Galaxy A04S Vs Google Pixel 7

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

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Google Pixel 7
Google Pixel 7
Starting at

Refurbished price:£140.99

Versus £649.99 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04S and the Google Pixel 7, both released in 2022, cater to different segments of the smartphone market. While the Galaxy A04S is designed as an accessible entry-level device focusing on essential functionalities, the Pixel 7 offers a more advanced experience with a strong emphasis on camera capabilities, a powerful processor, and a refined software ecosystem. Both devices operate on the Android platform, but their approaches to user experience and hardware implementation diverge significantly.

Scores

Durability

These devices present different long-term prospects concerning software support and physical resilience, influencing their practical lifespan.

  • Software Longevity: The Google Pixel 7 typically receives a longer period of major Android version updates and security patches directly from Google, often extending for five years from its release. The Galaxy A04S, being a more budget-oriented Samsung device, generally receives fewer major OS updates and security patches over a shorter duration, though it was released with Android 12 and is upgradable to Android 13 and potentially 14.
  • Build Quality and Durability: The Pixel 7 features a more robust construction with Gorilla Glass Victus on both the front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, and boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, indicating strong protection against environmental elements. In contrast, the Galaxy A04S uses a plastic build for its frame and back, offering less inherent protection against drops and lacks an official water resistance rating.
  • Expected Practical Lifespan: Users prioritizing extended software support and a more durable physical build for everyday hazards will find the Pixel 7 better suited for longer-term use. The Galaxy A04S is designed for users who may upgrade more frequently or require a device for basic, less demanding use cases.

Year of Release

2022

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

Android

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The performance capabilities of these two smartphones cater to very different user expectations and tasks, primarily due to their internal components and software optimization.

  • Everyday Responsiveness: The Google Pixel 7 handles demanding applications, complex multitasking, and graphic-intensive tasks with smooth and consistent performance, attributed to its advanced internal processing unit and optimized software. The Galaxy A04S, with its more modest processor, is designed for basic daily tasks, and users may experience occasional slowdowns or choppiness, particularly when navigating the interface or running multiple applications.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The Pixel 7 comes with 8GB of RAM, allowing users to switch between multiple open applications seamlessly without noticeable slowdowns or apps needing to reload. It also offers faster internal storage options, contributing to quicker app loading and file transfers. The Galaxy A04S, typically configured with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, may experience more frequent app reloads when juggling several applications. While its base storage is lower, it includes a microSD card slot for expandable storage, a feature the Pixel 7 lacks.
  • Battery Behavior: The Pixel 7 features a 4355mAh battery, which generally provides a full day of use for many users, though heavy usage might require a mid-day charge. The Galaxy A04S is equipped with a larger 5000mAh battery, which, combined with its less demanding hardware and lower resolution screen, often results in extended battery life, easily lasting more than a day for many users.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

8 GB

Screen quality

The display technologies and specifications of these two devices offer distinct visual experiences, impacting clarity, color, and outdoor visibility.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The Google Pixel 7 features a 6.3-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in sharp text and vibrant, deep colors with excellent contrast. The Galaxy A04S uses a 6.5-inch PLS LCD panel with a lower resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While this provides adequate brightness and color for its class, it does not match the contrast or vibrancy of an AMOLED screen, and fine text may appear less sharp.
  • Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Pixel 7's display can reach up to 1000 nits typical brightness and 1400 nits peak brightness, offering strong visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. It also features a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a smoother scrolling and viewing experience compared to standard 60Hz displays. The Galaxy A04S also offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which enhances smoothness for its display type. However, its average brightness is around 380-400 nits, which can make outdoor visibility challenging in direct sunlight.
  • Viewing Experience: The Pixel 7's OLED panel provides superior viewing angles and deep blacks, making it well-suited for media consumption. The Galaxy A04S's PLS LCD panel may exhibit some contrast shifts when viewed from extreme angles.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1080 x 2400

Screen type

PLS LCD

AMOLED

Audiovisual

The camera systems on these two smartphones represent different philosophies, with one prioritizing advanced computational photography and the other focusing on essential functionality.

  • Rear Camera Capabilities: The Google Pixel 7 features a dual-camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. It is highly praised for its computational photography, delivering consistently excellent photos with natural colors, strong dynamic range, and impressive detail, particularly in various lighting conditions, including low light. The Samsung Galaxy A04S comes with a triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 2MP macro, and a 2MP depth sensor. While its 50MP main camera can capture decent photos in good daylight with adequate sharpness and color, its performance in low light is considerably weaker, and it lacks an ultrawide lens.
  • Video Recording and Front Camera: The Pixel 7 supports video recording up to 4K at 60 frames per second, with improved stabilization and features like Cinematic Blur. Its 10.8MP front camera also delivers high-quality selfies and supports 4K video recording. The Galaxy A04S records video at a maximum of 1080p at 30 frames per second from both its rear and 5MP front cameras, which is standard for its segment but offers less detail and flexibility compared to the Pixel 7.
  • Overall Photography Experience: Users prioritizing a versatile and high-performing camera for a wide range of situations, especially with advanced software enhancements, will find the Pixel 7's system more capable. For basic photography needs in well-lit environments, the Galaxy A04S provides acceptable results.

Main camera

50 megapixels

50 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

10.8 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements differentiate these two devices, impacting daily usability and connectivity.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The Google Pixel 7 supports 5G connectivity, offering faster mobile data speeds where available, and features Wi-Fi 6E for enhanced wireless performance. It uses a USB-C port for charging and data transfer but lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Galaxy A04S is limited to 4G LTE networks and supports Wi-Fi 5. It retains a 3.5mm headphone jack, which can be convenient for users with wired audio accessories, and also uses USB-C for charging and data.
  • Biometrics and Security: The Pixel 7 offers both an in-display fingerprint sensor and face unlock for convenient and secure access. The in-display fingerprint sensor has seen improvements over previous generations, though some users report occasional inconsistencies. The Galaxy A04S features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, which is generally reliable.
  • Design and Handling: The Pixel 7 has a more premium feel with its aluminum frame and glass construction, weighing around 197 grams. Its dimensions make it comfortable to hold for many users. The Galaxy A04S, with its plastic build, weighs 195 grams and has a slightly larger screen, which might feel substantial in hand.

Weight

195 g

197 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.3

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

The Samsung Galaxy A04S and the Google Pixel 7 offer distinct smartphone experiences, each suited to different user priorities. The Pixel 7 is frequently praised for its exceptional camera system, delivering high-quality photos and videos with advanced computational features. Users also appreciate its smooth performance, vibrant OLED display, and the clean, optimized Android experience. However, some users have noted that its battery life, while decent, might not always last through heavy use without a charge, and the in-display fingerprint sensor can sometimes be inconsistent. The device can also experience warmth during demanding tasks.

Conversely, the Galaxy A04S is often recognized for its large 5000mAh battery, which provides extended usage times, and its inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage. Criticisms often point to its less powerful processor, which can lead to a sluggish user interface and slower app performance, and its lower-resolution LCD screen that struggles with brightness in outdoor conditions. Its camera performance is generally considered adequate for basic daylight photography but falls short in challenging lighting.

Users prioritizing a top-tier camera, a fluid software experience, and a more premium build with longer software support will likely find the Google Pixel 7 to be a more suitable choice. Those who prioritize extended battery life, expandable storage, and a traditional headphone jack, and whose usage is primarily for basic communication and light media consumption, may lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A04S. Both models are available as quality-assured refurbished options, providing an eco-friendly alternative for consumers.

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