Galaxy A04S Vs Galaxy S23+

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

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Galaxy S23+
Galaxy S23+
Starting at

Refurbished price:£257.00

Versus £1,199.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04s, released in September 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus, launched in February 2023, are two distinct smartphones from Samsung's diverse lineup. While both operate on the Android platform, they cater to different user expectations, primarily differing in their core hardware capabilities and overall feature sets. The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more advanced and refined experience across the board, whereas the Galaxy A04s focuses on delivering essential smartphone functionalities.

Scores

Durability

The expected practical lifespan and software support differ significantly between these two devices.

  • Software Longevity: The Galaxy A04s, released in late 2022, typically receives fewer major Android operating system updates and security patches compared to the Galaxy S23 Plus. The Galaxy S23 Plus, being a flagship device from early 2023, benefits from Samsung's extended software support policy, promising more years of major OS upgrades and security updates, thus offering a longer period of up-to-date software functionality and security. [2, 9, 11, 14, 18]
  • Physical Durability: The Galaxy A04s features a plastic back and frame, with a glass front, providing a functional level of protection for everyday use. [10, 18] In contrast, the Galaxy S23 Plus incorporates more robust materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an Armor Aluminum frame, contributing to enhanced resistance against drops and scratches. [3, 13, 23, 26] It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, a feature absent in the A04s, offering greater protection against environmental elements. [3, 23, 28]
  • Repairability: While specific repairability scores can vary, the more complex and integrated design of premium devices like the S23 Plus can sometimes lead to more intricate and potentially costly repairs compared to the more modular construction often found in devices like the A04s.

Year of Release

2022

2023

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of the Galaxy A04s and Galaxy S23 Plus are tailored for different usage scenarios.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Galaxy A04s is equipped with a processor designed for essential daily tasks, such as browsing, social media, and light applications. Users can expect smooth operation for these activities, though demanding apps or extensive multitasking may lead to slower responses. [1, 2, 6, 17, 19] The Galaxy S23 Plus, featuring a high-performance processor, delivers exceptional speed and fluidity for all tasks, from intensive gaming and video editing to seamless multitasking across numerous applications. [3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 23, 26]
  • Storage and Multitasking: The Galaxy A04s offers various storage options, typically with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, which is suitable for managing a few applications simultaneously. [1, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 18] The Galaxy S23 Plus comes with 8GB of RAM and faster internal storage technology, allowing for superior multitasking, quicker app loading times, and more efficient handling of large files and complex applications. [3, 8, 13, 23]
  • Battery Behavior: Both devices feature substantial battery capacities. The Galaxy A04s, with its 5000 mAh battery and less power-intensive components, is noted for providing a full day of use for many users. [1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 19, 27] The Galaxy S23 Plus, with a 4700 mAh battery, is optimized for efficiency with its advanced processor and adaptive display, generally offering robust battery life even with its higher performance capabilities. [3, 8, 13, 23]

Memory (GB)

3 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience offered by the displays of these two smartphones presents notable differences.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Galaxy A04s features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). This provides adequate clarity for general viewing, though individual pixels may be discernible upon close inspection. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 19, 22, 24] The Galaxy S23 Plus boasts a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a sharper Full HD+ resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). This technology delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, resulting in a more immersive viewing experience. [3, 5, 8, 13, 23, 26, 28]
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The A04s offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays. Its peak brightness is around 400 nits, which can be challenging for outdoor visibility in bright sunlight. [1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 19, 22, 24] The S23 Plus features an adaptive refresh rate that can scale from 48Hz to 120Hz, ensuring exceptionally fluid motion for gaming and scrolling while conserving power. [3, 5, 16, 23, 26] Its display can reach up to 1750 nits of peak brightness, making it highly visible even under direct sunlight. [5, 13, 23, 26]
  • Viewing Experience: The larger, higher-resolution, and brighter display of the S23 Plus, combined with its superior color reproduction, makes it better suited for media consumption, detailed work, and gaming. The A04s provides a functional display for everyday communication and casual content viewing.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1080 x 2340

Screen type

PLS LCD

Dynamic AMOLED 2X

Audiovisual

The camera systems on the Galaxy A04s and Galaxy S23 Plus are designed for different photographic needs and capabilities.

  • Rear Camera Versatility: The Galaxy A04s features a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, complemented by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. This configuration is suitable for capturing everyday moments and basic close-up shots. [1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 18, 22] The Galaxy S23 Plus offers a more advanced and versatile triple camera system, including a 50MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS. This allows for a wider range of photographic styles, from expansive landscapes to detailed zoomed-in shots. [3, 5, 9, 15, 21, 23, 25, 28]
  • Low-Light and Video Performance: In challenging lighting conditions, the Galaxy S23 Plus excels with its larger sensors, advanced image processing, and features like Nightography, producing clearer and more detailed images. [15, 25] Its video recording capabilities are also significantly more robust, supporting up to 8K resolution at 30fps and 4K at 60fps across all lenses, along with enhanced stabilization and advanced audio features. [15, 20, 21, 23, 25] The Galaxy A04s records video at Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, which is adequate for casual video capture. [1, 7]
  • Front Camera and Media Experience: The A04s has a 5MP front camera, suitable for basic video calls and selfies. [1, 6, 7, 10, 14] The S23 Plus features a 12MP front camera with autofocus and Super HDR, delivering sharper, more detailed selfies and improved video call quality. [3, 5, 9, 26] The S23 Plus also offers a more immersive media consumption experience with its superior display and potentially better speaker output.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate the Galaxy A04s and Galaxy S23 Plus.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A04s supports 4G LTE networks, Wi-Fi 5, and Bluetooth 5.0, providing standard wireless connectivity. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB Type-C 2.0 port. [1, 2, 6, 7, 12, 14, 19, 24] The Galaxy S23 Plus steps up connectivity with 5G support, Wi-Fi 6E for faster and more stable wireless internet, and Bluetooth 5.3. [3, 8, 13, 23] It features a USB Type-C 3.2 port for quicker data transfers and charging, but it omits the 3.5mm headphone jack. [3, 8, 13, 28]
  • Security and Biometrics: For security, the A04s uses a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. [2, 6, 10] The S23 Plus incorporates an ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, offering a more integrated and often faster unlocking experience, alongside advanced facial recognition. [13, 23]
  • Design and Handling: The A04s has a slightly thicker and heavier build at 9.1mm and 195g, with a plastic construction. [4, 10, 12, 14, 24] The S23 Plus, despite its advanced features, maintains a slimmer profile at 7.6mm and a similar weight of 196g, utilizing premium glass and aluminum materials for a more refined feel. [3, 8, 13, 28]

Weight

195 g

196 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.6

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

User feedback for the Samsung Galaxy A04s often highlights its strong battery life and functional camera for basic photography as key advantages. [2, 17, 19, 27] However, common criticisms point to its performance limitations for more demanding applications and its display quality compared to higher-end devices. [17, 19, 24] Users generally agree it serves well as a straightforward communication device.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus receives praise for its powerful performance, vibrant and bright display, and versatile camera system that excels in various conditions. [13, 15, 20, 23, 25] Its premium build quality and extended software support are also frequently noted as significant benefits. Some users, however, might find its size and the absence of a headphone jack to be considerations. [3, 8, 13, 28]

Users prioritizing a device for essential communication, social media, and casual content consumption, with a focus on battery endurance, may find the Galaxy A04s well-suited to their needs. For individuals who require robust performance for gaming, advanced photography, extensive multitasking, and a premium viewing experience, the Galaxy S23 Plus aligns more closely with those priorities. Those seeking a device with a longer software lifespan and enhanced durability features will also lean towards the S23 Plus. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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