Galaxy A04S Vs iPhone 12 Pro

Galaxy A04S
Galaxy A04S
Starting at

Refurbished price:£99.00

Versus £179.00 new

See options
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£205.00

Versus £879.00 new

See options

Ratings

The Samsung Galaxy A04S, released in late 2022, and the iPhone 12 Pro, launched in late 2020, represent distinct approaches to smartphone design and functionality. While the Galaxy A04S operates on the Android platform, offering a customizable experience, the iPhone 12 Pro runs on Apple's iOS, known for its integrated ecosystem. Key differentiators include their display technology, camera capabilities, and overall performance, catering to different user priorities.

Scores

Durability

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

  • Release Timeline: The iPhone 12 Pro, released in October 2020, precedes the Samsung Galaxy A04S, which launched in September/October 2022. This difference in release year means the iPhone 12 Pro has already received several major iOS updates, while the Galaxy A04S, running Android 12 at launch, is newer to the update cycle.
  • Software Longevity: Apple typically provides software updates for its devices for five to six years from their release, suggesting the iPhone 12 Pro will continue to receive updates for a few more years. Samsung generally offers fewer major OS updates for its A-series phones, though security updates may continue for longer.
  • Physical Durability: The iPhone 12 Pro features a Ceramic Shield front cover and a stainless steel frame, contributing to its robust build and IP68 water and dust resistance. The Galaxy A04S utilizes a glass front with a plastic back and frame, and does not carry an official IP rating for water and dust resistance.

Year of Release

2022

2020

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

Android

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Performance in daily use is shaped by the device's internal components, affecting app responsiveness and multitasking efficiency.

  • Processing Power: The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with a powerful current-generation chip, enabling smooth operation for demanding applications, complex games, and seamless multitasking. The Galaxy A04S features an octa-core processor designed for everyday tasks and general smartphone usage.
  • Multitasking and Storage: The iPhone 12 Pro typically comes with 6GB of RAM, supporting efficient app switching and background processes, alongside storage options starting from 128GB. The Galaxy A04S offers 3GB or 4GB of RAM and internal storage options from 32GB to 128GB, with the added flexibility of expandable storage via a microSD card up to 1TB.
  • Battery Behavior: The Galaxy A04S houses a larger 5000mAh battery, generally providing extended usage times for typical daily activities. The iPhone 12 Pro, with its 2815mAh battery, is optimized for efficiency, offering up to 17 hours of video playback, and supports faster wired charging and wireless charging capabilities.

Memory (GB)

3 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The visual experience on a smartphone is largely determined by its display technology and specifications.

  • Display Technology and Clarity: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a high resolution of 2532x1170 pixels, resulting in sharp and detailed visuals. The Galaxy A04S has a 6.5-inch PLS LCD display with a resolution of 720x1600 pixels, providing clear visuals for general content consumption.
  • Brightness and Smoothness: The iPhone 12 Pro offers higher peak brightness, especially for HDR content, making it suitable for outdoor viewing and media consumption. It has a standard 60Hz refresh rate. The Galaxy A04S features a 90Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother scrolling experience, and a peak brightness of 400 nits.
  • Screen Size and Viewing: The Galaxy A04S offers a slightly larger 6.5-inch display, which can be beneficial for users who prefer more screen real estate for browsing or media. The iPhone 12 Pro's 6.1-inch display, while smaller, benefits from its OLED technology for superior contrast and color accuracy.

Resolution

720 x 1600

1170 x 2532

Screen type

PLS LCD

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Camera systems are a significant factor for many users, impacting the quality of photos and videos captured.

  • Rear Camera System: The iPhone 12 Pro boasts a versatile triple 12MP camera system, including Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses, along with a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced low-light focusing and depth sensing. It supports advanced features like Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3. The Galaxy A04S features a triple camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, complemented by 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors.
  • Video Recording Capabilities: The iPhone 12 Pro excels in video, offering HDR video recording with Dolby Vision at up to 60 frames per second, and 4K recording at various frame rates, along with advanced stabilization. The Galaxy A04S records video at Full HD (1080p) at 30 frames per second.
  • Front Camera and Audio: The iPhone 12 Pro features a 12MP TrueDepth front camera with Night mode and 4K video recording. The Galaxy A04S has a 5MP front camera suitable for selfies and video calls. Both devices include built-in microphones for calls and recording, and stereo speakers on the iPhone 12 Pro provide a more immersive audio experience compared to the mono speaker on the Galaxy A04S.

Main camera

50 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

5 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond core features, several practical elements contribute to the overall user experience.

  • Connectivity and Ports: The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.0, along with a Lightning port for charging and data transfer. It also features MagSafe for magnetic accessories and wireless charging. The Galaxy A04S offers 4G LTE connectivity, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a USB Type-C 2.0 port, retaining a 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Security and Sensors: The iPhone 12 Pro uses Face ID for secure facial recognition and includes a LiDAR Scanner for enhanced augmented reality experiences and camera functions. The Galaxy A04S features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric authentication.
  • Design and Handling: The iPhone 12 Pro has a more compact design with a stainless steel frame and a weight of 189g. The Galaxy A04S is slightly larger and heavier at 195g, with a plastic build. Both designs offer a comfortable grip, though the materials differ.

Weight

195 g

187 g

Screen size (in)

6.5

6.1

Mobile network

4G

5G

SIM card

Dual Physical SIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

USB-C

Lightning

Users often praise the iPhone 12 Pro for its robust performance, exceptional camera system, particularly for video recording, and its premium build quality. Common criticisms sometimes point to its battery life for very heavy users and the continued use of the Lightning port. The Galaxy A04S is frequently lauded for its large battery capacity, the inclusion of a dedicated microSD card slot for expandable storage, and its 90Hz display refresh rate. Some users note its lower display resolution and the absence of 5G connectivity as areas for improvement.

Users prioritizing a highly capable camera for photography and videography, strong overall performance for demanding applications, and a premium, durable build will find the iPhone 12 Pro well-suited to their needs. Its integrated ecosystem and long-term software support are also significant advantages. Conversely, users who prioritize extended battery life, expandable storage, and a smoother scrolling experience on a larger display for general use may lean toward the Samsung Galaxy A04S. This device is also a practical choice for those seeking an Android experience with essential features. Both devices, whether new or as a quality-assured refurbished option, offer distinct advantages depending on individual user preferences and usage patterns.

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