Galaxy A04S Vs Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

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Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Starting at

Refurbished price:£247.00

Versus £1,364.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04S, released in October 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, launched in February 2022, represent distinct segments within Samsung's smartphone lineup. While both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, the A04S is positioned as an entry-level device focusing on essential functionality, whereas the S22 Ultra 5G is a flagship model designed for advanced performance and premium features. The primary differentiators lie in their display technology, processing power, and camera capabilities, catering to different user needs and expectations.

Scores

Durability

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability. These two devices offer different expectations in terms of their practical lifespan.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, released earlier in February 2022, was part of Samsung's commitment to provide four years of Android OS upgrades and five years of security updates. This means it is expected to receive major Android updates up to Android 16 and security patches until 2027. The Galaxy A04S, launched in October 2022, typically follows a shorter update cycle, receiving quarterly security updates and fewer major OS upgrades, with eligibility for Android 14.
  • Durability and Build: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a more robust construction with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, coupled with an Armor Aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. In contrast, the Galaxy A04S is built with a glass front, plastic back, and plastic frame, making it less resistant to drops and scratches.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and a more resilient build for long-term use may find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G to be a more suitable option. The Galaxy A04S, while functional, is designed for a shorter practical lifespan due to its entry-level specifications and update policy.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance varies significantly between these two models, reflecting their different market positions and intended use cases.

  • Processor Capabilities and Responsiveness: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is equipped with a high-end processor, enabling it to handle demanding applications, intensive multitasking, and graphic-heavy gaming with smooth and responsive performance. Users will experience quick app loading times and seamless transitions between tasks. The Galaxy A04S, powered by an entry-level processor, is designed for basic daily tasks such as browsing, social media, and light applications. It may exhibit occasional lagging when switching between apps or running more intensive processes.
  • Storage and RAM: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G offers various configurations, including options with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and internal storage ranging from 128GB up to 1TB, without a microSD card slot. This ample RAM supports robust multitasking, while the large internal storage caters to extensive media and application libraries. The Galaxy A04S comes with 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of internal storage, with expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB. This configuration is sufficient for essential applications and media, with the option to expand for more storage.
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature a 5000mAh battery. The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G's battery life is generally considered good, capable of lasting a full day with moderate to heavy use, despite its powerful components and high-resolution display. The Galaxy A04S also offers excellent battery life, often extending beyond a day with moderate use, largely due to its less power-intensive processor and lower-resolution display.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on these two smartphones differs significantly due to their display technologies and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a resolution of 1440 x 3088 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed images. This technology provides deep blacks and vibrant colors. The Galaxy A04S has a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While adequate for everyday viewing, it offers less clarity and color depth compared to the S22 Ultra 5G.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The S22 Ultra 5G boasts a peak brightness of 1750 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz for smooth scrolling and fluid animations. The Galaxy A04S offers a 90Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals than standard 60Hz displays, but its peak brightness is around 400 nits, which can make outdoor viewing challenging in direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The S22 Ultra 5G provides a premium and immersive viewing experience, ideal for multimedia consumption, gaming, and detailed work. The Galaxy A04S offers a functional display suitable for general use, but it may show noticeable shifts in contrast at wider viewing angles.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1440 x 3088

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A04S and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G are designed for vastly different photographic capabilities, reflecting their respective price points and target audiences.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G features a versatile quad-camera setup, including a 108MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 10MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom. This system excels in capturing detailed images across various scenarios, including impressive zoom capabilities and enhanced low-light performance. The Galaxy A04S has a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. It lacks an ultrawide lens and optical image stabilization (OIS), providing passable daylight photos but struggling in low-light conditions.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The S22 Ultra 5G supports video recording up to 8K resolution at 24fps and 4K at 30/60fps, with advanced stabilization features. Its 40MP front camera delivers high-quality selfies and supports 4K video recording. The Galaxy A04S records videos at a maximum of 1080p at 30fps and has a 5MP front camera, suitable for basic video calls and selfies.
  • Audio Experience: The S22 Ultra 5G offers a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers, while the Galaxy A04S typically features a single mono speaker, which is clear for voices but less ideal for music and films.

Main camera

50 megapixels

108 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

40 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core performance and display, several practical elements differentiate these two Samsung smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.2, offering faster and more reliable wireless connections. It features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 speeds. The Galaxy A04S supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0. It also uses a USB Type-C port, but typically with USB 2.0 speeds. Both devices include a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Sensors and Biometrics: The S22 Ultra 5G incorporates an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor for secure and convenient unlocking, along with facial recognition. The Galaxy A04S features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button.
  • Build Materials and Handling: The S22 Ultra 5G's premium construction with glass and aluminum gives it a substantial feel and enhanced durability, weighing around 228-229 grams. Its dimensions are 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm. The Galaxy A04S, with its plastic build, is lighter at 195 grams and measures 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm, offering a more comfortable grip for some users despite its larger size.
  • Unique Features: A standout feature of the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is its integrated S Pen, offering precise input for note-taking, drawing, and navigation, effectively merging the Galaxy Note experience into the S series. The A04S does not include stylus support.

Weight

195 g

228 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.8

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A04S and Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G cater to distinct user profiles, each excelling in different areas. User feedback for the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G often praises its exceptional camera system, particularly its zoom capabilities and low-light performance, as well as its vibrant display and the versatile S Pen integration. Some common criticisms include its large size and weight, and the potential for the device to warm up during intensive tasks. For the Galaxy A04S, users frequently highlight its long battery life and the inclusion of a 90Hz display as positive aspects. However, common concerns revolve around its modest performance, which can lead to occasional slowdowns, and its less robust build quality.

Users prioritizing a premium smartphone experience with top-tier camera capabilities, a stunning display, and the productivity features of an integrated stylus will find the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G well-suited to their needs. It is ideal for power users, mobile photographers, and those who value a highly responsive and feature-rich device. Conversely, users seeking a reliable and straightforward smartphone for essential daily communication, browsing, and media consumption, with excellent battery endurance, may prefer the Galaxy A04S. It is a practical choice for individuals who do not require advanced features or intensive performance.

For those considering either device, exploring quality-assured refurbished options can provide an eco-friendly alternative, offering access to these technologies while supporting sustainable consumption.

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