Samsung Galaxy A04s Specs, Price & Full Review

Expert Review & Rating

Quick Overview

Stepping into 2026, the Samsung Galaxy A04s feels like a relic from a simpler time. When it launched in late 2022, it aimed squarely at the ultra-budget segment, competing with devices offering similar compromises in display and processing power, but often at a slightly higher price point. This wasn’t a phone designed to wow; it was built to function, and at its core, it still mostly does. It’s a testament to Samsung’s long-term software support that it’s even running Android 14 today.

Performance & Daily Usage

The Exynos 850 chipset, an 8nm part, was never a speed demon, and in 2026, it truly shows its age. UI responsiveness is sluggish. App launches are noticeably delayed. Multitasking quickly bogs down the system. Don’t expect seamless transitions or snappy animations. Gaming is largely restricted to the most basic, graphically undemanding titles. Thermal management isn’t a significant concern because the chip rarely generates enough heat to warrant it; it simply doesn’t push hard enough. This is a phone for patience, not performance.

The Best Features

Despite its age and budget constraints, the Galaxy A04s does have a couple of redeeming qualities. The 5000 mAh battery is undeniably its strongest suit. Even after a few years, it’s still capable of delivering excellent endurance, easily pushing through a full day, and often two, of light to moderate use. For someone who prioritizes battery life above all else and doesn’t mind the performance hit, this is a significant win. Furthermore, the inclusion of a dedicated microSDXC slot is a welcome feature, allowing users to expand storage without sacrificing a second SIM slot, which is increasingly rare even on newer budget devices. The 90Hz display, while low resolution, does offer a smoother scrolling experience than its 60Hz counterparts, a small but appreciated touch.

The Compromises

Here’s where the A04s truly shows its budget DNA. The 6.5-inch PLS LCD display, with its 720p resolution, is a significant compromise. Content lacks sharpness and vibrancy, especially when compared to virtually any phone released in the last two years. The peak brightness of 400 nits struggles in direct sunlight, making outdoor visibility challenging. Then there’s the camera system. The 50 MP main sensor can capture decent photos in ideal daylight conditions, but anything less than perfect lighting quickly exposes its limitations with noise and lack of detail. The 2 MP macro lens is largely a gimmick, and the 5 MP selfie camera is simply poor, producing soft, washed-out images. Charging at a mere 15W means long waits to top up that large battery. Finally, the all-plastic build, while durable, feels distinctly cheap in hand. This phone screams ‘budget’ from every angle.

Is It Worth Buying?

In 2026, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is a difficult recommendation for most. Its original release was in late 2022, placing it over three years old. While it’s commendable that it’s received updates to Android 14, its core hardware is simply too outdated for a satisfactory modern smartphone experience. Who should buy this? Perhaps someone who needs an absolute bare-bones secondary device for emergencies, or a very young child’s first phone where performance and camera quality are irrelevant, and battery life is paramount. Even then, newer, similarly priced (or slightly more expensive) budget phones from 2025 or 2026 will offer significantly better overall performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. For almost everyone else, look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)