uses PLS LCD technology, which is Samsung’s version of IPS, offering good viewing angles and decent color reproduction. The “V” in Infinity-V refers to the small V-shaped notch at the top of the screen that houses the front-facing camera.

One of the standout features of the display is its 90Hz refresh rate. This means the screen updates 90 times per second, resulting in smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. While it’s not as smooth as the 120Hz displays found on more expensive phones, it’s a nice upgrade that makes the phone feel more premium than its price suggests.

The resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels isn’t the sharpest out there, but it’s adequate for a phone in this price range. Text and images are clear enough for everyday use, though keen-eyed users might notice some pixelation if they look closely.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Galaxy A04s is powered by the Exynos 850 processor. This is an octa-core chip built on an 8nm process, which helps with power efficiency. While it’s not a powerhouse, it’s capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing the web, using social media apps, and light gaming without much trouble.

The phone comes in different memory configurations. You can choose between 3GB or 4GB of RAM, paired with 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of internal storage. For most users, we’d recommend going for at least the 4GB RAM / 64GB storage option for a smoother experience and more space for apps and media.

If you need more storage, the Galaxy A04s supports microSD cards up to 1TB. This is a great feature for those who like to keep lots of photos, videos, or music on their device.

Camera System

Photography enthusiasts on a budget will appreciate the triple camera setup on the back of the Galaxy A04s. The main camera boasts a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture. This allows for detailed shots in good lighting conditions. While it may not compete with flagship cameras, it’s more than capable of capturing nice photos for social media or personal memories.

Accompanying the main camera are two 2-megapixel sensors. One is for macro photography, allowing you to get up close to small subjects like flowers or insects. The other is a depth sensor, which helps create a blurred background effect in portrait mode shots.

On the front, there’s a 5-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.2 aperture. It’s suitable for video calls and casual selfies, though don’t expect professional-level self-portraits.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the strongest points of the Galaxy A04s is its battery life. The phone is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, which is impressive for a budget device. This capacity, combined with the power-efficient processor and HD+ display, means most users can easily get through a full day of use on a single charge, with some juice left over.

However, it’s worth noting that the charging speed isn’t particularly fast. The phone supports standard charging, so it may take a while to fully charge the large battery. This is an area where Samsung has made some compromises to keep the price down.

Software and User Experience

The Galaxy A04s runs on Android 12 with Samsung’s One UI Core 4.1 on top. This is a slightly stripped-down version of the full One UI experience found on more expensive Samsung phones, but it still offers a clean, intuitive interface with useful features.

One UI Core includes Samsung’s Knox security features, which help protect your data and privacy. It also comes with useful apps like Samsung Health, which can track your steps and other fitness activities.While the phone launched with Android 12, Samsung has a good track record of providing software updates to its devices, even in the budget range. This means you can expect to receive security patches and potentially even major Android version updates in the future, extending the life of your device.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Despite its budget status, the Galaxy A04s doesn’t skimp on connectivity options. It supports 4G LTE for fast mobile data, dual-band Wi-Fi for reliable internet connections at home or in public spaces, and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting wireless accessories like headphones or speakers.

The phone also includes NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which is often left out of budget devices. This allows for contactless payments using services like Samsung Pay, adding a layer of convenience to your daily life.

For security, there’s a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button. This placement is convenient and works quickly to unlock your phone. Face recognition is also available as an alternative unlocking method, though it’s not as secure as the fingerprint sensor.

Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04s?

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is an excellent choice for several types of users:

1. Budget-conscious consumers: If you’re looking for a reliable smartphone that won’t break the bank, the A04s offers great value for money in Qatar just like its newest version Galaxy A05s.
2. First-time smartphone users: With its user-friendly interface and decent set of features, it’s a great introduction to the world of smartphones.
3. Students: The affordable price point and long battery life make it ideal for students who need a reliable device for studies and communication.
4. Elderly users: The large display and simple interface make it accessible for older users who may not need all the bells and whistles of more expensive phones.
5. Parents buying for children: It’s a good option for parents looking to buy their child’s first smartphone, offering necessary features without being too expensive.

Conclusion

The Samsung Galaxy A04s proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable smartphone. With its large display, decent camera system, long-lasting battery, and the reliability of the Samsung brand, it offers excellent value for money in the Qatari market.

While it may not have the processing power or advanced features of more expensive phones, it covers all the basics and then some. The inclusion of a 90Hz display and NFC at this price point is particularly impressive.For those in Qatar looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn’t compromise too much on features, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is definitely worth considering. Its combination of price, performance, and brand reliability make it a strong contender in the budget smartphone segment.

Remember, while the initial price is attractive, it’s also worth considering the long-term value. Samsung’s reputation for software support means your A04s is likely to stay updated and secure for longer than some other budget options, potentially saving you money in the long run.

In the end, the Samsung Galaxy A04s represents a balanced approach to smartphone design, offering a mix of essential features and a few premium touches at a price point that’s accessible to many. Whether you’re buying your first smartphone, looking for a reliable backup device, or simply want to save money without sacrificing too much functionality, the Galaxy A04s is a solid choice in the Qatari market.