Galaxy A04S Vs Galaxy S25 Ultra

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Galaxy S25 Ultra
Starting at

Refurbished price:£647.00

Versus £1,249.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04S, released in September 2022, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, launched in February 2025, represent distinct segments within Samsung's smartphone offerings. While the A04S focuses on essential smartphone functionalities, the S25 Ultra is engineered for advanced performance and premium features. These devices differ significantly in their processing power, display technology, and camera capabilities, catering to varied user needs and expectations.

Scores

Durability

The practical lifespan of a smartphone is influenced by its release timeline, software support, and physical durability.

  • Release Timeline and Software Support: The Galaxy A04S, released in late 2022, launched with Android 12 and has received updates up to Android 14, which is its final major OS update. In contrast, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, released in early 2025, ships with Android 15 and is guaranteed to receive seven years of major OS upgrades and security updates. This extended support means the S25 Ultra will remain current with software features and security patches for a significantly longer period.
  • Physical Durability and Repairability: The Galaxy A04S features a plastic construction, which offers a degree of resilience to everyday bumps but lacks official water and dust resistance. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, however, incorporates premium materials like Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass on both the front and back, along with a titanium frame, providing enhanced protection against drops and scratches. It also boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. For repairability, the S25 Ultra received an iFixit score of 5 out of 10, indicating improved ease of repair compared to many previous Samsung flagships, particularly concerning battery replacement.

Year of Release

2022

2025

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance differences between these two models are substantial, reflecting their respective market positions and design philosophies.

  • Processing Power and Responsiveness: The Galaxy A04S is equipped with an entry-level octa-core processor, suitable for basic daily tasks like browsing, social media, and light applications. Users may experience occasional delays or sluggishness when multitasking or running more demanding apps. The Galaxy S25 Ultra, powered by a current-generation, high-performance processor, delivers smooth and rapid execution across all tasks, from intensive gaming and video editing to seamless multitasking. Its architecture is designed to handle complex computations and advanced AI features efficiently.
  • Memory and Storage: The A04S typically comes with 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB to 128GB of internal storage, which can be expanded using a microSD card. This configuration is adequate for users with moderate storage needs and limited simultaneous app usage. The S25 Ultra offers a more robust setup with 12GB of RAM as standard in most regions, and up to 1TB of fast internal storage, without microSD expansion. This ample memory and storage capacity support extensive app libraries, large media files, and fluid transitions between numerous open applications.
  • Battery Performance: Both devices feature a 5000 mAh battery. The Galaxy A04S, with its less demanding hardware and lower-resolution display, can comfortably last over a full day with moderate usage. The S25 Ultra, despite its powerful components and high-resolution display, is optimized for efficient power consumption, with many users reporting a full day of use, even with demanding tasks. It also supports faster 45W wired charging and Qi2 wireless charging.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

12 GB

Screen quality

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

  • Display Technology and Resolution: The Galaxy A04S features a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with an HD+ resolution (720 x 1600 pixels). This provides clear visuals for everyday content, though fine details might appear less sharp compared to higher-resolution screens. The Galaxy S25 Ultra boasts a larger 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display with a QHD+ resolution (1440 x 3120 pixels), offering exceptional clarity, deep blacks, and vibrant colors.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The A04S has a typical brightness of around 380 nits and a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling than a standard 60Hz display. The S25 Ultra reaches a peak brightness of 2600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and features an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate for incredibly fluid animations and responsiveness. The S25 Ultra also includes an anti-reflective coating for improved viewing in various lighting environments.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1440x3120

Audiovisual

Camera capabilities are a primary differentiator, with each device catering to different photography expectations.

  • Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A04S includes a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, complemented by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. It performs adequately in well-lit conditions, capturing decent detail and color, but struggles with low-light environments and dynamic range. The Galaxy S25 Ultra features a sophisticated quad-camera system: a 200MP main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 50MP ultrawide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom and OIS, and a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and OIS. This array delivers exceptional detail, dynamic range, and versatility across various lighting conditions and zoom levels.
  • Front Camera and Video Recording: The A04S has a 5MP front camera and can record video at 1080p at 30 frames per second. The S25 Ultra features a 12MP front camera and supports advanced video recording up to 8K at 30 frames per second and 4K at 120 frames per second, with enhanced stabilization and HDR capabilities. Both devices offer satisfactory selfie quality in good lighting, but the S25 Ultra provides more detail and better performance in challenging conditions.

Front camera

5 megapixels

12

Miscellaneous

Beyond core specifications, several practical features and design elements distinguish these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Galaxy A04S supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0, and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for charging and data transfer. The Galaxy S25 Ultra offers more advanced connectivity with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and 5G capabilities, ensuring faster wireless speeds and broader network compatibility. It features a USB-C port but omits the traditional headphone jack, a common trend in premium devices.
  • Biometrics and Design: The A04S incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking. Its design is functional, with a plastic build. The S25 Ultra features an in-display fingerprint sensor and a more refined design with a titanium frame, contributing to a premium feel and improved handling. It also integrates the S Pen stylus, offering additional functionality for note-taking and creative tasks, though some Bluetooth features of the S Pen were removed in this generation.
  • Dimensions and Weight: The Galaxy A04S measures 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 mm and weighs 195g. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly larger and heavier at 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm and 218g, reflecting its larger screen and premium materials.

Weight

195 g

233 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.9

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Dual Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

USB-C

The Samsung Galaxy A04S and Galaxy S25 Ultra cater to vastly different user profiles, a distinction evident across their features and performance. Users frequently praise the Galaxy A04S for its reliable battery life and its ability to handle essential smartphone functions without unnecessary complexity. However, common criticisms point to its modest performance for demanding applications and its camera's limitations in challenging lighting conditions.

Conversely, the Galaxy S25 Ultra receives high acclaim for its exceptional display quality, powerful performance, and versatile camera system, often highlighted by users as a top-tier device for photography and intensive use. Some user feedback notes that while its battery life is good, it might not always surpass expectations for a device of its size and power, and the S Pen's reduced Bluetooth functionality was a point of discussion.

Users prioritizing a straightforward, long-lasting device for communication and basic media consumption may find the Galaxy A04S well-suited to their needs. For individuals who require cutting-edge performance, a superior visual experience, and advanced camera capabilities for creative or professional tasks, the Galaxy S25 Ultra aligns more closely with those demands. 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