Galaxy A04S Vs Galaxy S23 FE

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options
Galaxy S23 FE
Galaxy S23 FE
Starting at

Refurbished price:£175.00

Versus £605.75 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04s, released in late 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, launched in late 2023, are both Android smartphones from Samsung, yet they cater to different user expectations. While the A04s focuses on essential smartphone functionalities, the S23 FE aims to deliver a more advanced experience, bridging the gap between mid-range and flagship devices. The primary distinctions lie in their processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, reflecting their respective positions in Samsung's lineup.

Scores

Durability

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical resilience.

  • Release Timeline: The Galaxy A04s was released in August/September 2022, while the Galaxy S23 FE followed in October 2023. This means the S23 FE benefits from a more recent launch, potentially extending its period of active software support. [16, 2, 6]
  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A04s launched with Android 12 and is upgradable to Android 14, receiving security updates every three months, though the total duration of support is not explicitly stated. [16, 20] The Galaxy S23 FE, starting with Android 13 and upgradable to Android 14 (One UI 6), is confirmed to receive major Android updates up to Android 17, indicating a longer software lifespan. [6, 9, 17]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A04s features a plastic construction. [5] In contrast, the Galaxy S23 FE offers enhanced durability with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back, complemented by an aluminum frame and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in water up to five feet for 30 minutes. [2, 9]

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance of a smartphone significantly impacts daily usability, from app responsiveness to handling demanding tasks. These two devices offer distinct experiences in this regard.

  • Processing Power: The Galaxy A04s is equipped with a processor designed for everyday tasks, which users report can lead to noticeable delays when launching large applications or browsing complex web pages. [5, 15] The Galaxy S23 FE, depending on the region, features a more capable processor that handles demanding applications and multitasking smoothly, though some users note it can experience performance dips during extended heavy use, such as gaming. [2, 6, 10, 17]
  • Multitasking and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A04s typically comes with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, which can limit its ability to keep many applications open simultaneously without reloading. [3, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE includes 8GB of RAM across all variants, providing a more fluid experience for switching between apps and managing multiple processes. [6, 8]
  • Storage and Speed: The Galaxy A04s offers internal storage options up to 128GB, with support for microSD card expansion up to 1TB, but uses eMMC 5.1 storage, which has slower read and write speeds. [3, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE comes with 128GB or 256GB of faster UFS 3.1 internal storage, but it does not support expandable storage. [6, 10]

Memory (GB)

3 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and the quality of the screen can greatly influence the user experience.

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A04s features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). [1, 7] The Galaxy S23 FE boasts a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a sharper Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels), offering deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. [6, 8]
  • Refresh Rate and Smoothness: Both devices offer a 90Hz refresh rate, which contributes to smoother scrolling and a more responsive feel compared to standard 60Hz displays. [1, 7] However, the S23 FE's AMOLED panel can dynamically adjust its refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz for optimized performance and battery efficiency. [6, 10]
  • Brightness and Outdoor Visibility: The Galaxy A04s has a peak brightness of around 380-400 cd/m², which can make it challenging to view content clearly in bright outdoor conditions. [5, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE offers significantly higher peak brightness, reaching up to 1500 nits, making it much more visible under direct sunlight, although some reflectivity can still be present. [2, 8]

Resolution

720 x 1600

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

For many users, the camera system is a crucial component of a smartphone, influencing how they capture and share moments.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A04s features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. It lacks optical image stabilization (OIS). [1, 4] The Galaxy S23 FE also has a triple rear camera system, including a 50MP main sensor with OIS, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, providing more versatility. [2, 6]
  • Photography Performance: In good lighting, the Galaxy A04s produces photos with moderate sharpness and color, but struggles in low-light environments. [20] The Galaxy S23 FE generally delivers good images, even in low light, though its Night mode could see improvements, and colors can sometimes appear oversaturated. [9, 17] The telephoto lens on the S23 FE allows for detailed zoomed-in shots. [12]
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Galaxy A04s records video at up to 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps) and has a 5MP front camera. [4, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE supports video recording up to 8K at 24fps or 4K at 60fps with its main camera, and 4K at 60fps with its 10MP front camera, offering higher resolution and smoother video capture. [2, 10, 17]

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

10 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, various other features contribute to the overall user experience and convenience of a smartphone.

  • Connectivity: The Galaxy A04s supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), along with Bluetooth 5.0. It does not include NFC for contactless payments. [5, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE offers more advanced connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and NFC for mobile payments and quick pairing. [6, 9]
  • Ports and Biometrics: The Galaxy A04s retains a 3.5mm headphone jack and uses a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. [1, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE uses a USB Type-C port but omits the headphone jack, featuring an under-display optical fingerprint sensor for security. [2, 6]
  • Design and Handling: The Galaxy A04s has dimensions of 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm and weighs 195g, with a plastic build. [13, 16] The Galaxy S23 FE is slightly more compact at 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm and weighs 209g, featuring a more premium feel with its glass and aluminum construction. [9, 14]

Weight

195 g

209 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.4

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A04s and Galaxy S23 FE serve different segments of the smartphone market, each with its own set of strengths and trade-offs. The Galaxy A04s is praised for its long battery life and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it a practical choice for users who prioritize essential functions and extended usage without frequent charging. However, common criticisms include its slower performance, lower-resolution display, and limited camera capabilities in challenging lighting conditions. [5, 15, 20]

The Galaxy S23 FE, on the other hand, is often lauded for its vibrant AMOLED display, more powerful processing, versatile camera system with optical zoom, and premium build quality. Users appreciate its ability to deliver a near-flagship experience. Some frequent criticisms include its battery life, which some users find mediocre for its class, and the potential for performance throttling during intense tasks. [2, 9, 17]

Users prioritizing a device for basic communication, media consumption, and long battery life, and who appreciate traditional features like a headphone jack, may find the Galaxy A04s well-suited to their needs. Conversely, users who require a more responsive device for demanding applications, superior photography and videography, and a more immersive viewing experience will likely lean toward the Galaxy S23 FE. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers seeking reliable technology.

See all articles

Our recent comparisons